Industry style pro Leila Yavari reveals the key pieces to invest in this summer. From the classic to the must-have and the one to watch, stylebop.com’s Fashion Director lays it all down…
Job title: Fashion Director of stylebop.com
What does your job entail?
In addition to attending fashion shows globally and overseeing buying, my role entails trend forecasting, directing photo shoots, and developing content for our online magazine.
Describe your personal style in one sentence
For me it’s all about contrast, combining luxe and sporty pieces or juxtaposing feminine and masculine elements.
Who’s on your style radar?
Giovanna Battaglia’s classic Italian beauty combined with her sophisticated yet modern European sensibility makes her my favourite of the street-style stars.
THE INSIDER STYLE GUIDE FOR S/S13
Describe the buying process for stylebop.com
Our buying teams travel to New York, London, Milan and Paris, where we attend the shows by a broad range of designers like Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, Missoni, Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto and Roksanda Ilincic, to name a few. After fashion week madness, we visit showrooms and make next season’s selection. Our strategy is to edit the collection down to the pieces that we feel are on-trend, wearable and reflect stylebop.com’s brand DNA.
What trends can we expect to come on stylebop.com for summer?
Perspex accessories, transparency and white dominated S/S13 catwalks. From beautiful Valentino acrylic-detail shoes to Jil Sander’s architectural optic white dresses, stylebop.com’s vast offering of over 10,000 items from nearly 300 designers is a veritable edit of the world’s most luxurious collections, season after season.
Can you predict a bestseller from the catwalk for S/S13?
Valentino’s S/S13 show was the pinnacle of luxury and feminine sophistication. It was one of those exciting runway moments that I expect to translate very well commercially. The fact that we selected 10 looks from the show is a testament to that.
Silk-lace shirt-style dress Dhs13,780 Valentino here
Can you foresee a bestseller for A/W13?
We think Fausto Puglisi will be a big hit for A/W13. His signature baroque aesthetic combined with punk elements and highland plaid will be a refreshing counterpoint in an otherwise sober fashion season.
Describe the lady that you have in mind when buying new collections
The stylebop.com woman is a modern sophisticate with a distinct point of view. She’s looking for upscale, fashion-forward solutions for both everyday and occasion dressing.
What inspires you?
When it comes to my personal style, I’m inspired by French icons from the 1970s like Anouk Aimée and Françoise Hardy, because of their effortless sense of style and Parisian chic.
For work, I find inspiration in contemporary art and music and try to frequent the art fairs like Art Dubai as well as music festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. I keep my workspace energised and bespoke by covering the walls with mood boards, on which I create collages of images of things that inspire me – from people, photography, art and album covers to editorials from old magazines.
What’s your bestseller on stylebop.com?
We find that sales on the site reflect general trends in the fashion world. So, a buzz about a particular designer, the It bag for the season, or if bloggers happen to fall in love with a shoe – these developments generate sales. For example, Laurence Dacade boots are blogger and street-style-icon favourites – we have a hard time keeping them in stock!
Denim Doony open-toe sandals Dhs3,049 Laurence Dacade here
What sells well in the Middle East?
Statement bags along with Elie Saab and Jenny Packham evening gowns. Also Roberto Cavalli, Etro and Emilio Pucci prints.
Name your classic essentials that will never go out of fashion
I invest in beautifully tailored separates from brands like Jil Sander, because they’re timeless and I keep coming back to them season after season. I also love the unparalleled craftsmanship of Chloé shoes as well as the brand’s free-spirited spin on modern classics. Three of my forever classics are Givenchy black leather booties, a Jil Sander blue cashmere coat, and Valentino Rockstud handbag.
LEILA’S SEASON MUST-BUYS
1. Hakaan white stand-up collar Cactier dress Dhs4,678 here
2. Marc Jacobs nude patent leather pumps with blocky black heel Dhs1,900 here
3. Maison Martin Margiela powder leather tote Dhs6,085 here
Images: thesatorialist
