Kate Spade | A Lesson In Daytime Dressing

“Work hard and look your best while doing it,” says Emirates Woman columnist, Deborah Lloyd. The Kate Spade New York president and creative director reveals how to look fabulous during the day.

In my world, there are certain truths that I choose to live by.  Namely, work hard and look your best while doing it. I believe in bright colours and bold prints. I believe that red lipstick empowers a woman. I believe a cocktail ring completes a look and that dressing up can transform your entire day.

I have always loved fashion.  I learned at a young age what it meant to dress up, and how to put together a polished look. Over the course of my life, through the many jobs I have had and journeys I have taken, daytime dressing has become second nature to me. The journey from London to New York City, and designing for Kate Spade New York, have both given me the opportunity to take my passion for daytime sparkle to new heights. I can occasionally be found on the weekends working on my garden in a cashmere cardigan and dress. I sometimes ride the subway to work in the morning dressed as if I were going to a cocktail party – why wait until 6pm to bring attention to your personal style?

No two days are the same in my life and I believe that a wardrobe should reflect that. My schedule changes by the minute, and I truly believe that daytime dressing reflects an attitude of being ready for anything. A pointed-toe pump and a belted dress is the epitome of elegance for most 9am to 5pm occasions, and I am not afraid to add over-the-top accessories that shine, like a statement clutch, embellished belt, or a red lip to create intrigue. Accessories should be conversation starters. One of my favourite pieces from the summer collection is the Fancy Footwork piano clutch. I love anything that elicits humour and whimsy – items that will be noticed no matter where you are.

Great classics are where great wardrobes begin, but unexpected elements are what keep a wardrobe exciting. I love updating classics, whether it’s adding a pop of colour to a timeless silhouette, like the Cristi Coat, or adding beaded embellishment to a pair of well-tailored pants. At the end of the day, it’s about living colourfully and giving everyone something to talk about, and, in my world, that’s a good thing.