KEY POINTS:
Nina Garcia is a fashion powerhouse. The formidable Project Runway judge has worked with Marc Jacobs (at Perry Ellis), at Elle magazine, is now the fashion director at Marie Claire and is also on to her second published book.
The One Hundred is the follow-up style guide to her first successful book, The Little Black Book of Style, and gives an A to Z list of the 100 pieces every stylish woman "must own", from an A-line dress to a zippered hoodie. And with fashion moving so fast, with so many trends being shoved down consumers' throats, it's refreshing to cut through it all and have a definitive list of classic items that form the backbone of a good wardrobe. Think a cashmere sweater, Havaianas, a striped shirt, and of course, Little Black Dress (or dresses). As Garcia herself says, "Women love lists". And in addition to the list of must-haves, Garcia details the history of certain garments and brands, gives fun facts on key pieces, and allows a sneak peek into her own wardrobe (want to know her favourite fashion sites, or what's inside her makeup bag? It's all here).
But why should we care what Garcia thinks? Well, to put it simply, she knows fashion. As the fashion director at Marie Claire, she helps shape what trends and garments get to go into the magazine. The Colombian has also built a niche for herself on one of the best reality TV shows, Project Runway, as the hard-hitting, no-nonsense judge with the withering stare. She talks to us about her new book, her personal style icons, young designers to watch and the truly fashionable.
Why did you decide to do a second book?
There was such a positive response to The Little Black Book of Style, which provides general guidelines for establishing one's own personal style. While I was promoting that book, women continued to ask me for more detailed advice, and I realised there was a need for a second book. The books are meant to complement each other.
Tell me a little bit about the concept behind The One Hundred. How did it come about?
Funnily enough, the inspiration came out of an apartment remodelling. I had to move out of my apartment for eight months while it was being renovated. I couldn't take my whole closet with me, so I was forced to ask myself, "what are the items I cannot live without?". This book is, more or less, a list of those items.
Why did you decide to go with the list format?
In my years of working in fashion magazines, I have come to one steadfast conclusion: women love lists. They love [being able to] check off, item by item, what they have and what they still have to get.
Do you own everything on the list, or are you still developing the "perfect" wardrobe?
I do own everything on the list, but I am of course always working toward a more perfect wardrobe. I am always on the hunt for the perfect statement necklace, a great belt, a knock-out black dress.
Who are your favourite designers?
This is such a tricky question, because every time I name favourite designers I always immediately regret not including people. The list is so long, so instead I'll tell you the five new, young designers that I'm excited about: Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Chris Benz, Band of Outsiders... I'm sure I'm forgetting more!
You recently started working at Marie Claire, how is that going?
I love it! My role as fashion director basically involves keeping our readership at the height of the fashion curve. It is a fun and thrilling job and I am very excited about it.
What's been your favourite fashion moment so far in your career?
Personally, I have never been happier than I am right now. We are living in a period when fashion is in fashion, and I feel lucky to be a part of that.
In your first book you talked about musical and movie icons, but who are your some of your own style icons?
Pretty much everyone I named in that book: Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, Madonna, Patti Smith...
What's the best piece of sartorial advice you'd give a friend?
Find a great tailor!
How would you describe your style?
I would say I keep it classic, but never safe. I need at least one element of danger in my look.
Project Runway is moving to Los Angeles, away from your home town of New York, so where will you now be based?
I will be semi bi-coastal, which I'm looking forward to. I think the change is good for the show and I'm excited to be able to hit up the vintage stores on Melrose more often.
What sort of clothes do you wear day-to-day?
If I'm staying casual, it's something like black skinny jeans and a T-shirt. If I'm going to work, it can be anything on the list. It just depends on what is on my calendar that day. But no matter what, I always wear heels, unless it's the weekend and I'm heading to the park with my son.
Who or what inspires you?
Movies, songs, art, a billboard, a random person walking down the street. Inspiration is everywhere.
What was the last piece of clothing you bought?
A three-pack of Hanes racerback T-shirts.
What next for you? Do you have any plans for another book?
I'm weighing a bunch of ideas I have floating around in my head. I definitely want to write another one, as I feel the experience to be so cathartic. The process really gets my brain working overtime. We'll see what finally sticks. Right now, I'm just enjoying having this new book out in the world.
How would you describe the word "fashionable"?
Cecil Beaton said it best: "The truly fashionable are beyond fashion."
