British model, muse and writer Laura Bailey talks to us about style, substance and her latest collaboration with Iris & Ink.
Founder of Loquet London, the model, writer and British socialite Laura Bailey is a veteran of the fashion world. She’s the cultural ambassador for the British Fashion Council and has featured in campaigns for the likes of Guess Jeans, L’Oreal, Marks & Spencer and Temperley over the years.
Her latest collaboration is an all-rounder capsule collection with The Outnet’s own Iris & Ink fashion label, a versatile range of seven outfits, from dark, chic dresses that can be dressed up for day or night and a killer, slim-cut, tuxedo-style suit. The chic, blonde, beautiful West London-based style maven gives us insight to about what’s inspiring her lately and staying calm in 2020.
Bailey also reveals how British creativity has fuelled her inimitable style and those items she really can’t live without.
You’re a fan of vintage fashion. Tell us about your favourite spots to source your best vintage finds.
Portobello Market forever, especially Friday mornings, Rellik W10 [vintage clothing store], my local charity shops and markets on my travels.
How would you describe your own style and how has it evolved over the years?
Tomboy princess meets Portobello chic. I’m so inspired by London’s eclectic creative forces, but would also say my style has become more minimal over the years, probably influenced by my need for speed and ease in a multitasking creative life.
There’s a very distinctive essence to British style that’s instantly recognisable – you’ll know this well from your ambassador role with the British Fashion Council. What for you is this essence and why does it stand out?
Individuality and innovation will always mark British style. This comes from the street, the art schools, the music. I’m constantly inspired by British culture – and my girlfriends.
So how did this collaboration with the Iris & Ink label come about?
I’m a long-time fan and customer of the Outnet and loved Julia Restoin Roitfeld’s Iris & Ink collab last year. So when I was approached to develop a capsule for winter 2021, I jumped at the creative challenge.
Tell us about the process of designing this capsule with Iris & Ink and the idea of making it a limited colour palette and versatile day-to-night pieces.
I simply wanted to create the forever pieces that I want to wear now. Beyond trends, investment pieces to style your way, classics with a twist in a timeless monochrome palette. I’m in a stage of refining and editing. I shop carefully and thoughtfully. And my life is extreme, between work and motherhood, travel and sport. I want my wardrobe to work hard day into night.
What excites you currently about British creativity in fashion, the arts and beyond?
Young designers and a refocus on craft and creativity. Although times are tough, there are some amazing shows currently on in London — Artemisia Gentileschi at the National Gallery and the upcoming Lynette Yiadom-Boakye show at the Tate.
What are your favourite places to go to for inspiration around London?
The Tate London and Tate Modern. The Serpentine – both the galleries and park life. Portobello Road and Whitechapel Gallery. Josh Wood Colour for beauty and so much more. I’m very much longing for theatres and our great institutions like the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House to reopen.
What lessons has modelling all these years taught you?
Collaboration and teamwork, empathy and acting/storytelling and an indescribable sensitivity to mood and morale – they’re all hugely useful behind the camera.
What’s the key to a fruitful creative collaboration? You’ve done several.
Straight talking and trust. A shared vision and creative collaboration.
This story first appeared on Prestige Online Hong Kong
