Nadia Bartel
37, designer
From Balenciaga sunglasses and barely-there Dion Lee to a fur coat heirloom and basic white tank tops, Nadia Bartel’s wardrobe is what street-style dreams are made of. With an enviable collection of cutting-edge accessories, tailored garments (mostly her brand Henne of course!) and earthy coloured activewear, Nadia’s closet is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, comfort and fashion, high vs low, where every piece is considered and cherished.
Whether she is running errands in gym gear or running a business in oversized suiting, you can guarantee Nadia’s outfits will always be a knock-out.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love a polished look and to invest in classic pieces that have longevity in my wardrobe. I always feel best wearing earthy colours as well as a lot of black in simple shapes. When I am buying new pieces, I try to think of multiple ways I can wear them with other pieces in my wardrobe. In saying that, I also love pops of colour and am really into high-shine at the moment.
Who are your style icons? I find it’s more the people around me every day rather than well-known faces that give me inspiration. My sister has a really cool, laidback style and I love the way she puts classic pieces together but always in a unique way. Also, the girls in my office always inspire me with the way they dress.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? It would be my Chanel Boy bag, the first item I saved up for 10 years ago.
What are your favourite brands? Dion Lee, The Mannei and Jacquemus.
Have you ever made a style faux pas?
Yes, many times in the past. I look back at photos and think eeeeek! About six years ago, I was wearing the same pair of ripped denim jeans for most of the year and by ripped I mean more holes than the fabric. It wasn’t polished at all.
What is the most surprising thing about your wardrobe?
Probably that I have more activewear than any other type of clothing.
Top three wardrobe must haves? A wellcut oversized blazer, a pair of denim blue jeans that fit so well and a white tank.
What is the most sentimental item in your wardrobe? A fur coat that was my late Nonna’s.
What would you buy if money was no object? I think it would be more pieces from The Attico, Prada or Balenciaga.
Summer or winter fashion? Definitely winter, it’s so much more my jam. I love chunky knits, coats and tailored suiting.
Denim or dresses?
Denim, I actually rarely wear dresses these days, I am more a pants or even mini skirt girl.
Heels or sneakers? Heels. I love a high heel.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? I would say around 50.
Favourite fashion era? I’m really into ’90s fashion as I feel it was so laid-back and effortless. It was when we saw the rise of oversized white T-shirts worn under blazers, cargo pants, high-rise mom classic blue jeans, turtlenecks and cargo pants. I always think of Julia Roberts and Princess Diana.
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