My Style: Anne-Sophie Koehler
Photo: courtesy of Anne-Sophie Koehler
Do you believe in role models?
Role models are important for guidance. However, in order to find your own way it is important to not take them too seriously, and simply be inspired by as many people as possible.
Please describe your style in three words.
Comfortable. Elegant. Cosmopolitan.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
I think it is trying too hard. Combine this with uncomfortable clothes and the wish to copy another person, and you will have a total 'getting dressed' disaster.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Stretchy fabric, such as a jersey, as it is comfortable to wear. Besides that, I would say denim — I love the heritage, durability and diversity.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Style should be mixed. An outfit which perfectly matches such as the same colours or the same brand can sometimes cause the opposite effect. It will look like a flat where everything is from IKEA, if you know what I mean…
Which city has the best-dressed women?
London, by far.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Well, considering that I design casual-business wear, I would say that I am still trying to find the perfect balance.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Comfort. Style. Warmth.
Celebrities and style...
Should come together. Celebrities often act as role models in terms of style.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Casual blazers.
A woman should always look like...
She did not try too hard.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Many different people have taught me about style, but my best learning experience was and still is from my own mistakes.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
My style very much depends on my mood.
Your biggest regret is...
Buying too many low quality pieces instead of a few long-lasting ones.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
How to dress confidently, how to mix and match old and new items, and how to mix and match cheap and chic.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Online shopping during my lunch break.
We will never see you wearing...
A skirt on a cold, rainy day.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Peter Pilotto, they are very experimental with their shapes and especially their prints. Hussein Chalayan, his designs are always innovative and made of unusual materials. He is certainly someone to be inspired by.
The most stylish person you have ever seen/met?
Gwen Stefani — whether she is dressed to look sexy, sporty or casual-cool, she always has style.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her shoes. Her style. The seams. Her eyes, I envy women with green or blue eyes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I have a pair of jeans from Diesel that are about 8 years old. They will never find their way out of my wardrobe even though I can’t wear them anymore.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Prada.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
The bottom half, such as jeans, trousers or skirts. A well fitted pair of jeans is hard to find but it is always worth it in the end.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Far from it! No matter how stylish a piece is, if the wearer is not comfortable in it, you will notice immediately and it will not look stylish at all.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
I follow a lot of German designers. Kaviar Gauche and LALA Berlin produce some amazing collections and it would be great to see them here.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Do not take things too seriously.
