Do you know Albemarle Street in London?
Located in the heart of Mayfair, this street is home to the finest boutiques, restaurants and hotels. Neighbouring Old Bond Street and New Bond Street, it is best known for its designer shops, art galleries and great restaurants.
There are plenty of exclusive bars and luxury hotels to feel pampered in.
Cecconi’s, one of my absolute favourite London restaurants – which is located just behind the Royal Academy – is the perfect place for an early breakfast, lunch or dinner. The emerald green upholstery never gets tired and nor do the white jacketed waiters, flipping open their huge linen napkins, bringing all sorts of deliciousness and serving diet-ruining pasta. The martinis aren’t too bad either.
The Amanda Wakeley flagship store is located on 18 Albemarle street.
Best known for her glamorous evening dresses, accessories, and for her “clean glam” signature style, Amanda Wakeley has also developed a strong presence in daywear, impeccable tailoring and knitwear. Not to mention gorgeous handbags and accessories.
Visiting her flagship store is a little like entering a beautiful home; welcoming, inspirational and never intimidating.
Having just celebrated their 25th anniversary, I spoke to Amanda about her collections, living and working in London, style icons and her top fashion and beauty tips.
In Conversation with Amanda Wakeley
Women are so brilliant at multi-tasking and running busy lives. How do you find the balance between work and personal life? Do you have any tips that can make the challenge that much easier?
I love living and working in London as it has a wonderful cosmopolitan energy and creativity but I love to escape to the country at the weekends… a bike ride (whatever the weather) with my labrador Lola blows all the cobwebs away. I am a big believer in “Fit body, fit mind” so I take my exercise quite seriously but am not obsessive about it – I love to exercise first thing in the morning and find it quite meditative. I think we all suffer from Inbox stress and wish I had the answer to that as I dont think it is healthy! I had an interesting conversation with Martha Lane Fox the other day when we were both speed mentoring for the WOW festival Day of the Girl – and she mentioned a new platform called Slack which I am definitely going to pursue for our office.
When I am not in the studio I love to travel…it opens the mind and allows you to put things in perspective…its always inspiring.
Amanda Wakeley in 25 years has dressed some of the worlds most beautiful and influential women. Who is the Amanda Wakeley woman? How does she dress? What does she look for in her wardrobe?
The Wakeley woman is a multi-talented, multi-tasker, who looks effortlessly stylish in everything she does. In her wardrobe there is always a classic white shirt, lots of cashmeres, a leather biker jacket, a tux, a statement coat, a signature bag along side a stunning siren gown for special occasions. We dress women in their twenties to their seventies.
Style icons? Women you admire? Who/what in particular do you draw inspiration from?
I am inspired by everything around me but a lot of my inspiration comes from my travels and also knowing my customer and understanding her lifestyle.
Do you think the London woman has a particular style that distinguishes her?
London is the most incredible cosmopolitan and diverse city, I find London like a series of little villages which are all unique so I don’t think there is a particular style for the London woman, however, she is confident enough to be whoever she wants to be…something I cherish about London
Princess Diana and now the Duchess of Cambridge have both worn your designs. I’d like to ask who wore Amanda Wakeley better? I’m sure we can’t say that ;)
What is the difference between the two generations of Royal women and their dress style?
Both women are incredibly beautiful and embody the Amanda Wakeley woman – they are busy working women who look effortlessly stylish at all times. I enjoyed a great relationship with the late Diana Princess of Wales. It’s fantastic to see that Amanda Wakeley dresses both daughters and mothers…. something we are really proud of.
In your designs there is an emphasis on detail. What are the most important elements to consider when designing? What are those features that make the difference?
I am passionate about sourcing the finest materials, embracing the challenges of using latest crafting techniques and striving everyday for unrivalled quality and perfection of cut which make my brand a luxury lifestyle brand.
For me details are key and I believe the inside of things should be as beautiful as the outside. Nobody else knows that your jacket is beautifully lined with a little contrast trim on the piping and a beautiful monogram embroidery, but you do, and that makes you hold yourself a tiny bit differently – there’s a sort of inner confidence.
10 quick Q & A’s
Do you have a travel “uniform”? What do you wear to travel in?
Gorgeous, lightweight cashmere to layer up and keep you cosy and cocooned!
What do you wear when you don’t know what to wear?
In the evening I will always reach for a great tux jacket…you always feel well dressed in a beautifully cut tux whether over a pair of jeans or a jumpsuit
Who is your favourite shoe designer?
Manolo Blahnik, Aquazurra
What would you never leave home without?
My favourite fragrance – Opium by YSL, I’ve worn it since its launch.
What are the key pieces in your wardrobe?
This winter – oversized chunky knits, oversized coats, a wide leg leather pant, the perfect white shirt, a beautifully tailored tux jacket and jumpsuits…too many shoes and alot of my Bullet Bags!
Shopping preference, online or in store?
In Store to touch and feel but on-line for a super fast overview and for the absolute convenience
What was your latest fashion buy?
A pair of Aquazzura boots…everything else comes from Amanda Wakeley
What is always in your handbag?
My silver pencil …I love to write and draw in pencil…my late father was mad about beautiful pens and pencils and I am afraid I also have that bug!
Must have beauty product?
La Prairie face creams, Charlotte Tilbury makeup – she is a genius….Bio Oil for my body and a silk eye mask stuffed with fresh lavender, which helps me to sleep when I travel
Can’t live without?
My black Labrador, Lola…and of course, my gorgeous partner Hugh (not in that order!)
images, emma young illustration, amanda wakeley
