My Life, My Closet: Stylist Aileen Marr On The Stories Behind Her Favourite Looks
As a stylist, fashion director of Grazia Australia and lover of fashion, my wardrobe is crowded: a jumble of family heirlooms, thrift store finds and designer pieces, many of which date from my years living in New York. I love finding the newness in these old pieces; more than ever, I feel we need to slow down, appreciate and cherish what becomes more beautiful with age.
Some of these pieces I wear a lot. Some I keep mainly for the memories they hold, for the exquisite craftsmanship or, in the case of some of my heels, for the crazy amount of cash I spent on them! My New York girlfriends joked that if I didn’t have a mortgage, I should buy shares in Manolo Blahnik. I’m glad I opted for the mortgage.
#1
My mother knitted this vest for my dad in the ’70s – I actually think she knitted one for each family member. I uncovered this one a few years ago when beige came back. It’s in pristine condition, and works with this floral blouse by Victoria & Woods. I love the exaggerated collar and warmth in the micro print to break up the tonality of the look. I like layering my necklaces, each one telling a story. The gold locket is particularly dear to me. My mother had it made 57 years ago when my parents got married in Vietnam.
#2
I’m always dazzled by a party shoe, even though these days I rarely get a chance to wear them. These Balenciaga gold heels are from around 2010 when Nicolas Ghesquiere, currently at Louis Vuitton, was head designer. I love the Upper East Side cocktail hour look, especially since at the time “hooker heels” – a style I detest – were on trend. Worn here with my Thomas Puttick checked trench coat. Skirt by Zara.
#3
My partner, Sean, gave me a Hermès watch for my 40th birthday. We picked it out together at the store on Madison Avenue; I felt so grown-up and special. I rarely go out without it, and have had the band replaced several times. The dress is by Tuleh, a New York designer in the ’90s who I styled for in exchange for clothes. I love the colour and the glass buttons on the sleeves.
#4
This Fendi checked cross-body bag I purchased not too long ago. It works with just about everything – it adds pops to a neutral look or gives my casual day jeans or sweats a well-needed fashion lift. Worn here with Nike trainers, pants by Witchery.
#5
My collection of heels hoping to see the light
of day soon.
#6
These days I wear a lot of black. This Yves Saint Laurent blazer was a major investment, even on sale. But looking at price per wear, I’m way ahead. I’ve never found a blazer so perfectly tailored for me, and it suits any occasion. Worn here with a Jac and Jack tee and faux leather Life With Bird pants. I’m happy pearls have made a comeback; I like to wear them layered with gold chains for a ’90s ghetto look.
#7
In my New York days, my girlfriends and I would spend our lunchtimes browsing in the Comme des Garcons store, checking out the latest collections. The store was more like an art experience, and was the first luxury designer to move from Soho to Chelsea in the late ’90s. This velvet fuchsia pink dress just spoke to me. I rediscovered the dress last year when we were clearing out our house
in upstate New York, probably 20 years since
I’d last worn it.
#8
I recently picked up these Fendi pants for an absolute steal of $50. Don’t tell! I still haven’t had a chance to wear them out thanks to lockdown. The mini bag is by Furla, I love the chambray blue contrasting against the bottle green.
#9
Vintage doctor-style handbag circa ’70s? Gucci X Comme des Garcon scarf, Velvet Furla mini bag.
#10
While I wear less print these days, I’m still drawn to a beautiful design when I see one. It probably goes back to my days of collecting indigenous fabrics from around the world. Blouse by Suno. Eyewear by Collette Dinnigan for Spec Savers.
#11
This doctor-style bag was a thrift store find in Brooklyn. I plan to source a heavy gold link chain so I can wear it off the shoulder. Worn with Sacai pleated skirt, CDG chambray shirt, Celine white heels.
#12
Party heels by Balenciaga, circa 2010.
#13
Living in Sydney, I have little use for a heavy winter coat, but I’ve never been able to part with this boucle coat by Tuleh. To me, the designer quality and fabrication is equal to a Chanel. New York is a walking city where your fashion taste is judged on the street; in winter, that means the coat you wear. This one certainly drew attention.
Styling_ Aileen Marr
Photographs_ Sean Slattery