My Look: Alison Attenborough
There is nothing low-key about Alison Attenborough. Her light-filled apartment in New York City’s Chelsea is surrounded with collectables from around the world.
“I’m drawn to colour, particularly from cultures and artisans that celebrate the use of it in textiles, handicrafts, art and food,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to have to travel to the most fascinating places in the world for my job.”
Alison, originally from the UK, puts her amazing finds to creative use in her work as a food stylist and art curator.
We asked Alison to share some of her favourite looks with us.
Tell us about this red poncho – it’s very striking.
It’s one of my prized possessions. It’s a Native American, hand-loomed piece from the ’50s and the perfect shade of red. I bought it at the San Francisco flea market and it cost a fortune, but I've had my money's worth as I wear it a lot. It brings a lot of compliments and I usually wear it to brighten up an all-black outfit.
“If I come across a great hand-woven pom-pom pouch, tablecloth or flea market find, I’ll include that in my next styling set up.”
Red is obviously a favourite colour of yours?
To me it is quite a sexy colour. I've always loved red lipstick and nail polish, I think it stems from there. I have worn a lot of red since the ’80s. I love a really bright red.
Is there one basic you keep buying more of?
Birkenstocks.
What is taking up too much space in your wardrobe?
My jackets, ponchos and shoes! It used to be smocks, but my friends who come over for an annual closet cleanse thought I was crazy not to show a little more of my figure, so I’m now wearing more pants and high waisted jeans.
One item you would never get rid of?
I have a Margiela bias-cut black dress made from one piece of fabric still with the selvedge … pure genius the way it just has one stitched seam. But there is also this hand-loomed red dress I bought in Colombia. I bought it from a young Indigenous boy and his mother who had made it. It feels super-special. It is funny because it’s a big, red tacky dress but strangers have literally come up and asked to be photographed with me when I wear it! It exudes great energy.
What makes you get up each morning?
Yoga.
What inspires you?
Art galleries and discovering new artists, painting, music, travel, friends, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Oaxacan food. learning from other cultures. One of my favourite recent trips was Oaxaca in Mexico. I loved the food, architecture and the local crafts, from weavers to candlemakers to potters. It is the most inspiring place.
Interview_ Aileen Marr
Photos_ manufoto.com