British actress and model Jazzy de Lisser knows how to be a good host. So when the LA-based designer Monique Lhuillier wanted to throw a dinner party to mark the launch of her first boutique in London, she enlisted the expert help of de Lisser and her stylish cohort of friends.
De Lisser opened the doors to her North London home and welcomed a host of inspiring women – from Princess Beatrice to actress Isla Fisher and model Malaika Firth, all wearing Monique Lhuillier, naturally – who all came together to warmly welcome Lhuillier to the UK.
Below, we caught up with the evening’s hostess to discuss her personal style evolution, why she doesn’t follow trends, and how fashion should always make you feel good.
Please talk us through your look – what drew you to this particular outfit?
“There was a lot to choose from. I have to say, one thing I love about Monique’s brand is that there is a piece for everyone. Look at this dinner tonight: everyone could find a dress that matched their personality. I saw this dress and I just instantly fell in love with it. I tried it on and it fit like a glove.”
How do you decide which brands you want to work with?
“I don’t really follow trends – it’s more about the people and the story behind the brand, and the message that they’re putting across. I like a lot of vintage, for example. It feels more me. It’s about finding the fun in it as well. I think that ultimately what you wear should make you feel good.
What makes Monique Lhuillier such a great fit for you and your personal style?
“Monique’s designs are very feminine and all about empowering women. It’s also quite old-school glamour, which is timeless. You put on these dresses and you feel special and glamorous – and that’s why I love it.”
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
“Very! It’s very much me. I know what I like and I go with my gut. Then the second port of call is my mum. Maybe that’s embarrassing, but it’s always been my mum. She’s my go to because I trust her. She’s far more stylish than me! And she’s very honest.”
What kind of fashion makes you feel your most confident?
“You know what? It changes every day; it depends how I feel that day or what character I want to be. There’s not one style I abide by. It completely depends how I feel. For example, earlier today I was in trackies and a hoodie with my hair slicked back. I like to be versatile.
“I really respect women that have a uniform because I think that’s so cool – when they can just have one signature look. But I’m not that girl.”
How has your style evolved over the years?
“I think I’ve become more confident in myself and my choices. I also don’t follow trends as much. I look back on outfits that I wore as a teenager and I’m always following the latest trend. I think as you grow older, you know what suits you and you feel more confident in yourself. You learn to trust yourself, and that reflects in your fashion choices.”
Whose style have you always admired and why?
“I like old-school style, so Jane Birkin, or Anita Pallenberg. Those women were timeless.”
What is your ideal getting-ready set-up?
“To be honest, my ideal getting ready set up is probably with my mum and my sister. It’s usually the best bit of the night! When you’re getting ready together, it can be so much fun. Even tonight, I had my girlfriends here, and we got ready together. It’s the exciting part. You have no idea what’s going to happen but you’re feeling fabulous.”
When do you feel most beautiful?
“I think I feel most beautiful when I feel most confident. So that depends – and sometimes it doesn’t matter what I’m wearing. It’s usually more to do with the people that I’m surrounded by. You can put on a dress – like this one – that makes you feel amazing, obviously. But it’s also about how you’re feeling on the inside. So I feel beautiful when I feel happy and when I’m surrounded by friends and family; we all make each other feel good. It’s about women supporting other women.”
