DORÉ

How can you not fall for Melanie’s style? It’s bold but has a total ease to it, and I’ve been admiring it for a while now. So I was super excited when she invited the team to her place in Paris, to take a closer look at her wardrobe.

She’s found the perfect balance of feminine and tough (black leather is her signature!) in every look. And I love that rock sensibility, how she always looks like she’s just been hanging out with The Doors…

Black leather mini skirt paired with cozy knits and tight leather (studded!) pants with oversized shirts – and heels, always! And Melanie makes it all look effortless, even though she’s also a mom and a super busy stylist. (She consults for brands like Givenchy, Altuzarra, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin… )

It’s a little like what I hope I might be as a mom: still focused on my career but also a lot more rock n’ roll ;)

Describe your style in three words.
Rock. Chic. Parisian

You wear a lot of leather. Where was that passion born?
I guess I just love the fabric! It is chic, edgy and soft, it feels like a second skin and most of all it makes you feel beautiful.

Would you say you have a Parisian style ?
I guess when you live in the city and work at Vogue Paris with Carine Roitfeld you turn out to have a Parisian style. I wear mostly black pieces, and it turns out to be chic anyway!

What are your signature ways to style leather pieces?
Always keep it chic and cool. I love to mix it with different fabrics. When I wear a leather skirt, I combine it with a mohair or wool knit, or a silk shirt. But I also like to wear two leather pieces in the same outfit – a skirt and a jacket, for example.

As a stylist, do you find yourself personally invested in certain designers?
I must say I am a big fan of Hedi Slimane. I wear a lot of Saint Laurent, the perfect pieces from day to night.
I also love Nicolas Ghesquière, Isabel Marant, Alexandre Vauthier, Julien Dossena, and Altuzarra, of course.

And how has your career, and style, changed since you became a mom?
It didn’t, actually. I keep dressing the same way, and I still work a lot, but I try to find more time to see my two daughters, between shootings, shows and travels.

When you travel for work, what do you always pack in your suitcase?
A scarf and a cashmere sweater because I’m always cold on the plane, a pair of sneakers and workout clothes to do a pilates class or a run early in the morning – and my own tea bags.

What is your most prized item in your wardrobe?
My Hermès bag, it’s a classic!

Do you wear much jewelry?
Yes, love it!! I wear a lot of rings, white gold and white diamonds that are custom made, my two Cartier bracelets and my Rolex watch. And I just got some black and white diamond hoops I love!

And what is your signature beauty look?
A smokey eye!

Who is your fashion muse?
Carine Roitfeld or Kate Moss…

Signature International

Look 1: Jacket, Altuzarra / Look 2: Sweater, Céline; Pants, Isabel Marant; Boots, Isabel Marant / Look 3: Jacket, skirt and shoes, Louis Vuitton; Sweater, Saint Laurent / Look 4: all Saint Laurent.

Words: Neada Jane | Photos: Erik Melvin | Styling: Melanie Huynh