November 8, 2024

Style Notes with Christina Elliott

Introducing Christina Elliott (@christinaelliott_), London-based Stylist and Visual Merchandiser for Drake’s.

With an architectural background and a curated approach to blending classic menswear with contemporary flair, Christina has shaped a unique identity in the fashion world. In this conversation, she reveals her styling secrets and how she effortlessly integrates Officina del Poggio’s pieces in her wardrobe.

What are some of your tips for “borrowing from the boys”?

Always to have a belt on hand and anyone’s clothes can work. I am a thief when it comes to other people’s clothes – the best way of ensuring they will work is to have a belt to create an element of shape and fitting.

How do you strike the perfect balance to achieve a gender-neutral style but with a touch of femininity?

For anyone that knows me, knows I am a shoe addict and I think a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit and change the dynamic of an ensemble. I often work an outfit around the shoes I want to wear, but as a rule more masculine clothing I like to pair with a delicate feminine shoe silhouette.

Which accessories do you consider essential for elevating a menswear-inspired look?

Belt, shoes and jewellery are the best way – it’s all in the detail. Whether it’s is just the hardware in a belt, buckle on a shoe or some layered necklaces adding something more of a statement helps to give an element of femininity to menswear inspired look.

Officina del Poggio is all about minimalist luxury and craftsmanship. How does this ethos play into the current trend of timeless tailoring?

The art of timeless is down to materiality, silhouette and detailing and Officine Del Poggio allows for these elements to best they possibility could be. Focusing on sourcing, detailing and the art of craft really shows in the wearing and using of the product, both now and in the future. Something like the Dallas Belt in Black Leather is something that is beautiful now and with wear it will get better - an essential in any wardrobe.

Sustainability is reshaping fashion. How do you think timeless tailoring and sustainable luxury can work together to shape the future of style?

I think the most sustainable way to approach fashion, and style is to buy with longevity in mind and being less ‘trend’ driven. I believe this idea relies on materiality, silhouette, and detailing. These are 3 key pillars are the basis on which creating a sustainable wardrobe which is sustainable through withstanding the test of time.

Utilitarian chic is having a moment. How do you see women blending practicality with a sense of luxury in everyday dressing?

I am a massive fan of this trend as it highlights utilising mixed materiality, which is a great way to blend practicality with a sense of luxury for instance why can’t an old pair of cotton workwear trousers be dressed up with a wool blazer worn with a belt round the waist and a pair of classic cut shoes such as the Enzo Bonafè for ODP Classic Sabot.

What are some of your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?

My two wardrobe essentials are denim jeans and knitwear. I really don’t think you can go wrong with jeans; you can dress them up or down, they come in a multitude of washes and fits – I have 17 pairs! There is a pair for every occasion. I regularly default to jeans, belt and an oversized shirt half undone.
Over the years I have really grown out my knitted jumper collection having a range of colours and weaves – what I love about knitted jumpers is being able to wear them as intended or using them as a scarf to add a new material texture or colour. More regularly than not I will be wearing one as a cape.