Celebrity make-up artist Gucci Westman on her three wardrobe essentials

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, celebrity make-up artist Gucci Westman.

How would you describe your style? Definitely not bohemian; it’s more on the preppy side. I like dresses, and button-down shirts with jeans and girly shoes. I like a curated wardrobe that feels like it’s borrowed from vintage but re-imagined for me.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a few things from the 1990s – Veronique Branquinho trousers and a Dries Van Noten skirt and velvet jacket – that I haven’t let go, but they don’t fit very well.

And the most recent addition? A linen Gucci blazer from Mytheresa.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? If it was with my husband, I would wear jeans, a striped Saint James top and Chanel slingbacks with a small heel; something cool but effortless.

… on a plane? I don’t wear sweatpants; I like to feel presentable when I land and I’ve had too many experiences where my luggage is lost and it’s all I’m left with. I’ll wear Celine jeans, a tee, a sweater and Gianvito Rossi trainers.

… on the red carpet? Chanel always does the trick. It fits me well and makes me feel beautiful.

What’s your favourite fashion era? Yves Saint Laurent 1970s. I love that combination of boyish and feminine, sexy but functional. And the colours, fabrics and textures.

Favourite designers? Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld were genius. I like Phoebe Philo and Hedi Slimane; Celine is one of my favourite labels as well as Totême, The Row and Gabriela Hearst, and I love Australian label Sir.

Do you wear fragrance? No, I’m nervous about the ingredients. I do like Michelle Pfeiffer’s clean fragrance Henry Rose and Cire Trudon candles.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A good jacket – I have a Dior bell-shaped blazer that works with everything and a Chanel jacket that always makes me feel special – great jeans and a belt. I love belts.

Any go-to jewellery? I also love jewellery. I wear gold but not very diamond-y pieces by Cartier, Swedish brand Engelbach, Tiffany & Co’s “Hardware” collection and Jenna Blake.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I vividly remember getting a pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers when I was eight years old; I didn’t want to walk to school in them because I didn’t want to get them dirty.

And your worst fashion mistake? In the early 2000s I went through a stage of experimenting with a rock’n’roll, bohemian look. It was not good; there was a pair of ugly Marc Jacobs boots with a stiletto heel that I wore all the time.

What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? A black velvet Chanel bag.

Is there anything you would never wear? Fur. Or jeggings.

Is there a current fashion trend you like? I like that there are so many different ideas and expressions; it makes it easy to find your space, your niche.

What shoes do you wear most often? The Row white leather sneakers and Birkenstock sandals.

What do you wear to bed? I love pyjamas. I am obsessed with Schostal pyjamas, from Rome; they’re like men’s cotton pyjamas but unisex, everything’s monogrammed, and they have the best colours. I’ve introduced so many friends to the store. You think you’re going to be in there for 20 minutes and you’re there for three hours. I was working with actor Anne Hathaway in Rome; she went and was like, “You did not prepare me!” Also, Totême makes silk pyjamas that I like but I would wear them out before sleeping in them.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Kate Moss. She’s always been so clever at putting things together.

What do you wear on a typical working day? On set it’s usually jeans, a button-down shirt and a vest or jacket.

And your favourite casual Sunday look? My Levi’s and a cosy sweatshirt.

Gucci Westman’s line of beauty products, Westman Atelier, is available from Mecca.

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