This March, the country joins together to celebrate International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday, so we think it’s only fitting to dedicate the 3rd month to all the magnificent ladies across the country. And becausewe’ve joined together with MyDaily and their See it Tag it Love it campaign, we’ve asked Libby Banks, the Editor of the leading online fashion magazine, to talk about her style inspiration in our MV Q+A.
Libby started her career writing for the style industry site and fashion consultancy WGSN, advising top brands such as Burberry and Topshop,covering catwalks from Rio to Moscow to Paris and Milan, and scouting up and coming talent, as well as interviewing design heroes like Dolce &Gabbana and Christopher Bailey.
Libby left WGSN as Fashion Editor to go freelance, writing for titles including The Evening Standard, Luxury Society, StyleList, The National andTank Magazine before landing her role as Editor of MyDaily.co.uk in January2010. Consolidating her intimate knowledge of the industry, Libby is an expert in all things fashion, offering commentary on catwalk and consumer trends, celebrity style and retail
What is your oldest fashion memory?
Dressing up as an Indian princess by my grandmother when I was about three. If you take Chanel’s recent Indian-inspired Metier des Arts collection and recreate on a modest budget with some scarves, coral lipstick and whole a lot of gold jewellery, then you get the picture
Where did you begin your career in fashion journalism?
Work experience at a plethora of magazines from Harper’s Bazaar to Country – it’s still the best way to get into the industry.
What inspires you in your style choices?
That’s a tough one! Completely depends on my mood – sometimes some fantastic street style and show look gets stuck in my head, sometimes an old photo takes my fancy, and often it boils down to what’s clean and ironed…
If you could switch wardrobe with one person who would it be?
Michelle Harper – that woman owns more couture than I’ve had hot dinners. She always rocks up to events looking like an art installation.
What do you love about MV’s current collection?
It ticks a lot of the S/S fashion boxes for me: sports luxe, sugary pastels, hyper-real print.
Where should women get their style inspiration from?
I think it’s really important to develop their own sense of style and experiment. I’d rather see someone in a bad outfit than a dull outfit.
What are the three must have MV pieces for spring/summer?
Neutral Sporty Parka
Luisa Print Dress
Leather & Jersey Shell Top
Which woman has inspired you most in your career and life?
My mum and my grandmother – both strong and creative women in their own ways. And, for the same reasons Patti Smith. I’m a bit obsessed.
Why do you think fashion is a positive influence on women and in their lives?
At its best fashion is about individuality and self-expression – and fun.
What is that one piece in your wardrobe that makes you feel a million dollars?
My Mary Katrantzou dress. She’s an incredibly talented lady and we’re lucky enough have enlisted her as Contributing Editor at MyDaily. She gave me an eye-frazzling printed silk dress and it never fails to make me smile whenever I wear it.
If you’d like to add some inspiration to your wardrobe, enter the See it Tag it Love it competition on MyDaily’s Facebook page to win a £50 Mint Velvet voucher and more fashion and beauty prizes. Get tagging today!
Competition closes on 26th March 2012.