Style Crush: Yasmin Sewell

Known internationally for her sharp eye and ability to spot future stars of fashion, Sewell has appeared on best-dressed lists worldwide.  Yasmin Sewell has been at the forefront of fashion since she moved to London from Australia at the age of 20.  

Yasmin's previous role was buying director of style institution Brown's of London but left there to start her own fashion consultancy business. “I loved what I had access to in Browns... It’s an incredible institution and the respect that people have in the industry for that store is like nothing else, but I love working for myself and I knew that I could do more.”

“I was nervous about getting it off the ground, but I had some savings... as soon as I put it out there, though, within about four weeks I was at full capacity. I took on a six-month contract with Australian brand Saba. And then there’s Liberty, which is a massive, massive one, because it’s a revitalisation of the entire store.”

Yasmin Sewell is one of those clever people that has always been in the right place at the right time. Yasmin tapped into her skills in fashion very early on and has gone on to use those skills and to become known for being one of the most switched on and consistent people in the Industry.

Born and bred in Australia, Yasmin has always harboured a love of fashion. “My first memory is my mum. Not in a ‘borrow Mummy’s Chanel handbag’ way – that wasn’t my life at all. She went through a stage of making her own clothes, and they were fabulous: pink strapless gowns, lots of shoulder pads...”

School played the kind of role educational institutions often do for creative souls – “I would say I was the strongest on dress-down day; I really went for it” – so Yasmin left, at the worldly age of 15. “I was offered a job in a small estate agency McGrath Partners – a young, dynamic under-30 crew working for a psychotically ambitious man [John McGrath]. I spent two or three years with him as his PA, and it was the best higher education I could have had. But when I got ambitious, I thought, ‘No, no, no – fashion, babes.’ Not corporate: don’t tie my hair back, don’t tell me to wear a suit. I wanted to work in a creative field, but a young girl from a corporate industry, people didn’t want to give me a chance.” ( - I can so relate to this attitude, I hated the idea of servitude to the suit and the conformity to that type of career ladder - H)

Yasmin and her good friend, designer Michelle Jank.

Even though they are undoubtedly in her wardrobe, Yasmin doesn't rely on big time accessories or designer pieces because she knows how to work her natural attributes - her amazing and brilliant smile and her always gorgeous hair!

Why comfort and confidence are key to Yamin's personal style:

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe?
My grey Christopher Kane cashmere biker cardigan. It always feels right - for work, out for dinner, or for travel.

What is your fallback outfit?
Slouchy jeans, a vibrant-coloured printed T-shirt and a double-breasted blazer.

What is your one piece of fashion or beauty advice?
Invest in a great haircut that reflects your personal style.

What has been your biggest fashion faux pas?
My cappuccino-coloured paisley printed tracksuit with matching hoody that I wear around the home. It looks like an old velour couch.

What aspect of fashion do you dislike?
Unethical, mass-produced stuff.

If you could steal anyone's wardrobe - past or present, fictional or real - whose would it be and why?
It would have to be Katharine Hepburn's wardrobe. I'd wear every single piece, none of it would go to waste.

Which part of your body would you like to change?
Longer legs and great posture would be very welcome

What makes your style idiosyncratic?
I suppose I'm really comfortable in what I wear, which translates as confidence. Others react more positively to me when I'm wearing clothes that I feel comfortable in rather than the killer, “just seen in Vogue” dress.

What are your five desert island staples?
An Eres bikini, Bio Oil, an Isabel Marant cover-up, tea tree toothpicks and a snorkel.

What is a day in the fashion life of Yasmin Sewell?
I wear clothes from Braus, a Brazilian label, to pilates. Then it's high-waisted trousers or jeans by Acne, T-shirts by Balenciaga or Josh Goot, blazers from APC, and ankle boots. I love to be boyish in the day and then wear a dress in the evening to switch my mood.

Sigh... Oh if only I had the access to the stores she has to shop in!  But the best news is that we all can take inspiration for Yasmin because it just takes a keen eye to find alternatives to Balenciaga,Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent - they're out there, I promise you!


Ciao for now,


Hx

P.S.  Happy 6th Birthday to my darling Chloe Finn, you make me so proud every single day, gorgeous girl! xx  
P.P.S Happy Birthday to my dear dear Man and Deb, I hope you have a wonderful day! xx




Sources: timesonline.co.uk, liberty.co.uk, grovemagazine.co.uk, thefashionspot, garance dorè, the Sartorialist, Vanessa Jackman.