6 QUESTIONS WITH CHARLOTTE
-
What is your role at Annie Officiel
-
I have been thinking about starting a fashion brand for a long time, once the concept had taken shape, I approached Sarah and we began to work through bringing Annie Officiel to life. I love the creative side of the business across product and brand image so as well as being Founder, I am also Creative Director.
-
-
How would you describe your personal style?
H
Classic, structure and timeless. I love a very clean and efficient wardrobe, with refined and good quality pieces. I almost only have very neutral colors as black, white and ivory, as you can’t go wrong with those colors and always looks sophisticated. I don’t really follow fashion trends, I like a classic style, adding investment pieces that can be worn time and time again which is the ethos of Annie Officiel.
H
H
What are your 3 favorites pieces in your wardrobe and why?
My Annie Officiel Martha Trouser: The fabric and the shape, makes it the perfect classic versatile tailored trouser. Being from France I travel back often to see my family and these trousers never fail me. Comfortable for the flight and the give a pulled together look – and they don’t crease!!
H
My Long Black Max Mara Coat that I have had for so many years -it’s perfect investment piece for winter, goes with everything, keep you warm and the cut is classic.
H
And, my black vintage velvet bustier. I always find a bustier so chic and a little sensual for the evening. And I do really have a thing for velvet. (Excited we have some in work for AO Chapter 6)
H
H
What do you have the most of/collect?
Black high waist tailored trousers. I’m obsessed with them, either for work day, evening, night out or weekend, this is my go-to.
Velvet, silk, wool, this is an essential to me. And, off-the-shoulder tops. Showing the collarbones - I just find it so feminine and elegant. I think this is a very refined part of women’s body to reveal. So, any tops as, off-the-shoulder top, bustier, one shoulders top: I have so many in different shapes and fabrics, from velvet to silk, or wool to linen.
H
H
Do you have any heirloom pieces or sentimental pieces?
H
One of my late Mom’s rings. There are 2 big stones next to each other on a silver ring. I wear it every single day, I can’t leave the house without it or I feel like a part of me is missing, this ring is the most precious thing to me. Also, a white cotton blouse with hand-embroidered beads on the neckline from India. Again, from my mom, this blouse is lightweight and so soft against the skin, I have always adored wearing it for a summer evening. And last, my vintage Classic Double Flap Black Chanel bag, this is the first designer bag I bought to myself when I arrived in London, it was my dream bag. This is my go-to, it’s the perfect size, and remind me of my French heritage.
H
H
What is your favorite AO piece and how you wear/style it?
H
The Grapelli top, that I love to wear with the Martha Trouser, Rosalind Trouser or Valentina skirt. I love this top so much, I love the fabric, the structure and the style. It is revealing without showing too much, it’s feminine but masculine at the same time. It’s flattering for the chest and just covers that bit of your bust/side arm that none of us like.
H
I tend to wear it braless but it can definitely be worn with a nice lace bra or a strapless bra with deep v. For a less suit vibe, perfect to wear with a high waist blue jean, a black blazer a more casual look. But I definitely like the full AO tailored look: Black trouser, black Blazer and heels with a very slick bun.