I’ve known Anastasia for a long long time! Actually the first time I photographed her was 15 years ago in Milano. Since then we’ve been friends or, really, more like professional acquaintances. I’ve always admired her style, elegance and demure charm. I love her way of putting together looks that is all her own and not just a copy of what’s on the runaways. Since last summer we’ve spent a lot of time together and I can’t think of anyone better to work with on this new project than Anastasia! I think it will be a lot of fun sharing our opinions on fashion and seeing which things we both love and which things we don’t! (there’s a whole story about coming up about our diametrically opposed views on fringe!)
Of course she had to be the first Style Profile which is a great way to get to know her and give you a little insight to her style inspirations!
Scott
Favorite Brands:
I like to mix signature old Prada and Dries Van Noten garments, ARKET and Uniqlo menswear basics, Massimo Dutti shoes, and Chimi sunglasses. These are my staples. Prints don’t really work well on me, but I’m deeply fascinated by the mix of textures and shades. I adore all the tonal collections from Dries with strong tailoring but avoid the clashing printed ones. The same goes for Prada. My favorites are from the late '90s up to the mid-2010s, when all the possible layers of different materials and colors were combined into bold statements by Katie Grand's unforgettable styling.
Favorite Online Shops:
Vinted and Vestiaire Collective. To me, they’re better than social networks for research and inspiration. I used to buy a lot on The Real Real and eBay when I first discovered what I call “preloved treasures,” but since moving to Milano, I’ve fallen in love with local resale platforms. (And, well, I won’t deny that the shipping costs and taxes from the US and UK to Italy are_very_painful )
Favorite New Bag:
A burgundy Bally shoulder bag from men’s department that doesn’t seem big but fits all my essentials — even a MacBook. Here is the same one in black.
Favorite New Shoes:
Prada men’s shoe from the SS2022 collection with floral details, and most importantly, in my size!
Here’s the backstory: last year, I found myself enamored with a pair of Prada floral-appliqué kitten heels. Yes, those famous ones. Everything about them whispered perfect indulgence. Except that they were a bit too pricey and unnecessary for a single mum who had just relocated to a new country with her whole family. And, let’s be honest, they were everywhere.
After much internal debate, practicality won out, and I ended up choosing these stunningly beautiful men’s Prada shoes from the from an earlier SS2022 collection.
I discovered them on Vestiaire Collective, and they felt so perfectly suited to my lifestyle that I couldn’t resist — even if it meant buying a pair two sizes too big!
Yes, I had to wear them with socks and additional insoles, endured a bit of discomfort, but still felt pretty delighted.
Fast forward to this fall: I finally scored the same pair of men’s lace-ups in my size on the same Vestiaire Collective! I let go of last year’s oversized pair, and now I couldn’t be happier to have my favorite shoes in the perfect fit.
Favorite New Jewelry:
An Elsa Peretti bone cuff in silver — the most cherished birthday present. And since I’m definitely a jewelry person, I have to mention a bamboo necklace from Gucci that I found on resale. It’s not actually a necklace; it was originally a replacement handle for a bag, but I wear it as one. I wore it all summer, swam in pools and the sea with it, and plan to keep wearing it next summer too!
Favorite Scent:
Dior Eau Noire eau de toilette. I like consistency with my fragrances. For 11 years, I used Margiela's Untitled, but this past year brought so many changes to my life that I felt it was time to switch. Dior's Eau Noire is amazing! And since it’s a bit sweet, I like mixing it with fresher scents, like Erémia and Hwyl from Aesop.
Favorite New Clothes:
A Marchesi forest-green uniform jacket made specifically for them by Prada, which I found on Vinted. I love having my coffee at the original Marchesi café on Via Magenta in Milano, love the idea of uniforms, and adore the green color — what could be better?
Favorite New Restaurant:
Currently, I’m on the hunt for a great Mexican restaurant in Milan. Any tips are welcome!
Favorite Bar:
A glass of white wine at home — sorry, not sorry.
Favorite Book:
A 700-page book about Prada by Michael Rock. It inspired me to start collecting vintage Prada treasures back in 2010. For me, it’s the most important book about the beauty of the creative process behind collections.
And I'm absolutely in love with the new biography Carla Sozzani. Life. Art. Fashion. It's a stunning portrayal of the lives of the Sozzani sisters, both in words and visuals. I've only read half of it so far, but it's impossible to put down!
Favorite Instagram Account:
Alexander Fury @alexanderfury . His account is like a dream come true for a boy from a small town who made it into the fashion world. He combines incredible knowledge with a great sense of humor and hasn’t lost his reverence for fashion after all these years in the industry.
Favorite Runway Look for This Fall:
I like how Louise Trotter is transforming Carven. The subtle details, like an open collar on the back or the unexpected choice of materials, are incredible. I’m also very into mix of pastel and deep muted colors for fall/winter. So maybe this look from Carven: Carven Fall 2024 Look 36, and this one from Bottega Veneta: Bottega Veneta Fall 2024 Look 3 are some of my favorites.
P.S. Funny that I chose them well before the recent news about creative directors’ appointments. So maybe next season, one of my favorite looks will be from Chanel?
Shopping Regret:
I don’t really regret anything I’ve ever bought. If I feel disconnected from an item and don’t see wearing it in near future, I resell it without hesitation. However, I do regret missing out on some garments — like the Prada argyle sweater from the men’s FW 2017 collection. Oh that’s my Roman Empire!
Favorite Magazine:
I used to devour Industrie magazine and still can’t part with any of the issues I own. I’m really sad that it’s no longer being published. I also love reading fashion insiders interviews in System and L’Etiquette, even if I have to use a translator for the latter since it’s in French.
Most Stylish Film:
For me, it’s Death Becomes Her with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. I remember how the styling blew me away when I saw it as a kid, especially Isabella Rossellini’s outfits. If you know, you know! 😉
And also The English Patient. Every single look worn by Kristin Scott Thomas is breathtaking. You cry not just because of the drama, but because of the sheer beauty
Loving your substack and in-depth content like this!
I love Anastasia’s shout out to Fury’s Instagram. I just stumbled upon his account yesterday and it’s fabulous!