Sabina Savage On Her Winter Wardrobe Heroes
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1 hour ago
The designer share her top style tips for the new season
Sabina Savage launched her brand of exquisitely hand-illustrated scarves and clothing in 2014 after studying couture in Paris – and now, she’s one of Britain’s must-watch luxury designers. Below, she shares her winter wardrobe rules, style heroes and tips and tricks for creating the perfect outfit.
Winter Style Rules With Sabina Savage
Daily uniform?
I walk my dog Little Gin through Hackney marshes every morning to reach my studio. This means flat shoes, like my trusty Church’s Binder Brogue boots bought for a steal secondhand, or my now more-than-tatty Miu Miu loafers. That’s about as practical as I get; I don’t own jeans or trainers. I often lean on block colours for a long studio day, but love to play with interesting layers, textures and accessories, like a heavy shoe with a delicate ankle sock and miniskirt, a fluffy mohair paired with a fine silk, or heavy quilting over a light layer such as a Simone Rocha sheer skirt. Our 42cm silk twill scarves are my daily go-to year round – a hint of printed silk at the neck can liven up any outfit.
Style crush?
I’m drawn to people with an unexpected style; an element of surprise in an outfit. I am lucky to travel for work, and I often gather ideas while people watching. Street style in Tokyo is particularly fascinating, and New Yorkers have a brilliantly varied aesthetic.
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Go-to pieces?
Winter is a wonderful time for clothes; it offers so many opportunities for styling and layering without the risk of overheating. I am a glutton for good knitwear, like a chunky jumper from Soft Goat knotted around the neck and paired with a silk headscarf. I love a simple structured or slouchy coat in a heavy wool or cashmere – almost always vintage (my favourite is a long, grey men’s wool dressing gown with a rope trim and tasselled tie at the waist), but Uma Wang’s Callie Coat in black mustard wool and mohair is also divine.
Country style aesthetic?
I grew up in rural Somerset, so my childhood and teenage years consisted almost exclusively of jodhpurs, riding boots and waxed jackets. I still visit whenever I can, and lean on the trusty navy Barbour I’ve had since I was 12. The traditional country aesthetic doesn’t quite fit my style, so I mix in a fistful of statement rings or a delicate tulle rollneck peeking from beneath a heavy Aran knit.
Night on the tiles?
This is an excuse to wear my more extravagant footwear – still flat, but usually embellished or wildly impractical, like my raw silk flats by Sleeper or trusty Alberta Ferretti mules. Then I’ll often tie a silk scarf as a top or a dress, experiment with fabrics like our new silk velvet dresses, and always add statement jewellery.
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Under-the-radar labels?
Having run my brand for 11 years, I have encountered many wonderful designers whose work I may not otherwise have discovered. There are several jewellery designers whom I consider to be some of the best in their field. To name a few: Ariana Boussard Reifel, Alighieri, Tessa Metcalfe, Castro Smith.
Timeless or trend-led pieces?
I don’t consciously consider either; I choose with my heart, not my head. The majority of what I buy is second hand, from eBay and Vinted, designer resale sites such as Vestiaire Collective, flea markets (Shepton Flea is a favourite, along with Chelsea Flea in New York), and vintage and thrift stores when I’m travelling.
Style cheats or hacks?
I am biased, but I truly believe a silk scarf is the ultimate hack, especially when travelling. Lightweight, beautiful and versatile, they can transform the most mundane look or can become the look itself. They keep you warm or the sun off your shoulders. The print you choose can hold a personal meaning, and if you choose wisely, just one scarf can offer a universe of options.
