Most stylish New Yorkers 2013: Eloïse Simonet
The designer and Ale et Ange co-owner loves mixing vintage pieces with discounted name-brand threads.
RECOMMENDED: Most stylish New Yorkers
Eloïse Simonet, 33; Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; designer and co-owner of Ale et Ange(40 Rivington St between Eldridge and Forsyth Sts; 212-228-9865, aleetange.com)
Her personal style: “A stylist friend describes me as effortless, timeless and minimalist. I like my clothing to have clean lines, no bells and whistles. I play with prints and colors but keep the shapes simple.”
Her style inspirations: “My parents inspire me. My mom is from France and was a film editor in Paris throughout the 1970s. I inherited her taste, style and love for the arts. At present, her style is yoga-Zen. She is Buddhist and teaches yoga in Negril. My father is Jamaican. He loves denim, linen, breezy cottons and camouflage. I have hundreds of family Polaroids from the ’80s and ’90s that serve as a source of inspiration.”
About her store: “The mood is warm, honest and very personal. The [menswear and accessories] provoke thought, conversation and emotion in a manner not dissimilar to those of a painting or sculpture. No mass production here; every item is handmade and unique. Collectors of Ale et Ange have dubbed the pieces ‘wearable art.’ ”
Favorite stores: “Only Hearts(230 Mott St betwen Prince and Spring Sts; 212-431-3694, onlyhearts.com) has lovely lace-trim bras, and I love their sample sales. I often find [designer resale] treasures at Ina(locations throughout the city; visit inanyc.com). Resurrection(217 Mott St between Prince and Spring Sts; 212-625-1374, resurrectionvintage.com) has amazing vintage. My mom introduced me to Me & Ro(241 Elizabeth St between E Houston and Prince Sts; 917-237-9215, meandrojewelry.com). I like jewelry to be small and meaningful, and they seem to have mastered that.”
How her profession influences her style: “We make clothes that we want to be wearing and are fortunate to be able to make a living selling them. So, essentially, selling style is my profession.”
Her New York style icon: “I met Betsey Johnson through my mom when I was around 12. She gave me an unforgettable rainbow swimsuit that I wish I still had. Later, I was fortunate enough to attend a few of her shows. She’s just incredible.”
How her style has evolved: “My skirts have gotten a bit longer. I don’t show as much skin. As I grew up, I learned that it’s better to leave a little to the imagination.”
Favorite salon: “I cut and style my own hair. I once got a haircut at Devachan (560 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts; 212-274-8686, devachansalon.com). The technique was so simple that I started doing it myself.”
Follow Elizabeth Denton on Twitter: @elizabethann1
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