Interview with Diamonds: Part One

This week I have such a wonderful interview to share with you all, with my friend Diamonds, or D. D has an enviable collection of clothing, accessories and jewelry and wears them all with an innate sense of grace and style. Her Hermes collection is out of this world – ranging from bags, to silks and cashmeres, and even luggage! D is a sweetheart to boot and was kind enough to share many of her photos with us, enough that this is a very gorgeous and photo packed two part interview (second to come tomorrow). Enjoy meeting Diamonds!

beautiful Diamonds

First things first – who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

Tough one as a first question! Let’s see. Well, at the moment I’m primarely a mother to our baby daughter whom was born last summer. I’m also active in a family business, and have had a couple of smaller companies during the last ten years. I’ve been mostly self-employed, to be exact. I’m also planning on joining a children’s charity foundation board.

We have four homes in Europe and lately we have been spending a lot of time in Scandinavia, which is a fantastic, safe place to bring up children.

You have such an amazing Hermes collection. When did you first start collecting the brand, and what got you into it? How old were you when you got your first piece?

Thank you! I got my first Hermès item, a scarf, around my 16th birthday but I didn’t think about it too much at the time. My mother had always used Hermès silks so I understood that they were somehow “better” than other scarves. But I was so young and I didn’t want to look like an “old lady,” so I just tucked the box away in my closet.

I became more interested in fashion and thus finally decided to acquire a Birkin bag at the age of 20. I bought an used 30cm gold Togo Birkin and ended up being extremely disappointed! I didn’t understand what made the bag so expensive as I found it small and rather unpractical when traveling. This all sounds a bit funny now. It would had been a big savings for my bank account if I would have just stuck to my initial instincts and not bought the bag!

After receiving a 35cm black Birkin a year later though, I was hooked. At that exact time I was getting tired of all of the “trendy bags” which were so hot in the beginning of this millennium. Hermès bags have a refined, timeless style and incomparable quality. Though, I must admit that I’m not so happy about the over exposure the Birkin bags gets these days – being carried by so many celebrities, fashionistas and so worth.

What have been some of your best buys and splurges that you’ve worn over and over again? 

My black 35cm Fjord Birkin has been a style staple for years. Even though I wear less black nowadays it’s still an elegant, classic bag. It’s price per wear is very low and the bag still looks almost brand new. A good buy!

35cm Lime epsom Birkin with brushed phw, Ash sneakers, J Brand jeans, lime swift Siprok clutch, Rose Tyrien Evelyne Azap wallet

What about clothes and shoes? What do you like to wear?

There are a few items of clothing in my wardrobe that I wear all the time; dark blue skinny J Brand jeans, good quality cashmere sweaters, comfortable tops and tees (from James Perse, Alexander Wang, Splendid and Repeat), pretty ballet flats, Isabel Marant and Ash sneakers, my Rick Owens leather jacket.. It would actually make my life rather simple if these were the only items in my closet! And my husband would be happier as he could get some closet space as well..

What about some items that you splurged on that in retrospect, weren’t worth the investment?

I’m sure I would be fine with less handbags! It’s a bit too expensive to collect so many bags…as many don’t get carried enough. My rule is at the moment not to buy any exotic leathers as they definitely don’t fit my lifestyle. I also regret buying designer t-shirts (Lanvin, Balmain, YSL, Louis Vuitton) as their price is ridiculous compared to what they’re used for. You can easily find alternatives from the high street.

I also don’t buy anymore some fancy tops which are almost impossible to clean. Not practical and because of it, they’ll hang in your closet. What else.. high heels that can’t be walked in. Stiletto Louboutins, Jimmy Choos, Gucci..they’re made for women with chauffeurs, but not for me. As a simple rule, I try not to buy clothes or accessories that don’t get worn.

On the left: 25cm Fuchsia chèvre Birkin phw, “Tigre Royal” cashmere / silk GM shawl, Filippa K capri pants

What are some of your other favorite brands that you love? How about some more high street/lower priced brands that you like to shop at?

I really like to buy from the high street. If your wardrobe essentials are good quality clothes, then you can buy the trends and new seasonal accents from labels like Zara, Diesel and Topshop. I have never found anything for myself from H&M, though I have friends whom look fantastic in their clothes. Apart from Hermès I try not to get attached into any other brands as designers and trends change so often but at the moment I like the casual and very different styles from Chinti & Parker, J Brand, Burberry, Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Peter Pilotto, The Row, Mulberry, Erdem and Oscar de la Renta. My style goes from very casual to cocktail which explains the variety of my favorite brands.

On the left, Fuschia Chevre 25cm Birkin, black J Brand jeans, Chloé flats, L’Wren Scott top and cardigan, “La Dance de Cheval Marwari” cashmere / silk GM shawl On the right: Marchesa Notte dress, Rouge Garance lizard Kelly pochette phw, “Bolduc au carré” cashmere / silk GM shawl

What’s a typical day look for you? How about a night?