Olivia Palermo, model, actor and blogger, talks to DEIRDRE MCQUILLANabout covering up and branching out during a
visit to Kildare Village

Describe what you’re wearing (on arrival at this photoshoot)

My jacket is from Reiss in New York – it’s the perfect transition piece for spring. The shirt is Belstaff, the black skinny jeans are from Cos in Germany and the scarf is Christian Dior. I always have a great pair of ballet flats; these in maroon velvet are from French Sole – it’s a better colour than black, I think, particularly in photographs. This is what I’d wear travelling.

And the jewellery?

I picked up this gold bracelet from an antique dealer in New York, and the watch, ring and earrings are vintage pieces from my mother. I like wearing my mother’s jewellery – she has an amazing sense of style.

What’s the key piece in your wardrobe?

A good blazer is very important and I always think there is something very sexy about a tailored jacket. I have a tailor in Hamburg who makes great jackets for me. I love colour and have jackets in different colours. I also have vintage Christian Dior and a Givenchy dinner jacket with velvet lapels on to which I pin art-deco clips.

How do you describe your style?

It is relatively classic and, although I am fashion-forward, I like to be covered up – a little uptight and buttoned up.

What are your style influences?

I look at old movies from the ’40s for inspiration. I dress for myself and think it is important to look polished. Italian men are always impeccably dressed. It is not acceptable to walk out of the house in sweatpants.

Is there anything you wouldn’t wear?

I don’t like wearing tank tops without a cardigan unless I’m on a beach. I won’t wear Crocs, Birkenstocks (especially with socks), jumpsuits or chokers.

What is your favourite look?

An oversize man’s cashmere sweater over little ballet pumps. Fashion is so accessible to everybody now and people are more interested – I hope a more covered-up look catches on. More designers and buyers are coming back to a ladylike look.

What are your favourite shops?

I try to shop on my travels, but also balance that with seeing museums and galleries. I might be in Tokyo checking out street fashion, and just to have a little something is a reminder of where I have been. I love 10 Corso Como in Milan and the Corner store in Berlin because the buyer has an incredible eye. I spend a lot of time in Berlin and Hamburg – Berlin is cool, but Hamburg is beautiful.

Are you a collector?

I collect vintage jewellery and that love came from my mother and aunt from an early age – they have an amazing archive of ’40s vintage pieces. You can find incredible pieces in antiques road shows in the US.

What magazines do you read?

I come from a magazine background, so I look at everything and anything because different markets have different looks all over the world and their magazines have very different layouts and approaches. I am a big supporter of British fashion and British Vogue is one of my favourite magazines.

Are you developing your blog?

My blog is a lifestyle blog with magazine features and can’t just be all fashion – I’d love to see it evolve into its own brand over the next five years.