As one of the original “Cool Britannia” supermodels who emerged at the end of the 90s, alongside Erin O’ Connor, Liberty Ross, Jasmine Guiness, Stella Tennant and Karen Elson, Jade Parfitt (35) remains one of the most recognisable faces -and bodies- of British fashion. Sought after by designers for her classical blonde beauty and very long legs (she’s 6 feet 1), she’s walked shows for Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermès and Alexander McQueen -amongst others- and appeared as the bride in Jean Paul Gaultier’s shows three times. Jade’s career also includes campaigns for Moschino, Givenchy and Clinique (as the face of perfume Happy) and posing for top photographers Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, including on the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Nowadays, she divides her time between modelling, TV presenting, charity work and looking after her six-year old son Jackson, who lives with her in West London. Here, the ultimate leggy blonde and yummy mummy talks to Chic-Londres about her personal style.
When did you discover fashion and how important is it to you? I used to be a real tomboy growing up so wasn’t that interested in fashion until I started modelling aged 15- before then I wanted a pony, not clothes! But as I did my first shows, I started enjoying the process of getting dressed up: when you’re wearing really beautiful clothes, you start noticing how different they make you feel and how they can positively alter your attitude.
How would you describe your style and how much has it evolved over the years? I would say my style is both relaxed and changeable, as I am equally happy to wear tracksuit pants at home and designers clothes when out. Also I’m braver with my choices now that I’m in my 30s- I was quite conservative and shy when I was younger, but I find myself having much more fun with clothes today.
How closely do you follow trends? The key for me is to find a few good statement pieces each season in order to update my existing wardrobe but without following trends too closely. Because who has the time and money to get a new wardrobe every six months anyway? I certainly don’t…
Have you ever had a fashion disaster? I wasn’t that cool when I first started modelling- I just didn’t know how to put an outfit together. I remember wearing this little kilt which I thought was very cute, but looking back now I realise it wasn’t that cute at all! Also, as a teenager I found it very difficult to find girls’ trousers that fit me, as there weren’t that many brands designing for very tall women at the time. As a result, I had to wear men’s jeans, which looked terribly baggy on me and not at all flattering!
How do you dress at home, at work and at parties? At home, I go for something comfortable, like a pair of jeans and a cachemere sweater. For work, I like sweater dresses, because they’re cosy and versatile- I can do the school run in them and then go to a meeting by dressing them up with nice boots and a good coat. When I go out, I like to have fun with what I’m wearing. One of my favourite pieces at the moment is a gorgeous Giles Deacon’s dress which is quite fitted and short with a bold print. I also love to wear a wonderful tea dress which I got in a vintage shop in New York years ago- I remember going to a fitting with Christian Lacroix wearing it and him doing a sketch of it as he liked it so much- I don’t think anything ever came of it but I felt quite honoured at the time!
What is your definition of style and what makes a person stand out? Confidence and light heartedness are stylish… I recently saw a girl at a party whom I thought was very beautiful and stylish, not so much because of what she was wearng but because of her whole attitude: she knew she was attractive and looked like she was having fun, and that made her really stand out.
Do you have a fashion icon? I don’t really have an icon in the sense that I’d like to emulate a particular person in the way I dress, but I’ve always found Debbie Harry incredibly stylish. I remember once seeing her wearing this tracksuit on with jewellery which was a bit strange but she just looked incredibly hot! Once again, it all comes back to confidence…
Who are your favourite designers? This is a really hard one as there are so many of them… I would say my favourite British designer at the moment is Christopher Kane, because he is so clever and such a sweet man- I went to his 30th birthday party last year, and remember feeling really unproductive in comparison, as he has already achieved so much despite his young age. I also find Jean-Paul Gaultier extraordinary because he can cut a dress as nobody else can…
Which are your favourite high street brands? I’m really into Uniqlo at the moment, because their jeans really fit me. I also love Topshop and always find some nice pieces at Cos.
Do you have any style tips that you can share? I find good accessories are really important- I don’t have much jewellery but the few pieces I have are really lovely and I wear them all the time. Most of all, it’s important to find a few key looks that work for you and then just add to them without being too concerned about current trends. people get really worried about fashion, but they shouldn’t…
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