This week has seen a whole host of Hollywood names grace the Couture Fashion Week front rows. This includes British star Naomie Harris who attended the Armani Privé show on Tuesday evening wearing an excellent green suit, where she proved that metallics are definitely not just for Christmas.
The actress – who is often praised for for her red-carpet style – describes her taste as a mix between classic and modern, which is why she is the perfect partner for Armani.
We had the chance to catch up with Harris as she was getting ready for the show. See what she had to say about her personal style evolution, why she’s dressing for herself these days and her most memorable fashion moment of all time.
Please talk us through your look – what drew you to this particular outfit?
“I absolutely love colour, so I was drawn to this outfit because of its shimmery green shade. It’s a tailored suit and bandeau top which is a perfect mixture of classic and modern and that is basically my style summed up in an outfit.”
How do you decide which brands you want to work with?
“The decision about which brands to work with is all about value alignment. I always think authentic partnerships have greater longevity than those that are forced. I’m super grateful to have had a relationship with this brand since 2016 when Mr Armani designed the dress I wore when I was nominated for a Golden Globe.”
What makes Armani such a great fit for you and your personal style?
“Armani is the perfect fit for me because at heart I would describe my style as classic leaning, but I also love to funk things up by adding a bit of modernity, and the Armani brand is the epitome of sophisticated elegance. I really believe the reason the brand has endured and remained hugely popular is as a result of its ability to maintain its classic roots while adding modern twists.”
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
“I’m hugely involved in the styling process. Ultimately, I’m the person that needs to wear the outfit, so it has to be a true reflection of my taste, what makes me feel comfortable, and how I see my personal style.”
What kind of fashion makes you feel your most confident?
“Fashion that reflects my personal style as well as being comfortable and easy to wear makes me feel confident. I usually shy away from anything too tight or revealing or awkward to wear. My personality is pretty easygoing so what I wear needs to be in alignment with that. I’m not here for fuss!”
How has your style evolved over the years?
“Over the years I’ve become a lot bolder in my fashion choices and a lot more strident about what I do and don’t like. In the past I would have worn clothes to make my stylist or manager happy, now I only consider how I feel in the clothes. If I’m happy with the look, then even if everyone else hates it, I’m wearing it!”
What has been your most memorable fashion moment in recent years and why?
“A few months ago I wore an Azzi and Osta purple dress with leather ruffle and thigh high slit that was a great fashion moment for me. Interestingly, it was a back-up look that I had, as the zip broke on the dress I intended to wear. I loved it as it made me look confident, powerful and sexy – all at the same time.”
Whose style have you always admired and why?
“I’ve always admired Zendaya’s style. I love the way she’s so experimental and playful while still perfectly combining my main two passions – looks that embody classic and modernity.”
What is your ideal getting-ready set-up?
“As few people as possible! Lots of actors like to have an army of people around them when they are getting ready. I actually love when I have braids so that I can just have my make-up artist. I sadly have never learnt how to do my own make-up. I also love silence while I’m getting ready. I know some people like loud music pounding, but I want the environment to be as calm and tranquil as possible.”
When do you feel most beautiful?
“When I’m sunkissed on holiday, not a scrap of make-up on, barefoot and in a floaty summer dress. I love the feeling of just being fully myself and free of adornments – that makes me feel my most beautiful.”
Fashion has a reputation for being frivolous, but why does what we wear matter?
“Like most things, fashion can be frivolous, serious or powerful, depending on who is involved and what they are trying to achieve. I firmly believe fashion can do much more to increase its sustainability credentials. But the art of dressing, styling and adorning your body as a human is as old as humanity itself. It’s a way of showcasing identity, expressing creativity, and projecting your imagination onto the world. Nothing could be less frivolous than that.”
Photography by Rosaline Shahnavaz.