This week’s style diary guest is Maggie Norris, a fashion designer formerly with Ralph Lauren who is also fortunate to have once dressed the legendary Audrey Hepburn. Maggie Norris’s very distinctive personal style, as well as her company, Maggie Norris Couture, reflects her love of horses.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Maggie Norris: My style is very eclectic and reflects my equestrian past. Daily, I enjoy jodhpurs, riding jackets, and English riding boots with my Marlene Optique sunglasses. I am very fortunate to be able to wear my own couture and incorporate it with historical American-Indian antiques, such as my turquoise concho and military jackets.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Ms. Norris: I believe they would be caring, passionate, and open.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager?
Ms. Norris: I had my own horses growing up, so I always loved the equestrian style. If anything I have incorporated more antique jewelry and couture jackets, but I still stick to an equestrian look for my day-to-day style.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Ms. Norris: There was a Wyoming western pioneer event I attended with a cowboy hat. I even had on cowboy boots.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Norris: About the same, it doesn’t vary much.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without, and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Ms. Norris: My antique American-Indian concho turquoise belt, Marlene Optique sunglasses, and my engagement ring. My turquoise concho belt holds a special place in my heart, I put it on and instantly feel much more confident.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences? Who is your style icon?
Ms. Norris: Truman Capote’s swans including Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Lee Radziwill, C. Z. Guest, Gloria Guinness, and Marella Agnelli. Audrey Hepburn, as well, of course. One of my many blessings was the honor to have dressed Audrey Hepburn.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Norris: In three words: Style is timeless.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of? What would you pay a lot of money for, and what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Norris: I am most proud of the horses I owned. As for what I would pay a lot of money for, American-Indian jewelry is worth the investment. I would not, however, pay a lot of money for costume jewelry.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Ms. Norris: I want what I am wearing to make me feel stylish. Karl Lagerfeld has the ability to make every woman feel this way.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Ms. Norris: I think personal style is just that, personal. I would suggest to others to have one iconic piece and pair it with something very simple. Everyone needs their own style signature.
Maggie’s Favorites:
Favorite color: Mauve
Favorite perfume: Cristalle, by Chanel
Favorite restaurant in NY: Omen
Favorite drink: Southern lemonade
Favorite movie: ”Belle de Jour“ or ”Barry Lyndon“
Favorite book: “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
Favorite quote: “There will always be a longing for things that are Rare and Fine” –Maggie Norris
Sibylle’s Style Diary explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy!: A New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at S[email protected]
