This week’s style diary guest is the lively Jane Scher. Jane Scher RN BSN is one of the cosmetic nurses of New York who takes so much pride in making her patients feeling and look their best. In her free time, she is well known in the society scene and attends numerous functions in the city. She is sharing with us her perspective on style.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Jane Scher: Minimal glamorous! I love wearing black because it is so versatile and elegant. I love the unpredictable and wear my black fur with jeans, then throw on the diamonds or my over-sized black pearls and hop in a taxi. I am a city girl.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Ms. Scher: Happy, workaholic, and a best friend.
Ms. Eschapasse: How has your style evolved since you were a teenager?
Ms. Scher: We all have those embarrassing ‘80s pictures we love to laugh at. I learned by experimenting with the style of the times. As one matures they become wiser and know themselves better, so their style evolves.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you have ever worn?
Ms. Scher: I used to be a rap artist and deep house performer so when I opened up for K-7, I wore patent leather chaps with a G-string. I was “bootylicious” way ahead of time!!
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Scher: I like to look great seven days a week. The only time I wear my sporty pieces are to go to Equinox, which is just next door.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without?
Ms. Scher: My multilayered diamond ring by Cartier, my chunky Tahitian black pearl necklace by Mikimoto, and my black patent leather Louboutins.
Ms. Eschapasse: What’s one item that makes you feel instantly more confident?
Ms. Scher: Grenada red lipstick by Chanel always makes me feel fabulous! I think of it as being like a light switch; it turns me on!
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences?
Ms. Scher: I have some favorite young designers but would say that Valentino, Dior, and Alaïa are always there for me. Alaïa used to work at Dior, so it makes sense I love him so much.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who is your style icon?
Ms. Scher: Katherine Hepburn, Jane Birkin and Michelle Obama.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Scher: Great style is never overdone. It’s about someone remembering your essence, not your clutch. My style signature is to always wear a sheer piece because it adds a new dimension, playfulness, and elegance to the look.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the one purchase that you are most proud of?
Ms. Scher: My Azzedine Alaïa dress. The tailoring is perfection and everyone always looks beautiful in anything Alaïa.
Ms. Eschapasse: And what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Scher: I don’t believe any haircut is ever worth $500. I would much rather donate it to the charity of my choice. I believe in reasonable pricing and that everything has a set value.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel?
Ms. Scher: Confident and strong with a touch of subtlety. This always comes with a great smile.
Ms. Eschapasse: Which designers can help you achieve that?
Ms. Scher: Alaïa will give every woman a great body. An Alaïa dress is the best investment a woman can make for her closet/wardrobe.
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. Scher: For your closet, less is more. Or the French way: it’s better to have a couple of beautiful, high quality pieces than many cheaply made ones that you will never wear. Understand your body type and what accentuates your best features. A great piece does not just look good on the runway; it must look good on you. Flaunt your best assets proudly. For perfume, chose a special scent, don’t go for the popular big brands and don’t forget to spray your wrists.
Jane’s Favorites
Favorite color: Black
Favorite perfume: Bond #9’s Astor Place
Favorite restaurant in NY: Daniel
Favorite drink: Sensea
Favorite movie: “Midnight in Paris” directed by Woody Allen. Owen Wilson is a friend of mine, so I may be biased!
Favorite book: “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
Favorite quote: “Basically, I no longer work for anything but the sensation I have while working.” - Albert Giacometti (sculptor)·
Favorite artists: Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Richard Prince, Keith Haring. My daughter is married to David Mugrabi, so we are an art loving family and we have been collecting art for many decades.
Sibylle Eschapasse is originally from Paris and now lives in New York. She contributes to various publications, in addition to working for the United Nations, and is the author of the children’s book “Argy Boy!: A New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
