This week’s Style Diary is about Harriette Rose Katz, the leading Manhattan wedding and event planner who has more than 35 years of experience. She has curated some of the most lavish and gorgeous events in New York has even been inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame and the International Special Events Society’s Hall of Legends. She is sharing with us her perspective on style in this week’s Style Diary.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Harriette Rose Katz: Classic elegance. I like neutral colors, or black, which I pair with bold jewelry. I always like to add a finishing touch or a nice jacket or scarf to pull the look together.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager?
Ms. Katz: Once a city girl, always a city girl! I have always liked to look “put together,” even when I was a teenager, I wanted my hair, face and outfit to be “done.”
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Ms. Katz: Strong, charismatic, and timeless.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Ms. Katz: I don’t dress differently! I like to be comfortable but elegant whether it’s a Monday morning or a Saturday afternoon. In my business, events are often held on weekends, so I could be working Monday through to Sunday. I don’t remember the last time I stepped out of the house without a touch of lipstick and a pair of earrings… and that includes on vacation!
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Ms. Katz: Hot pants!
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without?
Ms. Katz: Sunglasses, earrings, and a gorgeous bracelet.
Ms. Eschapasse: What’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Ms. Katz: Fake eyelashes.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who is your style icon?
Ms. Katz: My mother. She would always wear gorgeous matching outfits, beautiful shoes and beautiful bags. I remember her saying you should always look your best as you never know who you'll run into.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of?
Ms. Katz: Beyond my homes, I adore my collection of brooches and bracelets. Collecting them is a hobby of mine.
Ms. Eschapasse: And what would you never pay much money for?
Ms. Katz: Stockings and hairspray. Stockings will always run, and hairspray does the job, no matter what.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel?
Ms. Katz: Like a star! I want to feel perfectly put together and not have to worry about anything I am wearing so that I can enjoy the evening.
Ms. Eschapasse: Which designers can achieve that?
Ms. Katz: Oscar de la Renta, Armani, Valentino.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences?
Ms. Katz: Coco Chanel.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Ms. Katz: Style is how a person carries themselves and the image they project to the world.
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. Katz: Trust your instincts. If something is reflective of you, it will look good. Be confident and project that confidence to the world.
Harriette’s Favorites
Favorite color: Hot pink
Favorite perfume: Chanel No. 5
Favorite restaurant in NY: Vaucluse
Favorite drink: Negroni
Favorite movie: “Pretty Woman”
Favorite book: “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand
Favorite quote: Follow your heart.
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that 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 [email protected]
