50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • NOVEMBER 2017 50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2017 50 LONGISLANDPRESS.CO M • SEPTEMBER 201-----------TUTU111
New Wave is Back This Fall
As a front row fixture at Fashion
Week in London, Milan, Paris
and here at home in New York,
Neiman Marcus’ Fashion Director
Ken Downing plays a pivotal role
in bringing the latest trends to the
streets of Long Island. We caught up
with him to talk about what makes
fashion different from town to town,
why women need biker’s jackets and
how confidence is the best accessory.
Long Island Press: What’s your
style philosophy?
Ken Downing: My style philosophy
has always been, and I imagine will
always be, confidence is far more
important than the clothes! When
you feel good, you look good, it’s
not about a designer, a label, a price
tag, it’s about the attitude in which
you wear clothes.
LIP: Some say “fashion” can be polarizing
– an extravagance for the
rich, the young and the thin – what
do you say to that?
KD: I say, fashion is inclusive and
uniting! Today what makes fashion
relevant is the celebration of the
individual, the great respect for
personal style. I have long been an
advocate of dressing for yourself,
finding and developing your personal
point of view.
There is no longer just one body
type, no longer just one color, one
height, one age, one style of hair,
one religion or one gender. Fashion
has embraced the importance
of diversity and the celebration of
individuality.
LIP: You talk to women of all ages
and sizes. What’s the one thing you
tell them about fashion?
KD: I am surrounded by women
from all walks of life, of every age,
size, every background. My message
is clear: love yourself, love your
body and love what you wear! It all
goes back to confidence. When you
feel good, you look good, you stand
taller, you walk with swagger and
there is always a sparkle in your
eyes and in your smile.
LIP: What is your universal truth
about fashion?
KD: My universal truth
about fashion is simple:
Dress for yourself, the world
should see you first, not
your clothes.
LIP: What are the top five
pieces we need right now?
KD: Five things I think a
woman should add to her
wardrobe right now:
A velvet bootie! Wear them
morning noon and night
with everything. Something
Covered in sequins! A skirt,
a top, a boot, a bag. A disco
inferno is inspiring every
designer, add some personality
with shimmer and
shine, day and night!
A biker jacket! Punk rock/
New Wave is all the rage, it will be
your go to for everything from your
favorite jeans to a ball gown.... and
yes, I said ball gown!
Fish net tights! Add an edge to your
favorite dress and skirts wearing
this ‘80s attitude covered leg. I am
obsessed!
Big, bold earrings! They’re better
than Botox and immediately take
off 10 years on everyone!
LIP: What hair and makeup trends
are a must for this fall?
KD: Beauty for the Fall/Winter
2017 seasons takes inspiration from
‘80s influences of MTV Divas!
Debbie Harry of Blondie, Madonna,
Pat Benatar, the powerful voices
and images that defined an era.
Start with a bold lip, eyes are dark
brooding and smoldering and, yes,
blush is back. Nothing says ‘80s like
contouring.
– As told to Joanna Austin
FASHION
And other fashion insights from industry giant Ken Downing
Ken Downing is an authority on what’s hot
Giuseppe Zanotti
Velvet Lace-Up Peep-Toe 105mm Bootie,
Black
$1,295.