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“Sometimes bad taste is kind of exciting,” says forever “It” girl Alexa Chung over Zoom. “If everyone has good taste, you need something that’s a fly in the ointment to make it make sense.” Chung adds that bad taste “is thrilling because it’s dangerous and punk to do something that’s out of the order.”
Who is on her mood board, however, varies. In the same breath, she cites Lauren Hutton, Jane Birkin, Penelope Tree, and the films Kramer vs. Kramer and Love Story. She also dresses for the weather in the U.K.: “You have to be practical if it’s raining.” Fair.
To maintain her signature style, she frequents vintage markets wherever she is and shops all over, from Net-a-Porter to Ssense and Madewell. Below, see where Chung got the pieces that made it into her curated wardrobe and home.
Where did you get your favorite item to layer?
A Comme Si button-down shirt is a practical solution because it’s so cold in the U.K. I have to layer; otherwise, I’ll die of hypothermia. My blue Comme Si shirt, I put it between everything, and it’s very much the cheese of my sandwich. Maybe a striped long-sleeve top underneath it or a knitted tank top. I’ve put it between a T-shirt and a blazer or underneath a leather biker jacket; it serves a multitude of purposes, and it’s genuinely my favorite.
Where did you get your favorite piece of clothing?
This western shirt from my collab with Madewell. I’m a big fan of Rita Hayworth in Gilda, and when I remember that movie, even though it isn’t true, in my mind there’s a scene in which she’s dressed as a cowgirl, but I’m conflating internet images. We made a denim version, then I was interested in making a sexy nighttime version of the cowboy shirt. It’s got a bit of Gram Parsons in it, a bit of Dolly Parton, a country and/or lead-singer quality. I’d wear it with black jeans or black tailored trousers.
Where did you get what’s on your nightstand?
My ’60s-style lamp is from Artemide. I just moved in and just renovated, so I haven’t yet got a realistic nightstand. Usually, I have a load of cluttered nonsense on there. I’m also not a health-conscious sleeper with air plugs or aromatherapy tools. I love my ’60s lamp because I have an affection for antique things. My house is from the 1800s and to counter how grandma it can get in here, I wanted a lamp that was more ’60s, slick, sexy, and modern. The light it casts is quite low and soporific and not too much. I’ve been reading The Remains of the Day and I’m really sad that it’s ending because I’ve really enjoyed reading it.
Where did you get your signature scent?
Régime des Fleurs. It’s a fragrance made in collaboration with my friend Christopher Niquet. It’s called Rock River Melody and it’s named after his pony from when he was a kid, which is a really extra name to give a horse. It sort of smells like leather, but it’s also feminine and warm. It has a summer vibe to it but not too floral and pretty.
What’s the last thing you bought?
A dress from Christopher Kane. I bought it at his sample sale on my birthday. He is one of my favorite designers. I’ve always wanted this dress that he made; it has imagery from that book The Joy of Sex in it, which is like a ’60s picture book on how to fuck. It has a marabou-feather pink hemline and it’s gorgeous. It’s a bit big, but I’m going to keep it almost like a museum piece because I love it so much.
Where do you get your favorite gifts to give?
Santa Maria Novella, which is great for really beautiful bath things or a gorgeous hand cream, a luxurious treat. I think presents should be practical but luxurious or something that shows you know someone. It was my friend’s birthday the other day and I got her a Japanese knife because she is someone who’s quite successful, lovely, and has great taste. It was hard to think of something she might enjoy, but this was practical and luxurious.
Where did you get your artwork from?
My friend Valentine Fillol-Cordier. She’s an amazing artist and I’ve known her since I was a teenager. I went to her house for her birthday recently and asked to buy her artworks. To me it looks like a man screaming, which doesn’t sound relaxing but I like the emotion coming out of that oil picture. I love that it’s on its side 45 degrees off; that’s how she hung it in her house.
Where did you get the inanimate object that brings you the most joy?
My Roberts Radio. I have always had it on BBC Radio 4, which is my favorite background sound. It starts in the morning with the news, then it has “Woman’s Hour” in Britain with topical conversations. It always has interesting guests; there’s even a show about gardening. It’s very relaxing and informative. It’s nice to hear people say intelligent things in the background as I walk around the house doing dumb things.
Where did you get your plates, forks, and cups from?
I got my plates from Carolina Irving and Daughters. My family got them for me for my 40th birthday. I’m not very good at cooking, but I like having people over for dinner and I really like laying the table and making it look pretty. The plate on top I got in Japan on a trip a few years ago. I only bought one, and I don’t know why, but since then I can’t find where it’s from.
Where did you get the item that gets complimented the most?
My Simone Rocha Crocs. People in general don’t compliment on my clothes. I feel like I’m always walking around dishing out compliments to people. That said, it turns out everyone is a magpie and if you bedazzle your Crocs with pearls and jewels, they will notice. Grandmas, dogs, men, children, and other women always ask me where they’re from.
Where did you get the item you wear the most?
My Elvis dress is from my friend designer Ashley Williams. She’s really talented and amazing. This is from one of her first collections; I’ve had it for years. It’s an unlikely hero wardrobe item. I grab it whenever I don’t know what to wear because it is pretty out there. It’s a semi cocktail dress and daytime if you wear it with a flat shoe. It’s my dream versatile item that saves me when I’m in trouble. It looks cool; it feels great. It’s a shift dress so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re feeling weird in your body that day.
