Luna de Casanova x Marie Claire Italia

Do you see yourself as a muse? Who have been, or are your muses, today?

No, absolutely not. I would be a terrible muse. Just because I liked x in the morning doesn’t mean that I won’t hate x in the afternoon. I change my mind constantly and would drive any designer mad. I do admire strong individuals who lead by example, but I don’t really have any living muses. Whenever I decide that somebody might qualify, they immediately say or do something that disappoints.  So, to the extent that I have any muses, fashion muses, they are all dead! 

How do you define your style?

I don’t. Mainly because my style is always evolving and I feel that if I tried to describe it or name it, I would start to worry about what I wore and whether it was ‘my style’. What I wear today is very different to what I wore five years ago, and I hope that in five years’ time, it will be different again. I don’t want to be pinned down or ‘defined’.

What makes you think that a woman has style?

I think style reflects personality. Money is a very poor arbiter of style. I see women who spend fortunes on clothes and can’t get a table at a restaurant while other women can wear their son’s school tracksuit and get a front row seat at any fashion show. It’s not just the clothes – it’s how you wear them, how you behave and how you carry yourself.

What is your beauty secret?

Sleep, fresh air, exercise, disciplined eating and almost no alcohol. I didn’t say it was easy! I exercise almost every day, alternating between circuit training and yoga. I take my dogs to the park rain, hail, or shine. And if I go out, I typically drink water and watch what I eat. I don’t eat red meat, sticking to chicken, fish and salads.

How many dresses, shoes, or bags do you have? Do you have a figure that you can reveal?

I have no idea and I would never count them. I’ve been very lucky and have been able to buy the clothes that I want. Not everybody is so lucky. I am amazed that people post photographs of their wardrobes and handbag collections. I think it is insensitive and vulgar.

A look, a dress, an accessory, or a material you never thought you would wear?

I have become better at buying over the years and rarely purchase something that I will never wear. However, I often buy pieces I like without a clear idea of how I will wear them or what I will wear them with. Sometimes it can take years to find the correct combination, but that is part of the fun and it is always a delight when you succeed. 

What are your musts for Autumn/Winter?

Powerful knitwear pieces, particularly in white. I am also crazy about red. I loved the shade of red which Stephane Rolland used in his opening looks. I also like big prints such as the ones Jean Paul Gaultier had in his show. I like over-sized belts and velvet. Maybe velvet is not the most practical material ever devised but, properly cut, it can look great and can carry strong colours.

Which is better – a dress or a piece of jewellery?

Ethically, practically or philosophically? Unless I was turning down the Crown Jewels, I would opt for the dress. There are many beautiful pieces of jewellery in the world, but I would prefer to be remembered as the woman in the stunning dress as opposed to the woman with 50 carats around her neck.

Haute Couture is a dream, but for those not privileged to have access to it, any advice?

Yes. As my great friend, Alberto Rizzoli, used to say: ‘The world is full of beautiful things.’ Don’t buy clothes just because you saw them on a film star or an influencer or because they come from an expensive brand. Buy what suits you and what you feel comfortable wearing. Everything becomes easier when you follow your heart and buy what you love. Style isn’t a brand – it’s a personality. 

What do you think of vintage fashion? Have you ever bought fashion in an auction? Did you buy anything from Catherine Deneuve’s auction?

I love vintage pieces and have bought a few over the years. I didn’t buy at the Catherine Deneuve auction. I love Catherine Deneuve but any vintage pieces I buy are because I love the design. I never buy any piece on the basis of its provenance. 

The sentence you repeat the most? The word you repeat the most?

I try never to repeat myself. I’m told that repeating simple messages is the key to effective communication, but I hate listening to anything twice, especially if it’s me talking.

There is one word that I use a lot in English/Italian/Spanish/French but it’s not very polite. However, it is often helpful in ensuring effective communication.

What is your favourite perfume?

If you are lucky enough to find a special perfume that works for you, never, ever, tell anybody the name. It doesn’t matter if they threaten you, tell them anything that comes into your head: just don’t tell them the name of your favourite perfume. 

Music for September?

[Schubert piano sonatas – three piano pieces, D946]

When you post/meet someone what would you like to be remembered for?

Irreverence and being fun.

If you did not have your current means, what is something you would never give up?

My dogs, Bertie and George. They would never give up on me and I would never give them up.