One of the biggest draws of fashion week isn't just the epic catwalk shows, it's the eclectic mix of satorial inspiration you can get from street style.
Photographer Vanessa Jackman is no stranger to this, afterall she's been shooting street style for over seven years, but despite her keen eye and expertise she tells me that she still gets nervous before each fashion month.
What we want to know from Vanessa when we chat to her, is exactly what it takes to catch her attention be street-styled. Like, who nails it every season? How important is jewellery? And how can someone stand out?
We chatted with her to find out...
Jewellery is used a lot to accessorise during fashion week.
'For me it is like having vases of flowers or foliage throughout the home – it “completes” and personalises. Just as a huge bunch of billowy peonies can transform a coffee table, a pair of statement earrings, a row of ear studs or a stack of pretty rings can really bring an outfit alive.
'From really bold, statement pieces to a subtle pair of hoops, a rose gold watch or simple layered chain necklaces, I think most people I photograph at fashion month are wearing some kind of jewellery to accessorise their outfit.
'Also, in these times when social media plays such a large part in the fashion world, and certain “trend” items of clothing appear repeatedly across multiple streams, jewellery is the perfect way to individualise and make an outfit personal.'
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Jewellery can be a way of expressing yourself.
'I think jewellery is very personal and, like outfit choices, an expression of personality. However the most introverted person might have the wildest, boldest collection of beautiful jewellery or conversely an extrovert might only wear head to toe black and accessorise with a simple white gold ring. I definitely don’t think you can categorise...'
Big jewellery isn't necessarily better.
'I don’t believe jewellery has to be outlandish to make an impact – if you love statement pieces, then absolutely go for it (and wear with confidence!), but just don’t feel like that is the only option. Sometimes the most delicate of pieces can make just as much of an impact as something more over the top.
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Stacking is always a big theme in jewellery.
'The idea of layering and stacking – whether it be bracelets, necklaces, earrings or rings – is here to stay. It has been around for quite some time now and doesn’t seem to be wavering. I personally really love this look as you can combine very expensive pieces (Hermes, Cartier, Chanel) with less pricey finds from the High Street, purchases from vintage markets or wonderful treasures bought on holidays in exotic locations! It is nice to have a story behind each piece of jewellery in your collection.'
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Some people just seem to look amazing season after season.
'Giovanna Battaglia – who I have been photographing since I started shooting streetstyle – has the most incredible personal style. Her ability to accessorise and have fun with those accessories like shoes, jewellery, handbags, is phenomenal.
![Pernille Theisbaek
'Also stylist Pernille Theisbaek just looks so great every time I see her. I think her style is fairly minimalist but she accessorises so beautifully, whether it be a gold pendant necklace worn under a sheer blouse, a silk scarf tied around her neck, a cluster of slim gold bangles on one wrist, or a pair of Chanel slingbacks.'
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Lipstick can be an accessory too.
'The power of colour to change a look, especially on the face, is immense. A slick of deep berry lipstick, a smudge of hot pink or a dab of nude gloss on the lips can completely transform an outfit (and mood!). And I have to say that smiling, and being happy, is wildly attractive. Someone can be wearing the most fabulous outfit, but if they are grumpy or horrid, it sort of undoes all the fabulousness!'
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.