We took a tour of London-based artist Marianna Kennedy's house yesterday; today, our friend Jo Craven talks us through the Spitalfields artist's inimitable style.
Kennedy brings to mind the naughtiest girl in school: with her bird’s nest hair, spectacles, and daring red lips, matched with her uniform of brogues, short jackets, cardigans, and a dark wool skirt. This consistent and utilitarian luxe style, based on pieces sourced at Miu Miu, Comme des Garcons, and Margaret Howell, allows Kennedy to move seamlessly between her working and nonworking life. See London's Sorceress of Color and A Secret Roof Garden in Spitalfields for more on Marianna Kennedy.
Photos by Kristin Perers.
Above: In her showroom, Kennedy wields a vintage wooden meter ruler, schoolmaster style. Glimpsed in the niche behind her, color samples and one of her hand-lettered art pieces.
Above L. Kennedy wears Clair Rouge lipstick from La Prairie (her mother gives her a voucher every Christmas). Above R: The artist purchases her reading glasses by the handful from a chemist in Paris; the similar Sinclair Frames are $95 (lenses included) at Warby Parker.
Above: The black Pleated Skirt from Comme des Garçons is currently on sale for $395.50 from La Garçonne.
Above: Variations of Kennedy's style theme can be sourced in Margaret Howell's 2012 collection: Cropped Trousers and Utilitarian Jacket (L) and Cotton Taffeta Shirt and Skirt (R).
Above: Shoe as art: Handmade in Italy, the Karena Lace-Up with Heel from Le Yucca's is a lifetime investment at $1,010 from La Garçonne.
Above: Kennedy makes schoolroom style seem glamorous.
Above: Mirror, mirror on the wall: Kennedy's latest collection includes gilded mirrors called "Feathers of Gold," which will be on display at Art Basel from June 14 to 17.