As an interior designer, Katherine Newman is famous for her eclectic sense of style: she doesn’t hesitate to mix periods, patterns and colours, placing elegant French antiques next to ornate Chinese vases and stark modern artwork. Her personal style is equally unrestrained. She’ll pair floaty, floor-length skirts with tailored blouses and sky-high purple platforms (see photo), and she doesn’t really care about labels. What matters is craftsmanship. “The cut, style and colour should reinforce the person wearing them,” she says, “their form and personality.” Newman doesn’t differentiate between work clothes and leisurewear—she takes pride in being impeccably dressed at all times, whether she’s meeting with a client or lounging on the couch. “I was raised to look presentable no matter what,” she says. “It’s a matter of self-discipline.”
Chanel No. 5
“It’s the perfume my paternal grandmother always wore. I’m very attached to it.” $150 for 100 mL. Chanel, 131 Bloor St. W., 416-925-2577.
Woven Tote
“I carry a woven Bottega Veneta tote bag everywhere I go—it’s roomy and extremely practical.” Nappa tote, $4,388. Bottegaveneta.com.
Sky-High Pumps
“Brian Atwood makes beautiful six-inch heels that are also comfortable.” Maniac snakeskin platform pumps, $1,346. Saksfifthavenue.com.
Eternity Band
“I wear my simple diamond band daily—it was a gift from a special person.” $2,550. Birks, First Canadian Place, 100 King St. W., 416-363-5663.
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