053: HESTER HODDE
lives in brown trousers and Loro Piana hats.
Last Sunday I went to another one of Liana’s guerilla-style fashion shows for her platform, Neverworns. Friends and fellow substackers (like Jalil, Emilia and Brynn) walked the runways. They modeled their own vintage, which was selling live during the show. I have no idea if anything sold but I was charmed by the concept - spontaneous and community-oriented. Should we all just be shopping from our friends?
That same evening, I wore a black Prada button-up, newly purchased from The RealReal. When I took off my coat, my friend Alexandra was shocked. “That’s my shirt!” She sold it, I bought it, now it’s my new favorite. Maybe we could have cut out the middle man.
Fashion is a global, multi-billion dollar industry, but ultimately our clothes gain meaning through small, intimate moments and memories - a pin handed down from a grandmother, or a dress you wore on a first date. That’s why, though I’ll always advocate for a great (and repetitive!) outfit formula, I especially appreciate style that’s distinct and individual.
For this week’s letter I spoke to the coolest, Hester Hodde, about her charming and idiosyncratic personal style. A former stylist who has since lept into the world of interior design with much success (she and her partner, Gregory, were the brains behind that AD cover), Hester’s wardrobe nods at trends but excels in authenticity. I loved hearing about what she’s been living in lately. Read on!
Describe your personal style. What you living in right now and why?
My style has grown up a bit over the last couple of years. I think as I moved from fashion to interior design, my taste shifted away from some of the more youthful trends that fashion really loves to hone in on. I like the way Italian women dress. I like sportswear in the traditional sense of the word- separates, tailoring, trousers, shirts, knits. There are some masculine undertones. Miuccia Prada is a big influence. My palette is earthy and I wear a lot of brown and suede. I've been living in brown wool trousers, denim and sweaters because, obviously, it's February in NYC. I've been relying very much on interesting hats, scarves and shoes to carry the look. I’ve been loving Loro Piana's hats and shoes and Charvet scarves. I just asked my best friend. She said "funky and preppy" and I agree.
How often do you shop?
It ebbs and flows. When the seasons are changing, sometimes I get into really obsessive shopping bouts. I'm currently in "no buy 25" and have been doing pretty well. The only item I bought this year was a pair of vintage Levi's from The Vintage Twin and a Vivienne Westwood top, which I wore for our party for the AD cover.
Hester’s Most Worn
Auralee coat and Loro Piana hat
Where do you shop the most?
Lots of places! The RealReal, Poshmark, Vestiaire, La Garçonne, Loewe, Lara Koleji and James Veloria often via instagram, and Scout in LA (OMG so good). I also really like to go to the vintage markets in NYC at the Metro Pavilion. I went to one this summer and found such a good costume jewelry dealer where I got an art deco necklace. It was such a different purchase for me but I had to have it. I'm pretty pleased because it has been a great touch to many otherwise regular looks. I like to shop online but I also really like to go to the stores and just look, even if I'm not buying. I go to Woodbury Commons every now and then and have picked up some of my favorite pieces there.
What are you currently searching for?
Boots that would be warm but also comfortable. I am always looking for specific old Prada from 2016. In keeping with my jewelry obsession, this Herve Van der Straeten necklace.
Something green!
Massimo Dutti slippers and boots
What’s your go-to grocery-run outfit?
Jeans, sweater and hat.
Does your style change when you go to work?
No I dress for work and my life most days. It ranges on how creative I’m feeling or how much I want to dress up.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
Usually a day look, but with a heel, or change into a skirt, or add an earring. I do like an occasion outfit and a costume party, I must say. I usually put much more time and thought into that.
A necklace
Superfine knits
Best buy of 2024?
Loewe hoof shoes maybe? Or these fuzzy Loro shoes? Or this Massimo Dutti sheer sweater. Or this Georgian mourning ring that I always wanted to buy. It could also be this Marc Jacobs Runway dress that I wore to my 1960s themed Christmas Party.
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
Running shoes. Lots of tube socks and workout clothes! Always.
Those necklaces!!!
Love!