Stylist and creative director Deborah Latouche is known for her impactful use of colour and love of exquisite tailoring. As a result of her discerning eye, she has collected a portfolio of A-list celebrity clients, including Naomie Harris, Rakie Ayola and Noma Dumezweni, and is an authority on new and established designers.
After styling our summer 2023 cover star, Noëlla Coursaris Musunka, we quizzed Latouche on her favourite designers, the controversial ‘naked’ styling trend, and her luxury modest fashion brand, SABIRAH.
You’ve worked with Noella on a few occasions. What makes you have a great working relationship with the seasoned model?
Noella is so lovely to work with, she is not afraid to experiment but at the same time knows what she likes and she looks good in everything, so that all makes her a dream person to dress.
What’s your favourite element of the cover look?
I absolutely love all things Roksanda so the purple dress is a great statement look.
Which designers do you return to again and again in your work, and why?
I love mixing young designers with well-established brands as it makes the editorials far more interesting. I also find it very exciting when I find new designers that have really high quality products with a certain point of difference.
Tell us the story of why you decided to launch your luxury modest fashion brand, SABIRAH.
As a Muslim woman in the fashion industry I always found it hard to buy clothes that were luxury, high fashion, great quality and met my modest requirements. And I knew I was not alone in that aspect. Sometimes I would find a great dress, turn it round and it was backless… So SABIRAH is a gift to myself and other womxn who want to look beautiful and empowered without the need to reveal.
Do you believe that more should be done to improve modest fashion offerings in the UK?
I think it would be great if more retailers thought about collaborating with Modest Fashion designers so they had authentic collections to offer their consumers.
Right now, ‘naked’ style is trending, with many celebrities (such as Rihanna and Zoe Kravitz) donning semi-sheer and sheer clothing on the red carpet. Some say these styles are ‘too much’ – what’s your opinion?
I believe that every woman has the right to wear whatever makes her happy – for me it’s stylish SABIRAH clothes that make me feel fabulous as they cover me, for others it’s the opposite. I am not here to judge but to offer an alternative, as not all women feel great in sheer clothing.
What’s an easy way for the everyday woman to become more sustainable with their personal style?
When you are investing in clothes, buy quality not fast fashion. Buy for life, not an event. And re-wear your pieces, learn to restyle them – also look in vintage and second hand shops, it’s amazing what you can find when rummaging.
What’s your life motto?
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain.
