Designer Emilia Wickstead and friends on celebrating the holiday season in style

New Zealand-born, London-based designer Emilia Wickstead has always been fascinated by the art and ritual of getting dressed. “My designs are inspired by old-world glamour. Recently, I’ve been poring over photographs from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, which was the starting point for this capsule collection [modeled here by Wickstead’s friends], but I also love to add fresh, modern twists to create something utterly new. With this collection I wanted to evoke glamour, fantasy and excitement, but ultimately it had to be wearable, which is why, although the shapes are playful, they’re also extremely elegant. Simplicity is often the most difficult thing to achieve in design.

“The events of the past year have had a huge impact on my personal style. I actually contracted Covid-19 when London first went into lockdown, so I was lounging around in my pajamas a lot. However, at one point I realized I needed to start getting properly dressed again, and I rediscovered, first-hand, just how powerful clothing can be. Even though I was still working from home, wearing considered outfits made me feel like I could achieve anything. My designs aren’t just made to be worn at weddings or big occasions; I want to make women feel special, no matter the context. There’s a Dorothy Draper quote I love: ‘No room can be called perfect unless it has real comfort’ – I think that thought extends beyond interiors and entertaining and can also be applied to fashion, in that no piece can be considered truly perfect unless the woman wearing it feels comfortable.

“Personally, when it comes to holiday parties, I love to host. My secret to success is letting my husband take care of the cooking while I look after all things visual. Ultimately, I just want my guests to feel welcome and at ease, so the conversation flows – then you’re guaranteed to have a fun evening. Christmas is a real event in my house: my husband is Brazilian, so on the 24th we get all dressed up and have a beautiful dinner at home with family, plus my daughter’s birthday falls on Christmas Day, which is, of course, another cause for celebration. In terms of holiday style, I think it’s really important to invest in beautiful pieces that bring a sense of excitement and occasion to the season – not just this year, but every year. Never underestimate the power of getting dressed. Simplicity, comfort and confidence – and an Emilia Wickstead dress, of course.”

“Each Christmas Day, I host a large lunch on the small island in the Bahamas that we live on. I tend to invite friends, old and new, and a few waifs and strays. This year, I expect it will be a much smaller group, but we will be sure to give thanks that we can be together and reflect on what a crazy year it has been. Some key ingredients for a successful party are flowers, candles, ribaldry, music and lots of wine. When hosting dinners, I like to have a seating plan – without one, sparking conversation between guests can sometimes be more challenging than getting the soufflé to rise. This year, more than any other, I will make an effort to dress for Christmas lunch, New Year’s Eve and any small festive gatherings – even if it’s just myself, my husband and our kids. We can’t let a pandemic rob us of everything; slipping into a beautiful dress will transport me to a less troubled time.”

“My family and I normally celebrate Christmas in St Moritz, and while it’s hard to beat sleigh rides and fire-side cocktails, I can’t wait for a more intimate affair this year, at home in London. I’m looking forward to creating new memories for the family. I’ll be as dressed up as if I were hosting Christmas cocktails for 50 guests – it’s all about creating your own magic. Dressing up isn’t for others, it’s for yourself and allows your confidence to shine. I’ve always found that outfits are the best conversation starters. With less opportunity to go out to celebrate this year, it gives us all the chance to make more of an effort with our families. Dress up with your loved ones, enjoy spending this time at home and make it all the more memorable. Emilia’s designs are the essence of femininity and romance, but shown through a modern lens. I can’t wait for my daughters to fall in love with her exquisite clothes… when the time comes…”

“What I love about Emilia’s designs is how timeless they are – I really realized that when I was looking for something to wear for my civil wedding. I wanted an outfit I could look back at and love forever, not feel like it was simply ‘of the moment’. Emilia knows how to design in a way that accentuates every woman’s figure, hugging you in all the right places. Sadly, I don’t think there will be much opportunity for festive parties this year, but dressing up and celebrating with just a few of your favorite people is often more memorable anyway.”

“Getting all dressed up is about elevating your mood and feeling fabulous, so I will be bringing my A-game, regardless of the fact that the celebrations will be scaled back this year. Emilia makes such elegant pieces that she’s a fail-safe choice when it comes to faultless party style. I love Christmas parties; under normal circumstances, I’m a regular host and attendee. When it comes to throwing an especially fun soirée, my secret weapon is mistletoe. Of course, the key to mastering after-dark dressing this holiday season is accessories – and lots of them. This year, there will be lots of FaceTime parties and I’ll be dressing accordingly. Styling yourself from the waist up is essential: focus on choosing tops and dresses with interesting necklines or design details and finish with beautiful jewelry.”