Jan. 2, 2020

Style Unlocked: Missi Harrington’s Fashion Wonderland

2020 Desert Debutantes PHOTO COURTESY DESERT FOUNDATION AUXILIARY

Step inside the philanthropist’s wardrobe

I was thrilled when Missi Harrington invited me to experience the full wonder of her closet. As she opened her front door, I was greeted by her radiant smile. “Hello Bubbly, please come with me,” she said.

Entering Missi’s closet, my eyes flew to her fantastic shoe collection and landed on a dazzling pair of Swarovski crystal Gucci heels, of which only 50 were made. This was only the beginning. Gazing around, I recognized that Missi’s style is ladylike, classic and elegantly fashion-forward. Chanel, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta and more swirled around me. Welcome to the fashion wonderland of Missi Harrington.

When did you become interested in fashion? As a young girl, my best and fondest memories were going to my grandmother’s house in Beverly Hills. I would lie in the guest room, where I often stayed, designed entirely in Ralph Lauren, reading countless Vogue magazines. She had a subscription to Vogue – all years, never threw them out. I would immerse myself in them. Study them. I couldn’t get enough.

What is your “go-to” outfit? My go-to outfit is simple. A good watch. Layered perfume – Chanel Coromandel and Tom Ford Soleil Blanc shimmering body spray. And some version of black and white with matching bag and shoes. I put thought into every outfit – you never know who you’ll run into! I think a girl of fashion always has good shoes and bags and lots of cute dresses. You can never go wrong with designer bags and shoes because the dress isn’t as important as long as the shoes and bag are the main focus. The accessories are what ties it all together. Good earrings, necklaces, bracelets and cuffs.

You’re very involved in philanthropy, and some charity events are black tie. Is there a particular gown you remember wearing to one of them? I honestly don’t have a favorite because I specifically pick each gown for each event, so naturally I love them all! I usually wear Oscar de la Renta gowns. If I did have to choose, it would be the Alex Perry gown I got on Farfetch for Carolyn Jackson’s year of the Heart Ball. It was fantastic! Fit me perfectly and looked flawless, like a leather gown. I enjoyed that gown because it was Cinderella meets couture.

In your opinion, which celebrities have the best style? The celebrities that have the most similar style to me would probably be Gigi and Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez and I suppose a Kardashian. I emulate celebrities that can put themselves together and wear it well.

Is there anything you would like readers to know? I’m all about dressing to make myself happy. I’m not out to impress or win anyone over with my fashion choices. Dressing well makes me feel confident, and like I can accomplish anything!

What are your fashion plans for the New Year? My fashion plans for 2020 would be to keep incorporating what I already own into what I purchase in the future. Not be too trendy, staying classic and adding to my already amazing wardrobe. I always do tweaks here and there. As styles change, so do I.

Any fashion advice to live by? One of my favorite quotes is from Coco Chanel: “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”