A Conversation With… Monica De La Villadière
Monica Ainley © Adeline Mai
Q: We’re very excited that your podcast with Camille Charrière, Fashion No Filter, is back with a second season. What have been the highlights so far?
A: Thank you! I’ve loved starting our own production, it’s been a really interesting learning curve. Looking back on the first season, I think my favourite interview was probably with Susan Sarandon, who gave me some very interesting advice. I also loved our interview with Scott Schuman while on the run during London Fashion Week. I’ve never heard anyone be so articulate whilst squeezed in the back of a car, with only five minutes to tell his life story!
Q: Apart from your own, what other podcasts do you listen to?
A: So many, I’m obsessed. In no particular order: Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin, The Daily, Serial, Pod Save America, Lovett or Leave It, The High Low, This American Life, You Must Remember This, The New Yorker Radio Hour, The Guilty Feminist, WTF with Marc Maron, and My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Q: Who has been your biggest fashion inspiration?
A: My grandmother. The woman looks chic in literally anything.
Q: Outside of fashion, what are your other passions in life?
A: Books, music, art, travel… God, how pretentious do I sound? Oh and 90s romcoms, preferably directed by Nora Ephron.
Q: You’re Canadian by birth, but do you feel your style is influenced by your French connections?
A: Yes. You can’t live in Paris and not be influenced, impeccable style is around you 24-7, which is a real treat.
Q: In your opinion what is distinctive about Parisian style?
A: Not looking like you’re trying too hard. Oh and picking the best quality, most quietly chic items on the market, without looking like you tried too hard while doing so!
Q: What are your Paris shopping tips?
A: Everything’s amazing, so pace yourself.
Q: Coming from Canada you must have winter dressing down to a fine art, any tips on how to stay stylish as the temperature dips?
A: Embrace the puffer coat! Or “doudoune" as the French call it. There are some seriously cool ones out there these days, and there is nothing elegant about freezing your buns off. Also when it’s snowy out, we wear our winter boots to dinner or a party and then change into a spiffy pair of “indoor shoes” when we arrive. Fact.
Q: When you’re not working, where would we find you?
A: If I’m feeling virtuous: doing Pilates with my brilliant instructor Julie Pujols Benoit. If I’m feeling less-than-virtuous: having drinks and cheese with my friends at Les Deux Amis.
Q: How do you switch off?
A: A good book, a hot bath, Pilates, or a countryside jaunt…
Q: Can you share any tips for maintaining a work/life balance?
A: If you are freelance it’s important to define the difference between working and non-working hours for yourself.
Q: What do you wear to help you feel relaxed?
A: At the moment, big cosy cashmere knits by my friends at Santosh.
Q: What do you miss most about home when you’re travelling?
A: My husband. Unless he comes with me, in which case, I don’t miss home because travelling is the best.
Q: When you travel to a new place, what’s on the top of your to-do list?
A: Great restaurants, museums and cool places for people watching, where you feel what the culture is really about.
Q: Which is your favourite city in the world and why?
A: I honestly don’t know anywhere better than Paris.
Q: What is your favourite piece from Ernest Leoty?
A: My Ilona Bodysuit in Red/Aubergine!
The Ilona Bodysuit © Ernest Leoty
Q: How would you style Ernest Leoty with your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?
A: In the winter when I’m headed to Pilates like to wear my Ilona Bodysuit with a Holzweiler hoodie, Nikes under my big black Aritzia Super Puff coat. We Canadians are good at sporty-chic too. A few years ago a Parisienne would never have been caught dead in her sports kit outside of the gym, but I’ve noticed the look is slowly catching on. La revolution!
Q: You got married in the summer in what looked like the most beautiful wedding ever, how is married life different from before?
A: Haha, thanks. It feels like we’re officially a team.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about this time of year?
A: Glad you ask, as autumn is my favourite time of year. Wood fires! Walks on sunny days with a nip in the air! Feeling cosy inside while it’s chilly outside! And an increase in productivity and creative energy when it gets cold out - everyone wants to work… even in France!
Q: How will you be spending the holiday season?
A: In the French countryside, then Val d’Isere.
Q: What’s your number one tip to stay happy and healthy over the holidays?
A: Get some fresh air!
Check out the second season of Monica’s podcast, Fashion No Filter, on iTunes
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