With the festive season rapidly approaching, many find themselves facing the annual dilemma of what to wear for various social gatherings. This exclusive style guide draws wisdom from Lily Atherton Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin, the visionary minds behind Le Monde B\u00e9ryl, to help demystify event dressing. Their brand, renowned for transforming the classic Venetian slipper into a luxurious fashion statement, embodies a unique blend of comfort and sophisticated aesthetics. Their insights offer practical yet elegant solutions for curating ensembles that radiate confidence and flair, ensuring you are impeccably dressed for every occasion without sacrificing personal style.
Le Monde B\u00e9ryl emerged nearly a decade ago from Lily Atherton Hanbury's and Katya Shyfrin's shared vision to revolutionize formal footwear. At a time when comfortable party shoes were an afterthought, their brand elevated the humble slipper into a piece of art, combining Hanbury's background in jewelry and Shyfrin's artistic expertise. Their initial focus on reinventing the Venetian slipper has since expanded to include a diverse range of items, such as satin and suede runners and opulent calf-hair Regency slippers. A recent event at CouCou in Los Angeles, co-hosted by Atherton Hanbury with model Laura Love and Nordstrom's Rickie DeSole, celebrated the brand's arrival at the esteemed retailer and offered a glimpse into their styling philosophy.
When it comes to feeling assured in her attire, Lily Atherton Hanbury shared that her approach has evolved over time. She previously gravitated towards elaborate outfits but now finds empowerment in understated simplicity. Her preferred "uniform" often consists of classic pieces like vintage denim paired with a men's button-down shirt or a simple white tee complemented by a structured blazer. This minimalistic yet refined style allows her to feel authentic and comfortable.
For impromptu morning events requiring a polished look, Lily suggests turning to a collection of vintage men's silk dress shirts. These pieces offer an immediate sense of sophistication and effortless elegance, making them a reliable choice for early-day engagements.
Katya Shyfrin expresses a strong aversion to dress codes that demand excessive sparkle or the color pink. Her strategy for navigating such fashion mandates involves accessorizing with distinctive jewelry. She is particularly fond of Jessica McCormack's designs, noting how her accumulated pieces seamlessly complement each other, allowing her to infuse personality into any required ensemble.
For luncheons, Katya relies on her foundational wardrobe items, which offer versatility for various interpretations. A well-tailored jacket from prestigious brands like Khaite or The Row, whether paired with jeans or a dress, effortlessly elevates her look, imparting a chic and refined aura.
Lily embraces the creativity of costume parties, always opting for a do-it-yourself approach. Her simple yet effective solution often involves incorporating a veil or multiple layers of veils to create an impactful costume. For last-minute after-work gatherings, Lily's go-to ensemble includes a dark leather bomber jacket paired with her black crystal Luna slippers, ensuring a stylish and comfortable transition from day to evening.
Regarding cocktail attire, Katya frequently chooses trousers over dresses, valuing their comfort and modern aesthetic. She enhances these looks with luxurious velvet footwear and unique accessories to achieve an elevated and distinctive style. Her consistent outfit choice is a silk slip dress, worn either solo, layered with a cashmere sweater and blazer, or styled with a t-shirt underneath or an organza shirt on top. She pairs these with mesh Mary Janes in warmer seasons and boots with peeking socks during colder months.
Katya prefers a conservative approach to black-tie events, emphasizing that "less is more." She prioritizes impeccable fit and construction, which is why she favors designers like The Row, known for their expertly crafted and tailored pieces in a flattering color palette. Lily's most frequently worn after-dark items are her Turnbull and Asser silk pajamas, cherished for their luxurious comfort. For special party accessories, Lily's unique jewelry pieces often serve as conversation starters. Her evening bag essentials are simple yet practical: lipstick and keys.