Portrait by Huy Luong and images courtesy of the brands
Anna Sui is obsessed with “crazy mixes,” like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple-meets-grunge. That was one of the mashups in her fall collection, shown at the Strand bookstore and applauded by longtime friends and front-row fixtures including Debbie Harry, Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola and her husband, Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars.
While Sui’s inspirations change with the seasons, her gorgeously patterned vintage-punk-bohemian aesthetic is unmistakable. So is her personal style, from her signature makeup look and accessories to her chinoiserie-influenced home décor. Here, the Detroit-born New Yorker shares with Alexa her favorite lip and nail colors, jeweled frog bracelet and 19th century papier-mâché chairs.
FAVORITE LIP COLOR: Anna Sui Ring Rouge
“Inspired by vintage Bakelite rings that I wear, 400 True Red is my favorite color.”
FAVORITE SKIVVIES: Anna Sui x Heaven by Marc Jacobs Limited Edition Lingerie Set
“This was recreated from the Spring 2004 collection. It was worn by Daria Werbowy on the runway and photographed by Michael Thompson on Jessica Simpson for the April 2004 issue of Allure.”
FAVORITE POLISH: Anna Sui Limited Edition Nail Polish
“This is my favorite color nail polish.”
FAVORITE FLUSH: Anna Sui Black-Cream Blush
“It starts off black and blends to a light red on any skin tone.”
FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCTS: R + Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo + Conditioner Set
“Garren has done every Anna Sui fashion show since the first one in 1991. This is the best shampoo and conditioner.”
FAVORITE STOCKINGS: We Love Colors Nylon/Lycra Fishnets
“My favorite fishnets ever. They come in over 40 colors.”
FAVORITE PONYTAIL HOLDER: Sandy Liang Flower Power 2.0
“The bigger the better for scrunchies this season! Sandy leads the trend.”
FAVORITE HAIR ACCESSORY: Medusa’s Heirlooms Sweetheart Jaw Clip
“Kathryn Hausman creates the most beautiful hair accessories! The collection has an antique feel and is molded from handmade plastics.”
FAVORITE FLOWERS: Bear Creek Farm Dahlias
“The dahlias are 6-8 inches in diameter. My favorites are the Café au Lait Rosé, Yarra Falls Tuber, and the Labyrinth Tuber.“
FAVORITE CARPET: Walter Nichols Antique Art Deco Chinese Rug
“Made from 1910-1950, Walter Nichols was the famous producer. I love the asymmetrical patterns of flowers, trees and birds in shades of mauve and pink on green and aqua.”
FAVORITE TRINKET DISH: John Derian Decoupage Platter
“My favorite pattern is the tulip. I have several and use them for coins, paper clips and trinkets.”
FAVORITE TEXTILE ANIMAL: B. Viz Designs Embroidered Silk Velvet Animal
“Anke Dreschel makes elephants, giraffes, penguins, bunnies, ponies and birds, all in beautiful colors of silk velvet. John Derian ordered the lion in purple for me.”
FAVORITE WRIST CANDY: David Webb Frog Bracelet
“I love the David Webb animal bracelets. The black one is vintage but David Webb still makes it in green.”
FAVORITE SEATING: 19th Century Paper Mache Chairs
“I love 19th century papier-mâché. These chairs are inlaid with mother of pearl. 1stDibs has several versions for sale.”
FAVORITE FOOTWEAR: Chanel Goatskin Grosgrain CC Slingback Flats
“My favorite shoe of the moment.”