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Questionnaire: Nicole Mann Novick, Garland Collection

Read today's Questionnaire with Nicole Mann Novick, creator of Garland Collection fine jewelry, and you're sure to be left with the feeling that you've made a friend for life. With her impressive resume one would think that the writer/stylist and now jewelry designer would have an ego the size of Octo-mom's nursery. But that is so not the case. The company was named after her grandparents whose timeless sense of style is reflected in her signature pieces. Being her best advertisement, Garland Signature pieces give Tiffany a run for their money. Why? 'Cause If you're gonna have some chick's name around your neck, it might as well be yours right? Right!

Nicole Mann Novick

Who is the most stylish person in the world?
Carla Bruni. Although I think our First Lady Michelle Obama just might be giving her a run for her Manolos.

Who is the least stylish person in the world?
Anyone who can't appreciate individuality.

Who is the most stylish person you've met?
My grandparents are the most stylish people I have ever known. My grandmother has always been so chic and my grandfather dapper and meticulous. They are also the kindest and most generous couple with a love story that lasted more than 60 years. Garland is their last name, so I could not imagine naming my own collection anything else.

Who is the most stylish person in history?
Coco Chanel. She is a legend whose work has transcended time.

If you were to give the world a make-over, how would you style it?

With respect for this incredible Earth that we are fortunate to live on. Stunning and sustainable.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
The one item I will never part with is my wedding gown. It was an ivory lace Monique Lhuillier dress, which I wore with a vintage white fur capelet and a short pearl and mesh blusher. Whenever I see pictures of myself in that dress, I am also wearing a smile wider than I knew possible. Marrying my husband was the happiest day of my life and seeing that dress brings me back to the moment.

What is your least favorite article of clothing?
Spanks? G-strings? Strapless bras? These are all things that I wish I could live without.

In which period of history do you think people dressed the best?
The 1950s. I look back at photographs of my grandparents and they look like movie stars, even when they were just visiting my mom and aunts at sleepaway camp -- my grandmother would be wearing sharp capris, a tailored blouse, a silk scarf, and chic sunglasses. Dinner on a cruise meant gowns and tuxedos. People carried themselves differently and took pride in their appearance no matter the event.

garland

In which period of history do you think people dressed the worst?
I'm going to go with the very early 90s. Someone could definitely blackmail me with a photograph of myself wearing Cavaricci shorts, EG scrunch socks, Keds, a fluorescent scrunchie, and a t-shirt with the New York City skyline drawn in fluorescent puff paint. At the time, I was a very hip 13-year-old, but I assure you that it was not a classic
look to stand the test of time!

Is there one item that has gone out of style that you wish would come back?
I'd like to say leather pants, but I can already hear the groans of my disapproving friends! We have had quite the debate and I seem to be on the losing end! But honestly, I feel like these days, anything goes. As long as you have confidence and make your look your own, it usually works.

Is there one item that is in style that you wish would go out?
Skinny jeans for men.

What are you wearing right now?
Jewelry: Garland Collection roaring lions head hoops and a Garland Collection Signature pendant engraved with my initials and my husband's, which is layered with a Garland Botswana Agate and diamond necklace. Also, vintage rams head bangles; Watch: Hermes Kelly; Clothes: White Theory wide-legged jeans (It was Memorial Day yesterday, so I am a bit overeager!), blue Derek Lam blouse, gold Givenchy platform shoes. Bag: Red Goyard with painted stripes and my initials (What can I say? I love a monogram!)

What do you wish you were wearing right now?
A bathing suit. I wouldn't mind being on vacation!

Are you afraid of Anna Wintour?
No. I don't know her! But I certainly admire her professionally. She has been the Editor-in-Chief of the most important fashion magazine for 22 years. For anyone that truly appreciates fashion and style, I think she is a mentor and an icon.

Story by Mei-Li Thomas.

MORE QUESTIONNAIRE.

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