Fun & Famous

16 quick questions for Cécile Narinx

The champagne glasses clinked this week, as Bazaar's editor-in-chief Cécile launched her latest pride ‘This book is not about fashion’ on Thursday. So what is it about? The power of clothes. Because clothes are never just pieces of fabric. You communicate with them, whether you like it or not. They can protect, adorn, or reveal and vary by life stage, mood, gender, social class, ethnicity, religion, and culture.
Clothes are everywhere and constantly speaking. That a sharp outfit can give your mood a significant boost, for example, I've been shouting for years, so I can only nod along obediently with this psychological message behind that favorite dress. It's high time for 16 quick questions for Cécile. And as expected: wonderfully witty answers.

What is your most powerful piece of clothing?
“A mandarin yellow long wool coat from Milan. It's a kind of visible cloak; when I wear it, I not only brighten myself up, but the whole street lights up.’
What should every woman do at least once in her life?
“Having a piece of clothing tailored or altered so that it fits perfectly. That's the pinnacle of chic and also comfortable.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“Don't pay attention to the size, just buy what looks and fits the best. What does it matter to you if it's larger than your ideal size? In too small clothes, you only look bigger.”
What else is on your bucket list?
“In terms of clothing: a Marlene Dietrich pant. With accompanying long legs. In terms of other: participating in a ballroom dancing program on TV, in those glitter outfits.”
“Not exciting at all: groceries.”
“A Nankeen scented candle from & Other Stories.”
“Simple: my father.”
“I bow, especially after her dignified concession speech, deeply for Hillary Clinton.”
Your favorite quote?
“Polonaise!”
Who do you enjoy following the most on Instagram?
“Preferably not boring, interchangeable girls with smooth faces and cute ‘clothes’. I enjoy following and laughing with Joost van Bellen, Tim den Besten, and Scheve Palen.”
“A work pants, a fleece sweater (yeah, horror for you guys haha), and of course my orange jacket.”
“My nightgown.”
And which piece of clothing has been hanging for years and you actually never wear, but is still too beautiful to throw away?
“A button-down dress made of beautiful and very soft black leather. Stunning, but I look like a scary dominatrix in it. I really need to come up with something to soften and tone down that strictness.”
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner?
“My family and friends, I see them far too little. And the Obamas are also welcome to come.”
“That my life would look like it does now.”
“That being over forty is certainly not a sad affair.”
“Arrogance and laziness.”
“When they do things halfway. Do it well or don't do it at all, guys!”
If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
“Polonaise!”
The most beautiful gift you have ever received?
“The title of my first book: ‘Happiness is a dress’.”
Finally, what is on Christmas your menu?
“I still hear that, but I already know that it will make my mouth water. My Jamaican brother-in-law, who cooks for the whole family every year, is a professional chef and surpasses himself every year.”