{NM Daily}

Lifestyle // Women's

Closet Space: Karen Caldwell

In this new series, we peer into some of the best curated closets in the country. We found everything from an original Oleg Cassini frock to the latest Fendi Peekaboo handbag when we delved into the Napa Valley closet of San Francisco-based clothing designer Karen Caldwell. Photography by Molly DeCoudreaux.

NM: How does your wardrobe describe your style?

KC: For me, it is really about color and cut.  I tend to lean toward classic shapes of the 1950s and 1960s.

NM: What are you most passionate about?

KC: Besides my incredible family, I am really passionate about dresses.  There is something remarkable about being a woman, putting on a dress and changing the atmosphere of a room full of people, by having them notice something artistic about you.

NM: Do you collect anything?

KC: I have a huge collection of vintage costume jewelry, which grew from an original collection handed down to me from my grandmother, Carla.

NM: How has your style changed over the years?

KC: Through maturation I have seen the world more, and have seen women in all shapes and form.  It has taught me to push the envelope with color and design.  I take risks by layering colors and accessories over classic shapes.

NM: What is the best style advice you ever received?

KC: My grandmother always said, “Make sure they remember you walking into a room… and leaving.”

NM: What do you think your closet says about you?

KC: That I love to dress up!

NM: Name your favorite designers.

KC: I loved Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga. We even share the same birthday! My favorite designers today are: Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfield for Chanel and Miuccia Prada.

NM: What do you hope to add to your closet next?

KC: I just ordered a beautiful Fendi handbag from Neiman Marcus in an amazing Cognac color. The style is classic, and the color is eye-catching!

NM: Describe one of your favorite items and the significance behind it.

KC: One of my favorite items is a newly purchased pair of emerald green satin heels by Christian Louboutin. I saw a photo in Paris Vogue and had to have them.  The color and design are absolutely perfect.  Not to mention, green is my favorite color. It brings me good luck!

I also have a vintage Oleg Cassini chartreuse dress that my grandmother wore back in the day, and after altering it, it’s one of my favorite pieces.  I still remember my grandmother wearing it until she was in her seventies. She was a dancer, so she kept her figure her entire life.  When I wear it, I feel wonderful!

NM: If you could wear one designer for the rest of your life who would it be?

KC: Chanel – always perfect, always a showstopper.