‘I don’t believe in fashion mistakes’: The three essential items this stylist swears by

Karinda Mutabazi is a fashion stylist. Ahead, she shares her favourite designers, essential items and the one thing she would never wear.

I’d describe my style as like a schoolboy – there’s always tailoring mixed with a bit of streetwear. Also, bright and bold – colour makes me happy. The most recent addition to my wardrobe is a green, vintage-style, screen-printed T-shirt from Imogene + Willie in Nashville.

On a first date, I’d wear an Erik Yvon printed denim short and jacket set. On a plane I wear Fool balloon trousers, an oversized E Nolan shirt, a cardigan in some crazy colour and an Incu leather overshirt. On the red carpet, it’s always tailoring – you’re never going to see me in a ball gown. For the Amari Gala celebrating black excellence, I wore a suit from Savers that I upcycled and embellished.

My favourite period in fashion is now because you can cherry-pick from all the eras: brocade from the turn-of-the-century and colour blocking from the ’80s, for example.

My favourite fashion designer is Erik Yvon. He’s my ride or die, we’re good friends and collaborate a lot. Otherwise, it’s more about pieces for me rather than specific designers. I have a theatre background and I’m big on the storytelling aspect, like finding out why a garment was made.

The three essential items in my wardrobe are a blazer – a custom pink E Nolan one and an embellished one from Blanca are faves; fun sneakers such as my red and fuchsia Salomon “XT Whisper Aries”, and I’m crazy about socks. I love them for that little pop of colour that brings an outfit together. I find them in the Uniqlo men’s section, at Cos and Chusette.

My go-to jewellery is a stack of necklaces, an eclectic mix of chains, beads and pearls from Underground Sundae, Newend, Culturesse and Rbcca Kstr.

My favourite fragrance is Malin+Goetz “Cannabis”. The shoes I wear most often are loafers from E Nolan and Radical Yes.

My first fashion moment was when I realised styling was something I could do for a job. It was in 2006 when I was working at the Coco Ribbon boutique in London, people like Sienna Miller, Jools Oliver and the Jagger family would come in and we’d dress them for events. I thought this is something I’m interested in.

I don’t believe in fashion mistakes. An outfit always makes sense at the time, so no regrets. And there’s nothing I’d never wear, except fake tan.

On my wish list is a trip to Japan, so I can explore all the archival shopping. Among other things, I’d like to get my hands on Needles tracksuits in all different colours.

My favourite fashion icons are people who have a strong sense of personal style and unique points of view such as Erykah Badu, Solange Knowles, Celine Dion and Colman Domingo.

On a typical working day, I might wear bright pink Acne track pants with two collared shirts – I love a double collar and a weird clash of stripes and prints – and a blazer. On Sunday, it’s Kourh jeans with a tank and shirt in a contrasting colour.

Karinda Mutabazi is styling the M/FW closing runway on October 25.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up for our newsletter.

Plus, are you applying enough sunscreen?

An artist’s vision transforms a dated terrace into an unconventional family home filled with contemporary art.

Jake Smyth shares his day on a plate.

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

You've used all of your gift articles. 3 more will become available on the 1st of every month.