Occasionally, with: Danielle Copperman
Welcome to Occasionally, with: a new interview series I'll be sharing each month with people whose style and lifestyle I admire and want to share.
This idea came to me in bed one night and that’s how I know it’s probably a good one. All my good ideas come to me when I’m still and silent, and this ping came in on a wave on inspiration that felt exciting and like something I had to do immediately.
So, each month, I’ll be sharing an interview with someone whose style and lifestyle I truly admire, and whom I think will inspire you all in some way, too. We’ll delve deep into all things Occasionally; from their fondest memories (and what they were wearing), to their favourite brands and tips for your most asked about occasions. Me first!
Take us back to one of your favourite Occasions. Why is it a favourite and what were you wearing?
It may seem an obvious one but it would have to be our wedding. I was not the sort of person who always dreamed of getting married, even less one who had pictured their wedding dress years before even a proposal. However, when the time came around, getting the chance to design my own dresses was an unforgettable experience, and it’s somehow even more special, in hindsight. Since my wedding dresses got such a beautiful response, I am so glad that the items were something so unique to me. They were honestly an extension of me and so, for sure, getting to wear them for our wedding has to be up there with one of my favourite occasions, and outfit moments.
Thinking back even further, I would have to say our sixth form prom holds a special place in my heart. It was such a pivotal moment of our youth, and I think back to that night with some of my closest friends, about to step out into the real world unchaperoned. I found my dress in a charity shop in Bath where I grew up. It was a floor length, burgundy velvet dress (which is very unlike me as 1) I rarely wear colour and 2) have a tendency to strongly dislike velvet). Together, my mum and I altered the dress to sit above the knee instead, which felt a bit less formal and a bit more fun. I borrowed heels in the same colour from a close friend and I still have the dress today.
What was your most recent occasion and what did you wear?
I would have to say the last event I really dressed up for was a dinner in Paris with Nina Ricci. I wore this beautiful dress with these shoes, these earrings and this bag.
An occasion you wish you could go back and re-do, and would you dress differently?
I would probably say my hen weekend! It was one of the best weekends of my life, by far. I would redo it again and again to spend uninterrupted time with all of my best friends and close family. I would say, although I loved my looks (this dress (with my sisters vintage veil) for a cocktail hour and catered dinner, and these pants with a vintage corset for a Studio 55 party), I would probably have stuck more to the white theme now that I’ve discovered so many beautiful brands and pieces the other side of my “bridal era”.
What would you wear for:
Your own birthday event
Depending on the occasion, I would wear something classic but fun. Usually I spend my birthdays with a group of close friends, so for something like an intimate dinner I’d wear a simple black or white dress; something I can cook and host in, but dance in, too. I love this one from Nookie as it’s super timeless, incredibly flattering and comfortable at the same time.
A best friends birthday party
For a party, I’d probably go with a floor-length dress depending on the season and location. This one is a failsafe option pretty much any time of year. I always feel amazing in it and it’s elegant but so comfortable for a long night, too.
A dinner with friends
Something chill! This time of year, I usually opt for either a pair of relaxed jeans with a beautiful knit or oversized shirt, slingbacks, an oversized coat and a vintage bag, or if it’s more of an occasion, a simple dress like this or this.
A date night
I always feel my best in something simple. Depending on the location and itinerary, I’d have to go with something like this, this, this or this.
A summer wedding
There’s too much choice in my wardrobe to pick just one but these have been my latest wedding guest dresses and I’ve not regretted a single one. They’re effortless but elegant without being too bold, they’re comfortable and easy to dance in for hours and they’re unique; I’ve never twinned with other guests. I wore this to a wedding in Oxfordshire, this to a wedding in Menorca and this (in burgundy) to a wedding in Spain. My top tip is to dress for the venue and general vibe, as well as the weather, then you can’t go too wrong.
A winter wedding
Something simple with an oversized coat or statement faux fur that does all the talking. Generally speaking, my winter colours are gold, burgundy, dark green, rich chocolate brown, a warm cream or black. I’d personally opt for something like this, this, this or this (again, depending on the weather and venue).
A black tie event
Something like this, this or this.
A summer garden party
I would go with something lighter and in a breezier fabric. Something like this, this or this.
Favourite brand(s) for occasion wear shopping:
An impossible question to answer as I’m always discovering new brands but I’ll lead with a few that I love and wear the most. Arcinaori, Reformation, The New Arrivals, Natalie Rolt, Helsa, LPA, Datt Official, Nina Ricci, Dissh, House of Dagmar.
Favourite dresses / pieces you own:
Anything from Arcinaori always has a way of transforming how I feel. I really think their designs are so unique but also fitted to perfection, and somehow have confidence built-in. I love their Monique and Paloma dresses and come back to them again and again. I also love the pieces I own from House of Cb as, again, they just fit to perfection. I’m also really loving this and this from Huong Boutique at moment. Other than this, I love my vintage pieces the most! The gold embellished dress I found for our wedding after party will be hard to beat!
And what’s your most cherished piece of clothing or accessory?
I think it would have to be my wedding dresses. Having designed them both is the most incredible feeling and they will forever hold a special place in my heart. Aside from that, I have a vintage Valentino jacket I found in a charity shop in London years ago and still have such a soft spot for it. It was and still is one of the best second hand designer finds.
Accessories! Your favourite brands for jewellery, shoes and bags?
For jewellery: The Ysso, Mignonne Gavigan, Pandora, Heaven Mayhem, Maison Doree. For shoes: Jimmy Choo, Le Silla, Tony Bianco, Guiseppe Zanotti, Renee Caovilla, YSL, Aquazurra, LPA, Arteana.
What occasion wear pieces are currently on your wishlist?
Do you have any upcoming occasions and if so, what kind of looks are you planning?
My next big occasion is probably a trip to the Maldives, which I’m super excited for as I’ve never been. I’m linking all the things I’ll be packing here. I can’t wait to be in summer dresses again, especially this, this and this.
What’s your ultimate confidence-boost kind of outfit?
I would previously have said a power suit, either in black or a warm off-white; something with strong shoulder pads, a silhouetted, structured waist and effortless and relaxed pants. These days, though, I find a simple black dress, fitted with spaghetti straps has the same effect for me. It’s sharp and bold but at the same time super feminine. And its simplicity speaks louder than something more eccentric and over-complicated, in my opinion.
Which outfit or items always attracts the most compliments?
I’d have to say these earrings never fail to trigger compliments. So many people ask me where they’re from and it sparks a conversation about my collaboration with the brand and how much I adore the fact they’re all handmade with recycled metals in Greece. Outfit-wise, this dress from Arcinaori always gets a lot of attention, and this second-hand dress I sourced for our wedding after-party which I’ve worn again and again for galas and other events.
What’s your favourite fashion era? Do you have specific fashion icons or are there any iconic moments or outfits that have inspired you?
I look to a lot of runways and archive collections from designers over the years, and get a lot of inspiration from them as they were always so timeless and classic. In the same way, the supermodels and celebrities of the same eras always had the same effortlessness to the way they dressed. I love anything dating back to the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, although I’m always attracted to the cinched in waists and full skirts of the 50’s, too. For everyday dressing and classic evening looks, I think the 90’s provides a lot of inspiration. For something more bold or statement, the 60’s / 70’s / 80’s were more playful, for sure. In terms of icons there are so many, from Audrey Hepburn, Princess Di, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Lauren Hutton and Sharon Tate, to Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Caroline Bessette-Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, Julia Roberts and Cindy Crawford; the list goes on. These days I also love to discover the stylists of more contemporary figures who I think weave in archival pieces and vintage elements so seamlessly to their modern wardrobes.
What’s your go-to make-up look for special occasions?
I try to do something a little different to my everyday, but I still like to keep it subtle and natural. For our wedding I did my own make up as I just really wanted to feel like myself. As a model I try so many styles and enjoy being creative with all of them, but for special occasions, of course I want to feel an elevated version of myself, but nothing too out of my comfort zone. Generally I’ll add a liquid liner, a bolder lip or a red lip and go for an even warmer, bronzier base with slightly darker shadow on the eyes.
How do you prep for big occasions?
Sleep is always important for me so if I know I have a big trip or an event coming up, I try to prioritise a good sleep routine in the week leading up to it, which is not always possible but I like to try! I keep my diet as clean as possible and drink plenty of water, and I try to get out in the sun or just get some fresh air to get my circulation going. If I need to, I’ll freshen my nails which I usually do with a kit at home. And if I have time and am in London, I’ll book in a facial and / or some acupuncture at 001 London, Sarah Chapman, FaceGym or The Organic Pharmacy. If not I do self-massage on the day of an event, using a gua sha or ice globes.
You’re hosting at home - what would you wear, serve and who would you invite?
It’s my dream - once we’ve moved into our first house this summer - to host beautiful long dinners and summer parties with friends and family. I would wear a long dress, something effortless and floaty like this, this or this for a more special occasion. In the summer, I’d be barefoot setting tables in the grass, and for winter, i’d wear something more elevated. I’d serve huge sharing plates of seasonal produce, local wine (we’re moving to a renowned wine region in France), homemade cocktails and alcohol-free options, a large seasonal dessert or two and lots of local cheese and bread. One of the best parts of living in France has to be the produce. I’d invite all of my closest friends, old and new, our families, and the neighbours.
QUICK FIRE Qs:
Staying in or going out?
Staying in; I love a party at home.
Heels or flats?
Kitten heels.
Out late or home early?
I do love to stay out late if I’m having a great time, but I also love to sleep so this is an ongoing battle.
Colour, print, black or white?
Black in winter, white in summer.
Silk or embellished?
Silk.
Arriving a little early or always a little late?
Depending on the occasion, I think it’s always best to aim a little after the start time, unless theres a strict itinerary.
Planning ahead or dressing last minute?
I wish I could say I am the former but I am always frantically changing just before an event. I love if I’m traveling or have a specific look for an event as it takes away the added drama.
Vintage or new?
Vintage always; nothing compares
Bold statement or understated elegance?
I’d have to say understated elegance is definitely more my style, but I always admire a bold look on others
Comfort first or style first?
Unfortunately in my experience, style always wins.
Statement jewellery or subtle jewellery?
Statement jewellery, all day, every day.
Fun and creative or classic and timeless?
I do love to have fun with my wardrobe and create unique looks, but it always remains classic and timeless; it’s just who I am!
And finally, what's always your finishing touch before leaving the house? And one thing you never leave home without for special events?
I think I’m always still faffing with my hair or reapplying my lip last minute, and probably perfume is the last thing I do before getting out the door. At the moment I love this scent for evenings. Something I always carry with me would have to be a lip liner and gloss or balm for reapplication, and my film camera.
