4 minute read
LIFE. STYLE. ETC
CHRISSY COTTRELL, INTERIOR ARCHITECT
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WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
I meet Chrissy at her stunning Yaletown condo to chat life and style and where they intersect. The condo is like nothing I have seen before; it’s so clear in its aesthetic that the elegance, sexiness and sophistication is more of a full-body experience than something you can visually put your finger on.
Chrissy grew up in the design industry, but in an attempt to rebel against the family business pursued a career in art therapy.
“I naively thought it would be a more purposeful line of work. My inner philanthropist wanted to help people heal, but after years spent towards a PhD in art psychology I was fatigued with a never-ending stream of Freudian theories. I was aching for something more tactile and real so I decided to get an internship at a design firm instead.”
Both worlds merged when Chrissy realized—working with her first divorced client—how healing design can be.
“There is a mending of the soul that happens when you create spaces that nurture and inspire a weary heart. Likewise, there is an incredible confidence and joy that people embody when living in a space that echoes who they are and who they wish to become. The truth is, I don’t see myself as a designer, I see myself as a lifestyle architect and visual audio biographer, helping people embody their full potential by creating spaces that enable them to live and dream in a bigger way.”
A sense of authenticity to self is at the core of good style for Chrissy.
“There is nothing worse than seeing well-dressed people who don’t at all embody what they are wearing. Style is having the ability to tell your story without having to speak a word, and one which is founded on flattering silhouettes and beautiful quality fabrics and colours that echo one’s colour palette and personality. I’m a big believer that whether it’s your home or your wardrobe, you should always buy one and buy well, but most importantly, buy what you love.”
When it comes to her personal style, Chrissy says it’s about honouring the balance of masculine/feminine and modern/ traditional in order to tell a well-rounded story.
“I love the romance and grandeur of old European charm, but I also love the sexiness of a simple and elegant silhouette. It’s the intermingling of contrasting elements that creates such a beautifully dynamic and seductive element to design and fashion.”
STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE
Style icon: Victoria Beckham. Favourite artist: It’s always changing, but right now I’m in love with Joelle Somero’s work. Piece of art: My 19th-century basalt Mercury bust that reminds me to embody the characteristics of prosperity, eloquence, communication, boundaries, commerce and luck.
Favourite fashion designer or brand: YSL. Favourite musician: Fleetwood Mac and Oliver Riot. Era of time that inspires your style: 1800s, 1950s and now. Favourite cocktail or wine: Clase Azul Reposado on the rocks. Album on current rotation: Hallucinate by Oliver Riot. Favourite flower: Black Baccara roses—they are so incredibly unique and not your usual cliché red rose. Favourite city to visit: Paris for architecture and Florence for food and culture. Favourite app: Calm. To start my day on the right foot. Favourite place in the whole world: My home. One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during these hard times: Being in my favourite place with the people I love most fills my heart with so much gratitude.
FASHION & BEAUTY
Uniform: High-waisted skinny jeans with a beautiful silk blouse or cashmere sweater and a pair of pumps or flats. All-time favourite piece: I have a stunning black cocktail dress from Victoria Beckham that I adore. It’s such a sexy yet conservative silhouette. I love that about her work. Favourite pair of shoes: For running errands, black “Cendrillon” ballerina flats from Repetto. For a night out, my velvet Valentino open-toe pumps. Favourite day-bag: Classic Sac de Jour in embossed black leather. Favourite jewellery piece or designer: I have a stunning black cameo ring with a female warrior that is very rare. It’s a reminder for me to fearlessly chase the desires of my heart. Fashion obsession: I’m such a sucker for a Parisian cashmere sweater or beautiful silk blouse. Accessory you spend the most money on: Bags. Moisturizer: Awakened Hydrating Serum by Forget Beauty, which is an incredible Vancouver company. Scent: Byredo Reine De Nuit. Must-have hair product: Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo & Conditioner. Beauty secret: A vibrant love life, a good sweat session and incredible skin care. One thing that has been torture to live without during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lash extensions. I detest mascara.
READING MATERIAL
What do you read online for style? I don’t really follow fashion closely. I buy what resonates. Tom Ford and Dior. Last great read: I like to dive into research on topics of interest, and I recently read a clinical study about the health benefits of grounding and forest bathing and the impressive positive impact it has on cardiovascular health. I love learning, so I’m more interested in research journals than novels. Book currently reading: I’m working on writing my own book right now, so I’ve not had a lot of time to dive into a novel. Fave print magazine: Architectural Digest. Fave style blog: Elle Decor. Coffee table book/photography book: Favourite book of all time: Dancing with the Gods by Kent Nerburn.
