The Fashion Insider Diary: Alesandra de Tomaso

I would describe my style as eccentric, extravagant, and occasionally intentionally excessive. In a world where fashion moves at such a fast pace, I truly appreciate unique and special pieces. I love researching and often sketching my own ideas for custom-made designs. I’d rather wear a creation by a fashion school graduate, discover a new designer from a far-flung place, or style vintage pieces than conform to the mainstream fashion crowd. I definitely have a thing for a bodysuit. In general, I don’t follow trends—I celebrate personal style and a look that’s all my own.

I have a very hectic life, I work a lot, train a lot, travel a lot.... So for the morning practical outfits with cool shapes and cuts are my favourites. And flats, such as boots or sneakers. It’s also not unusual to catch me in sports clothes, and to be fair is not that easy to find cool leisure wear pieces. But if I have a full day of meetings, I would always put an effort to look good and stylish. 


Toteme, Oysho, Lululemon, Re/Done, Helsa and Nanushka.

I have many fashion icons. More than specific pieces that they wear is their consistency and creativity and long-lasting style that inspires me: I would say John Galliano back in the 00s, Carine Roitfeld and Anthony Vaccarello but I have also crushed for more contemporary girls such as Julia Fox, Charlie XCX, Bella Hadid, Gabbriette, All the brats I guess. 

  

I’m often on the move, and I have some essentials to look cool but keeping it practical and comfortable. 

Oversized bags – You’ll never catch me without my laptop. I have a vintage Hermès styled with key holders and trinkets, and some oversized YSL bags that fit everything I need.

Cool boots and sneakers – I invest in stylish boots like Gianvito Rossi and minimalist sneakers from New Balance, Adidas, and Reebok (always black or white, keeping it simple).

Turtleneck wool sweaters – Black or grey options are my go-to for staying warm and stylish.

Perfectly cut jeans – I’m particular about denim and love brands like Re/Done, Rag & Bone, L’Agence and Fear of God. I stick to classic denim or black.

Knitwear obsession – I’m currently all about knitwear dresses that transition seamlessly from day to night. I recently got a Nanushka one—it’s both cool and cosy.

Statement accessories – I finish every look with bold accessories, and there you have it!

I love accessories. I can be in a rush, throw on a totally black outfit -even just black jeans and a black sweater - and still elevate my look with standout pieces. I love stacking rings, with my hands literally covered in them all the time. Big hoops or statement earrings, and layered necklaces with the iconic Italian "papers" are some of my favourites. I don’t often wear bracelets, but if I do, they’re usually bold bangles. I’m always on the hunt for great accessories everywhere I go - emerging designers such as Alighieri and Panconesi as well as vintage markets (Portobello is always a resourceful source of them, as per Paris, Naples and LA) and of course some cool brands such as Rabanne, Alexandra Rich and YSL and Alexander McQueen. 


Working in the fashion industry gives you the privilege of mingling with designers, stylists, and celebrities, so you often catch trends before they hit the streets. That said, I love to take a trend and reinterpret it, putting my personal spin on it. I’ve always been obsessed with bodysuits, and I’m fully embracing the recent trend of mini hot pants. Being a perfectionist, I often collaborate with a tailor or designer to create custom pieces.

Recently, I attended the British Fashion Awards wearing a couture bodysuit by a talented designer from Kosovo I recently discovered: Valdrin Sahiti. He had previously designed a similar piece for Beyoncé during one of her tours, and we used that as a starting point, infusing it with Vogue Paris-Gray Sorrenti-Saint Laurent vibes. My friends couldn’t stop laughing, saying, "You’re the only person who has the guts to walk a red carpet in underwear!"

You need to understand which volumes, shapes, and colours suit you best and be realistic about it. We don’t all look alike, and not everything works for everyone. That’s why celebrities always look so flawless - they have an army of experts meticulously selecting pieces that flatter them the most. Once you know your dos and don’ts, you establish strong guidelines, and it becomes much harder to make a mistake.



I aim to create looks that feel different and authentic. To me, style is timeless, while trends are fleeting. I stick to my signature style traits: I only wear three colours - black (or very dark nuances of colours), white, and red. I enjoy blending glamour with a punk-brat spirit (I’m definitely a punk at heart). I love extremes: mini or maxi, slim-fit or oversized - nothing in between. If I had been born in LA, I might have pursued a career as a costume designer, and I think that inclination is reflected in my style choices: outfits are for me an extreme form of expression, not just merely clothes. 



I’m fortunate to be tall, which allows me to feel confident in flats and sneakers if I want. I always prioritise investing in comfortable yet stylish boots and flat shoes - they’re not always easy to find, but the perfect pair is worth the hunt!      

I love getting into the festive spirit, which is why I’d opt for a red outfit. It’s bold, celebratory, and perfect for the season. My go-to would be a chic soirée look, like the vibrant red ensemble that feels festive and elegant.

I'm planning to wear a beige long silk mermaid skirt I recently bought in Portobello, paired with a cosy white oversized sweater - perfect for feeling both festive and comfortable.

I'm leaving behind black oversized trousers in 2024 and taking flared pants and stylish shorts with me into 2025 - they’re versatile and perfect for any season!