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Olga Sherer for Ralph Lauren. Immaculate nails & Lanvin hexagonal ring [US Vogue February 2007]. Pearls. Art deco earrings. Gloves by Molly N [Simply You Summer 2007]. Chanel blue patent driving gloves [US Vogue February 2007]. Diana Vreeland. Random art deco girl. Art deco black enamel bracelet. Bangles by Lanvin, Dior Homme & Patricia von Musulin [US Vogue February 2007]. Girl in a turban. Chanel 5018 sunglasses.

My direction for spring/summer 2007/08 is a mix of aristocratic, tennis & haughty chic, with modern edges.

The look is largely based around black & white, with unexpected splashes of colour to stop me from falling asleep (pink hair, purple fingernails, green eye makeup, etc.). All this talk of spring florals & nu-neon makes me want to rebel, so I will, & I am. I am rebelling towards glamour, elegant necks, an air of transatlanticism, the scent of art deco.

Everything should be long, long, long. Full skirts, dresses that hit below the knee, draped scarves & legs lengthened to the hilt. There will be an emphasis on wrists & legs, the aim is to elongate the limbs as much as possible. For this reason, anything worn around the wrist is encouraged. Black enamel cuffs, fingerless gloves & wristlets will be marvellous for this purpose.

Consider proportion & geometry. Contrast is a cornerstone of the look. Think sleek black dresses with big hair, wide hips with a small waist, long legs in big boots, stacked bangles along a delicate arm. Juxtaposition is key.

Grooming is also of utmost importance this season. Clean clothes, shined shoes, perfect coiffure & immaculate makeup are what will make this look work. Nails should be short but well-kept & lacquered with red or metallics. Slicing this aesthetic with your modern self — candy-coloured hair, tattoos, piercings etc. — will be fabulous.

Hats are essential, particularly anything with a wide brim, as are turbans & headscarves. The ideal pair of sunglasses are the Chanel 5018, closely followed by Tom Ford’s Marissa or Samantha.

If you can only trifle with one sort of accessory, bracelets (which make noise as you gesticulate wildly) are It. Art deco styling is encouraged, lots of heavy metals, but anything with a bit of bolshy shine that catches the eye is acceptable. Also, keep your eyes out for dangling earrings, pearls, rings which reek of art deco futurism, anything Bakelite. If hair is not hidden beneath a turban or hat, it should be pulled back from the face & combed high. Play with animal print (faux, please): zebra, leopard & crocodile. Aristocratic animals, you know the sort.

Swan around in high heels, buy a kimono for lounging, walk at a pace rapid enough that your garments flutter behind you. Have your eyebrows tinted; learn how to do a clean cat’s eye (coming soon!). Buy an elegant clutch for evening adventures. Cultivate a jazz appreciation. Spend time on the telephone as opposed to continual electronic contact. Make a habit of buying treasures. Keep your chin up & stay fabulous.