My Luxuries: Fashion designer Racil Chalhoub on the things she'd rather not live without
What are you wearing?
I pretty much live in my Racil clothes, however I love the work of Dries Van Noten, Alaia and Gucci. Mostly I have a lot of admiration for Miuccia Prada and the brand she has created.
On your feet?
Edgardo Osorio for Aquazzura; his shoes are always so great and comfortable. I love the shape of his Forever Marilyn stiletto. I also love shoes by Prada and Miu Miu as they can often be quite playful.
Other little luxuries?
So many! I love belts by men’s label Charvet, slips and night dresses from Loretta Caponi in Florence that I like to wear to the beach, hand made summer sandals by Rondini in St Tropez that I order every summer.
As for bags, I love really fun clutches for the evening otherwise I have a collection of hand-woven baskets that I use as everyday bags.
Beauty indulgence?
I use a daily face scrub from my facialist in LA that I love. She ships it to me every time I run out. Also the silk based compact from Serge Lutens, it is divine.
Favourite piece of jewellery?
A necklace that my mother gave me on my 25th birthday . It was a gift to her from my father in the 1970s and is called ‘The Orgy’. It's gold and all handcrafted – the chain epitomises little people on top of each other with a beautiful pendant in the middle. It is very special.
Dream drive?
I covet the vintage Porsche speedster 356. I just find it so chic and sexy. I bought the French hand-made car, PGO Cevennes instead as it reminds me so much of it.
Collector's item?
I collect many things in my own way, all of which I could amass more of - one of them being hand-woven baskets or evening clutches. However I would love to collect more art. I have a few pieces on my wish list.
Ideal home?
I would have loved Luis Barragan to design me a superb summer home. I love his use of colour and pure lines – it is very raw and serene.
Sight for sore eyes?
The view of the sunset in Mykonos.
Favourite piece you own?
A lightbox by Daniele Buetti. It is the first piece of art that I bought and made me fall in love with art in the first place. I saw a small lightbox by him at an art gallery in Beirut and researched him afterwards. I then found the piece I liked and eventually tracked it down in Belgium. Now it happily hangs in my living room.
Ultimate dinner?
I love Mediterranean food and everything cooked with fresh produce. I would actually ask my childhood best friend Dalia to cook for me and all my guests, because what is even better than good food is a whole spread of delicious dishes cooked with love and passion.
Design classic you covet?
I am in love with the mid-century curved sofa by Ico Parsini, I just think the lines are so smooth… I would love to own that in emerald green or pink velvet. The diamond dust Mickey Mouse by Warhol is my favourite piece of art - I have been in love with Mickey forever.
Ultimate escape?
A well organised holiday where I can disconnect and be immersed in another world. I went to the Four Season’s tented camp in Chiang Rai with my family and it was amazing! I also love Africa and going on safaris.
Private jet or yacht?
Yacht. I would spend half the year cruising around and working from the sun deck.
What are you drinking?
Tequila on the rocks, or Japanese coffee that my brother sends me monthly from Asia by Fedex.
Home from home?
The Mercer in New York, because I really feel like I’m home from the moment I walk in.
Necessary luxuries
The comfort of my own home, good fresh food and weekly manicures.
What single thing would make your existence more luxurious?
Having more time!
Racil is available at matchesfashion.com and Browns
