Talk Shop: Diana LoMonaco // Classic SiX
ABOUT DIANA
Diana LoMonaco came up with the idea for Classic Six out of a passion for fashion and a pure desire in her life to have less. What started as a closet edit of her own, turned into a business idea that could solve the overwhelm that women may feel in their own closets and with fashion choices in general.
On her journey to have more with less, it became clear to her that a carefully curated, pared-down closet of quality pieces was the solution. And not just quality in construction, but quality and thoughtfulness in design. With a focus on versatility, functionality, quality construction, and most importantly style, her goal is to set the foundation of any wardrobe and inspire women to create more looks with less clothing in their closets. Classic Six is meant to be worn countless ways and Diana personally takes great care in teaching customers exactly how to make this happen with styling videos and tutorials on their website and social media channels.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic not basic
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mom. Pretty sure my entire style-life has been influenced by her over the years.
Travel.
Living in NYC and being surrounded by the most stylish and interesting people in the world.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company because of the desire in my own life to have less and create more. I limited my own wardrobe to only the pieces I absolutely loved and would always feel amazing in, and I was forced to reinvent them in different ways to get the most out of every piece. Ultimately it reduced the overwhelm I felt in getting dressed and I became even more creative in my styling. A win-win. I thought, how can I help other women reduce the overwhelm in their own closets and lives? And that is how Classic Six was born!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
A mentor is something I just very recently added to the mix because I felt like a lot of the time I was working in such a bubble with no one to really run things by. Now I have monthly calls with my business advisor to run all the happenings, decisions, and plans. It is so comforting to know I have a second set of eyes on everything we have in the pipeline.
What does your home say about you:
I always admire walking into someone’s home and feeling like, wow the person that lives here is interesting and has LIVED. I obsess over every detail in my own home and want each piece I bring in to be something that truly brings me happiness to be around. I hope it feels collected and that someone would walk into my home and say the person who lives here enjoys her life.
What does your closet say about you:
Right now, it says “She is not as organized as I thought she would be.” LOL
Where do you find inspiration:
Magazines always and forever. I have a huge collection of magazine tears. Now I do something similar with instagram and the web. I screenshot anything that speaks to me. Even if I don’t go back and look at it, I feel like saving it in some way is putting it out into the universe that it is what I want my life to be inspired by. I swear there is something to this. I go back to old magazine tears and see things on a page I never thought would actually be in my life that now are.
Who are your style icons:
I am not sure I have one specifically. All of our pieces are named after style icons. For example, our Katharine blazer is named after Katharine Hepburn. She was famously independent, had incredible wit and sophistication, and wore menswear and tailored clothing like no one else in her time. There was no one else I could imagine naming our blazer after.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
The right music for the vibe, and lighting that feels cozy and inviting. The smell—whether that be candles or something cooking in the kitchen. And good company!
Do you collect anything:
I am a big collector when I travel. I love a souvenir to either have for my home or my closet. My husband and I also collect ornaments for our Christmas tree wherever we travel and every year when we decorate, it’s like a walk down memory lane of all the places we’ve been.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
Such a hard question because I follow so many amazing and stylish people!
What fashion “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
“Less is more”, but then also contradictory…” Less is more!” Sometimes you just want an armful of bangles, or to wear leopard and stripes together, and that is ok.
What are you working on right now:
Oh gosh. You should see the to-do list. It is panic attack territory, but if I am not doing something creative on top of all the business as usual, I will go insane. I decided recently that this Summer we need accessories in our Hamptons store, so I have been curating a collection of accessories that will be perfect to pair with Classic Six. I am so excited for our customers to see what I am choosing to bring into the shop.
Wardrobe staples:
A white button down, a favorite pair of jeans, a perfect white tee that is a beautiful knit and maybe even a little sheer, and a great fitting blazer.
Best styling advice you ever received:
“Own it.” aka be confident in your look. Even if you might be unsure, you chose it and you have walked out the door in it, so own your choice.
Best career advice you ever received:
I live by the quote, You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. Martin Luther King Jr.
Types of closet purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in timeless classic pieces that will last a lifetime in construction and style. I save on trendy accessories that may be something I love at the moment and are great in freshening up my classics.
Your greatest extravagance:
Probably travel and airfare. I am at the point in my life where I work too hard not to treat myself.
Favorite places to shop:
Classic Six and the Real Real. I love a second-hand accessory and finding something special that not everyone has.
Most prized possession and why:
Probably things that have been passed down to me. My grandma's diamond necklace. My mom’s vintage Gucci bags. Not sure those were actually passed down, but they wound up in my closet ;) and I cherish them. Oh! The vintage Rolex that I bought myself at the end of my first full year in business because we beat all of our projections.
Your fashion motto:
Classic not basic
Your life motto:
Gratitude brings abundance
Advice for someone looking to define their own style:
Set the foundation with classic timeless pieces first. Then start accessorizing with pieces that speak to you.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Impossible to choose, but if I had to pick a type of food, it would probably be pasta of any kind, shape, and preparation.
Drink: Right now I’m loving orange wine.
Film: Something’s Gotta Give. Could watch it over and over and never get sick of it.
Hotel: The Carlyle
City: New York
Bedding: Frette and Brooklinen. Recently I got a 100% linen set from The Conran Shop in London and I am in love. Feels very boho and beachy.
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Decaf coffee with a little cream. If I am feeling like I need a special treat, I go for a latte.
Playlist: Currently listening to Gilberto Gil Radio on Pandora.
Weekend Activity: Anything on or near the water.
Design Book: I have a coffee table book about Diana Vreeland and her years at Bazaar and I am inspired by literally every page.