My parents weren't in the fashion industry, but they are style icons—here are the fashion lessons I gained from them.

      It’s well known that I enjoy dressing up. Growing up, I didn't realize how unique and fascinating it was that fashion played such a vital role in our home. And don't even get me started on my grandmother's wardrobe. What’s even more surprising is that neither of my parents worked in fashion, yet they both regarded clothing in the same way others might view art or architecture. They valued the craftsmanship, the shapes, and the feelings evoked by wearing beautiful pieces. To this day, my parents stay updated on the latest runway shows, often playing them on their TV as background ambiance.

      Despite my dad's appreciation for design and fashion, his philosophy has always been, "Invest in a few exceptional pieces that will last a lifetime." My brother and I were always dressed elegantly in linen and wool outfits. I frequently spent my nights selecting my outfits from head to toe before elementary school and playing dress-up in my mom's closet.

      Years later, I inherited many of those items, and I'm still astonished by their condition. They are decades old yet still feel substantial. The fabrics have a weight to them, the tailoring is meticulous, and the styles feel both timeless and contemporary. Back then, there was such a focus on construction and materials that these designs have truly withstood the test of time. To me, many of these pieces seem more captivating now than much of what is available today.

      There are certain designers that consistently appear in my parents' closet, with Claude Montana being one of the most prominent. My mom had many of his pieces, which instantly transport me back to an era of bold power dressing. Montana was renowned for his dramatic silhouettes, exaggerated shoulders, and architectural designs.

      If you’re delving into vintage fashion and appreciate designers like Azzedine Alaïa and Thierry Mugler—especially those recognized for their strong sculptural forms—you would undoubtedly enjoy Claude Montana. His materials are thick and structured in a way that feels almost impossible to find today.

      Even now, I still seek fashion advice from my mom and dad. They instilled in me early on that having great style isn't about chasing trends; it's about appreciating design, quality, and pieces that will remain relevant for years to come. Looking at their closet now and having pieces they’ve given me, they were right all along.

      Below are some of my favorite items from my parents' wardrobe and how I style them.

      One of my treasured pieces is this baby-blue Claude Montana ruffle set my mom wore years ago, which I actually wore on my honeymoon in Lake Como.

      Then there's my dad's iconic vintage Barneys NY leather jacket, which has aged beautifully over time. I’m amazed at how rich the color was back then.

      One of the first pieces I borrowed from my mom is this cutout, cinched blue Claude Montana blazer, paired here with her first-ever patent-leather Chanel bag, which I also own! The quality of that Chanel bag was so different in the past.

      This vintage embellished dress is unique compared to what today’s designers are showing, and the gold fish details make it feel even more special alongside my own Fishy bag from my brand Vin.

      Here's a vintage Valentino piece—I love experimenting with colors right now, and I haven't seen anything like this on the market.

      Lastly, another Claude Montana masterpiece is shown here, which my mom wore as a set with the matching skirt. I prefer styling it with trousers, shorts, or jeans… It genuinely works with everything.