If you have been following along, you probably know I am a big fan of Athena Calderone, aka Eye Swoon, and the fine way she translates her refined aesthetics into every creative outlet she is involved with: food, interiors, and personal style. As a personal stylist, I truly believe a cohesive, functional style transcends fashion. It shows in how someone lives. One cannot simply dress chicly and completely ignore the medium they live in and how they choose to eat. Today I am honouring a modern icon and trailblazer of our generation of hedonists. Here are 10 style rules we can learn from Eye Swoon:
1. Hair and makeup are as important as clothing. Throughout her career, as she moved from her Brooklyn condo to her Brooklyn townhouse to her now very chic art deco Tribeca apartment, I have noticed how her haircut has evolved, mirroring the aesthetic she was into at each stage. From her romantic long cut with bangs to a sharp, very roaring 20s bob, her haircut has always had a clear meaning and a strong message in her visual branding.
2. Headscarfs and bandanas are such a cool 90s mood. With a simple accessory, you can elevate a look to effortless chic with zero effort.
3. Your aesthetics should translate well through various disciplines. Fashion meets interior design in many ways, as evidenced by Athena’s multi-hyphenate personality. Beyond subcultures, we can always draw inspiration from architecture for how we dress and present ourselves. Synchronizing your personality to the spaces and outfits you build is tres chic.
4. Don’t overdo it. With a few exceptions, cool, relaxed silhouettes will always outdo a super-fitted slim outfit.
5. Less is more, but not every time. I love Athena’s thoughtful minimalism in her day-to-day life, but I equally appreciate it when she surprises with a short, iconic 90’s Dolce and Gabbana skirt or a bold Gucci makeup look. Being edgy and pushing some limits when the circumstances call for it is the ultimate coolness in personal styling. 
6. Avoid trends. Stay true to your unique style. If there’s one thing Eye Swoon is known for, it’s setting trends worldwide. But what’s cool about it is that she does it unintentionally, as she is genuinely interested in exploring new style and interior decor directions. Getting inspired is fun, but making your personal mark in anything you do is the epitome of chic.
7. Brains and heart over looks. One reason I started following Athena Calderone and became a huge fan is that, aside from the beautiful dishes, interior decor, and fashion she shares daily, she is truly gifted at storytelling. In a world overstimulated by visual bait content, keep writing and reading. Shared ideas and introspections will always be cooler than any outfit.
8. Visiting museums is tres chic. Get off Pinterest. Nothing will inspire your aesthetic taste better than art and architecture. Visit museums, big cities, places with heart and soul. Eyeswoon, observe and inhale anything aesthetically pleasant – from a corner of a street, to an old couple sitting on a bench, to a detail on a door.
9. Eating beautifully is an art as fine as dressing well. Try to change your eating habits. Go to the farmer’s market, explore better ingredients, invest in quality. Buy elegant tableware and vintage china, light a candle for dinner, drink good wine, and listen to good music while you cook and while you enjoy it. Athena’s recipes have been crucial in my own culinary explorations, and I think her book Cook Beautiful will go down in history as one of the best out there.
10. Love your family. One reason I appreciate Athena Calderone is that her family stands at the intersection of everything she is as a public cultural persona. This isn’t about fashion, but it’s just so damn chic.
Click here for 10 style rules from Victoria Beckham. Click here for 10 rules from Tom Ford. Click here for 10 style rules from Karl Lagerfeld.