Hayden Lasher Lives Up to Her Family’s Legacy

As the grandniece of Henri Bendel, founder of both the legendary New York department store and Belgian Shoes, Hayden Lasher has fashion in her blood. Even today, she carries on her family’s legacy as the handbag designer at Belgian Bag—and by stealing (or “borrowing”) vintage pieces from her mother’s closet. Here, Lasher reveals the other people and places that inspire her classic, feminine style.

Daily uniform: I am usually in a cigarette pant. My outfits are generally monochromatic—I like to let my accessories be the pop of color.

Greatest hits: My Eléne Belgian Bag, Oscar de la Renta red and white embroidered cocktail dress, a black silk peplum top by McQueen and any of my mother’s vintage designer dresses that I’ve “borrowed.”

Preferred footwear: Belgian shoes, of course. I have them in almost every color! Also, Jimmy Choo pumps.

Finishing touches: Miss Dior Cherie perfume, a big cocktail ring (I love my Garrard Angel wing ring designed by Jade Jagger—it’s a statement!), and a Belgian bag in any color!

Nighttime look: I love to be in a full mid-length skirt depending on the occasion. You can dress it up or down with a cotton top or a beautiful embroidered blouse.

Best recent discovery: Lady M crepe cakes.

Favorite stores: Beretta and Ingo Maurer in New York, Liberty in London, River Oaks Bookstore in Houston, and Hartwood and Colette in Paris.

Style pet peeve: Excessively torn jeans.

Style icons: My mother, Lynn Lasher. She has real style and something even more important: taste. Also, Queen Letizia of Spain, Katharine Hepburn and Coco Chanel.

Last purchase: Silver salt and pepper shakers from Asprey.

Lusting after: Any drawing by Drew Bacon.

Favorite haunts: Saint Ambroeus, Viand Coffee Shop, Le Charlot, Betony and Scalinatella in New York; Sketch in London; and Tallievent and the Gare du Nord café for incredible crème caramels in Paris.

What’s always in your bag: A drafting pencil and a Smythson journal (I am a chronic doodler), my iPhone, tangled headphones, Laura Mercier “Oleander” cream blush, and Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner.