Anya Hindmarch: Five things I know about style

1 My mother gave me one of her Gucci handbags when I was 15. I remember how mood-altering it was. There was a sense that whenever I wore it, whatever I was wearing, it made me feel glamorous – it was a real confidence boost. 2 I'm obsessed by really good coats. A decently cut coat can pull a whole outfit together – with any outfit, it's your entrance that's remembered. My mother gave me a 60s floor-length black wool evening coat, and it's one of my favourite pieces. 3 Wear clothes that don't wear you. I prefer my clothes not to shout, I feel very uncomfortable in loud clothing. There is a lot to be said for subtlety. Your personality should come across before your clothes. Fashion is about empowerment. 4 Joseph, the designer, was and still is influential to me. He had such an eye for detail and a genuine love of design, style and fashion. I also admire Rossana Orlandi: she has a style of her own. Be who you are - there's no point in being a chameleon. 5 Clothes are mood-altering. Wear the wrong shoes and you feel über-dowdy; the right shoes and you feel fantastic. Anya Hindmarch MBE is co-chair of the Royal Academy of Arts' Summer Exhibition Preview Party on 9 June. For tickets, call 020 7300 5974