Tinsley Mortimer *Photos Courtesy of Tinsley Mortimer

Who: Tinsley Mortimer
What: Socialite, Designer, Beauty Ambassador
Neighborhood: Upper East Side, NYC

What is your art style?
Having majored in art history at Columbia University, I studied many styles and grew to love most of them. Having said this, however, I do particularly love impressionism, cubism, and lots of the old masters like Rubens, Titian, and Davide. In my apartment, I have Lucian Freud, family portraits from the 19th century and some photographs by Alex Soth. My husband also collects really cool Japanese robots, so we really do appreciate varied styles and mediums.

What were some of your favorite shows from the recent New York Fashion Week for fall ’08?
I loved Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass by Peter Som, Tommy Hilfiger, and J. Mendel.

What are you buying for spring/summer?
I don’t yet know specifically, because I haven’t had the time to think
about it. But since I am designing bags and clothes, I already have a lot to choose from. I do know that I will be wearing lots of bold, bright colors, particularly in bags, shoes, and belts. I love wearing color, especially for spring, and I used a lot of color in my collections, so I
naturally was excited to see that the designers used color for the
spring shows.

Tell us about designing handbags for Tokyo-based Samantha Thavasa?
Designing handbags has been a dream come true. I have always wanted to design and to have this opportunity with a company as fabulous as Samantha Thavasa has been amazing! It is not easy, and I am involved in every detail from the shape, hardware, stitches,
material – everything! I go to Japan to design and the design team comes to New York and we meet for days on end. I always try to interpret what I believe will be fun for the next season. At Samantha Thavasa, they believe that my handbags should totally reflect my taste, so there is no supervision or blackballing of ideas. It truly is a remarkable company.

What’s it like being the Dior Beauty Ambassador?
Dior is a brand that is synonymous with luxury, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The Dior girl likes to dress up in beautiful clothes but likes to have fun while doing it. I think Dior is a perfect fit for me. My first job was as the beauty assistant at Vogue, so I have experience in the world of fashion and beauty, not to mention that I come from the South and started wearing gloss and blush in fifth grade! I still remember my mother saying to my sister Dabney and me as we left the house, “I think you need a little gloss.” My mother thought it was important to first have beauty on the inside but that the outside is important also because it is how you present yourself to the world, and it is important to show your best self. Actually, my first real lip gloss was by Dior. My mother alwaysbought me the best makeup, because she believed it was such a small investment to have the best.

What is something nobody knows about you?
My happiest times are when I am at home with my husband and Chihuahuas ordering in, wearing Juicy sweat pants, and watching movies together. My next favorite times are visiting my mother in Palm Beach or Newport.

What is your most memorable gala or event?
I go to so many, and, truly, they are all such fun; however, I suppose
the ones which I have chaired and worked so hard on would be the most rewarding. Without a doubt, the most over-the-top event in New York is the Costume Institute. The red carpet extends all the way down the steps of the Metropolitan Museum and everyone is incredibly “decked” out. It seems like the Oscars. A few years ago I went with Tommy Hilfiger in a beautiful light blue dress he made for me, and last year I sat at the Versace table with Donatella Versace and Hilary Swank. I was in bright, hot pink. It was so much fun!

What are your “staying in shape” secrets with so many events a week?
I try to eat well and not overdo it especially when I have a lot of events. I just have a better time when my clothes fit well and with so many photographers around, I want to feel comfortable. This definitely helps give me an incentive to not pig out, but when there is a little down time, I definitely eat pizza and donuts and cup cakes! You can’t deprive yourself, but if you “go for it” one day then just make sure to be good for the next two days and don’t let it get out of control.

Who are your favorite designers?
I love Oscar de la Renta, Peter Som, Peter Som for Bill Blass, Zac Posen, Marchesa, and Philip Lim. They all do fun, girly, feminine clothes that are definitely more classic than sexy. But if I had to pick one for evening, I would say Oscar de la Renta. He is my favorite!

What’s your neighborhood in New York City and what do you love about it?
The Upper East Side. It’s a beautiful residential area, but it may be a little too adult for me right now – but I still love it!

How do you relax?
Sleep as much as I can and cuddle with my Chihuahuas.

What is your signature style? Does your home decorating style
match?
I often wear girly, feminine dresses with mary janes or round-toed shoes. I have a very put together look and don’t do effortless chic very well. I like to wear clothes that make me feel like me. My decorating style is very similar to the way I dress. It is very put together and dressy with lots of color. It is also very classic and traditional with beautiful antiques and fabrics.

What is your favorite travel destination?
Japan is my favorite destination because my proudest moments have been spent there with the most exceptional people. Second to Japan, I would have to say St. Moritz. It’s just so charming and chic, and I love to ski!

Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought?
Money and style oftentimes are at odds with each other. Style is innate, but it can also be emulated, however, not always successfully.

Have you been to Chicago?
I have only been to the Chicago airport on my way to Japan. I ate at Chili’s and I think had an egg burrito.
-Melissa Maynard