Catherine Hayward is hard to miss on account of her extravagant locks, which before they became uniformly steely boasted a badger stripe of grey in a sea of black. She is also one of the best-dressed fashion editors on the circuit, cutting a dash in the world of menswear with her distinctive combination of tailoring and casualwear that means she always looks elegant and contemporary. And never like she’s trying too hard. Today, Catherine is among the fashion industry’s most respected stylists. A former fashion editor at British GQ and fashion director of British Esquire, she now works for a number of global publications while also dressing a band of stylish celebrity individuals (male and female) for their public and media appearances. Reflecting Catherine’s menswear expertise, she is often to be seen in tailored jackets and trousers, and is partial to the odd man’s shirt, too. ‘The traditional male wardrobe is full of pieces that have migrated to womenswear, like trench coats, jeans, T-shirts and tailored jackets,’ she maintains. ‘If you feel comfortable in it, wear it.’
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BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Cable-knit wool, cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck sweater £1,650 | NILI LOTAN Tomboy cotton-blend twill straight-leg pants £400 | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Vieira leather sneakers £545 |
What are the five things you always pack for travel?
- Cloth shoe bags to organise things in – I divide everything inside my case so that I can find it all easily at the other end – underwear, swimwear, socks, bags and, of course, shoes.
- Wool/silk or cashmere scarves for air-conditioned flights and chilly evenings.
- Running shoes and yoga gear – just in case.
- Hair straighteners and leave-in conditioner.
- Multi-portal travel plugs and mosquito repellent.
Where is your dream destination?
A grand tour around South America ending up in the Galápagos Islands.
What’s your secret tip for anyone who has to travel for work constantly?
A hand-held portable steamer – especially useful for work trips. And roll everything in your case for minimal creasing.

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THEORY Etiennette grain de poudre wool-blend blazer £440 | PRADA Leather belt £460 | BY FAR Este leather ankle boots £405 |
What is your one travel luxury?
As soon as I check in on a business trip, I book myself a local blow dry and pedicure.
Where is the most fashionable destination you have been to?
Amangiri – a desert retreat near Bryce Canyon in Utah set in the most spectacular landscape.
What suitcase do you always travel with?
I’m lucky enough to have two beautiful, personalised cases by Louis Vuitton but I’m too worried to use them in case they are lost or stolen on the flight. So instead, I alternate between an enormous black Globe-Trotter or a large, wheeled case by Antler which is light and expandable but very strong.
What to Wear
You can follow Catherine on Instagram: @chaywardstyle