Michelle Harper’s Closet Sale
Michelle Violy Harper is a leader in brand strategy, marketing, and business growth. With over 20 years of experience shaping the media and consumer industries, she’s contributed her business strategy and marketing expertise to Hourglass Cosmetics, Tata Harper Skincare, Sol de Janeiro, and RMS Beauty. She’s been featured in “Vogue” (US, IT, JP), the cover subject of “The New York Times” Style Section, published in three prominent books, and featured in photography exhibitions. Today, Michelle is a board member at NY Bay Capital and previously served on the Board of the Fashion Museum at FIT in New York.
Get an exclusive look at Michelle’s pieces and learn more about the stories behind them.
On Personal Style
“My personal style is how I move through the world. It’s philosophy, it’s instinct, it’s a sensory response to being alive. Style, to me, is not about copy-paste trends, it’s not about rules—it’s about freedom and feeling. Feeling deeply, honestly, and without apology.
Sometimes it’s layered rich and theatrical, sometimes it’s naked, raw, stripped bare. Sometimes it’s fun. Sometimes it’s grief. But it’s always real. It can be a fantasy, but it’s authentic at its core. I don’t know if it’ll all be beautiful or ugly (and what does that really mean anyway?). What I do know is that it will never be nothing, born of nothing, saying nothing. Because I’m not trying to disappear.”
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Behind Her Pieces
“The Yves Saint Laurent cuff is so powerful, so vibrant, and yet so effortless. In a moment, it can take any outfit and crank it from a one to an eleven—from a gown to pajamas.
I received the Dolce & Gabbana pants and purse from the house in Italy 26 years ago—they’re impeccable and just as beautiful today as they were then.
I’ve worn so much Miu Miu since day one. And it is ALWAYS perfect. The mood—whether a green jewel-tone silk top with chic cap over the shoulders, a perfectly awkward-chic grey schoolboy blazer, or the almost imperceptible embroidery along the hem of a skirt—are those wonderful details that speak volumes.
And, of course, the super fuchsia Balenciaga City bag that came from Nicolas Ghesquière and has never been worn—it’s a moment.”
Looking For Next
“I couldn’t say. Fashion items... we find each other, spontaneously. Thank god. Much more fun that way… If I play the game… Exquisite odd vintage lingerie? Bullion Wigs (I can never have enough of those) … If my friend Fernando Sanchez was alive, another massive forever trailing kimono robe.”
Whose Closet She’d Shop
“I would like to shop minds, movements, centuries, and the globe. How could I put that on one person, into one closet? That would be rather unfair!”