Keeping an eye on: Kathleen Breen Combes
Kathleen Combes is the living, breathing embodiment of every young girl’s fairy-tale fantasy. She’s beautiful, kind, and gracious, has killer style, and happens to be a ballerina with a hunky, fellow-dancer boyfriend.
I recently met Combes at a friend’s birthday bash at Mantra. Struck by her funky outfit, edgy hair, and adorable demeanor, I wondered: What does this girl do? Where does she come from? And why have we not met before? As your local style spy, I felt it my duty to find out more. So I did, and immediately asked Combes if I could feature her in this column. The dancing, world-traveling fashionista graciously and excitedly accepted.
Not all performers are fascinating off stage as well as on, but in chatting with Combes about style, shopping, sore feet, and a shared obsession for pumps, I found her to be one of the special few that are.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Classic with a twist. Whether it’s a great piece of jewelry or a bag, I like to add at least one thing that’s interesting.
Q: Is there anything about your style that might surprise us?
A: Comfort ALWAYS wins!
Q: Does being a dancer ever influence your style outside of the theater?
A: I dress up for a living and have people put me in costumes all the time. You learn what looks good on you and what doesn’t. It also gives you a chance to try things that maybe you wouldn’t normally try, and then you integrate it into your everyday wear.
Q: I’ve seen you in dancing action and was quite impressed — but it must do a number on your feet! Does your career affect your shoeshopping? Do you opt for comfort over style, or have you found lines that offer both?
A: I have so many shoes I hardly wear because my feet are sore. My feet are an important part of my job, but I love heels! Aldo makes great inserts for heels. It makes them feel like sneakers!
Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
A: La Mer face cream and Godiva chocolate.
Q: What has been your biggest splurge? Biggest save?
A: I have a pair of Prada heels that I’ve been eyeing; I might just have to splurge on them. And I bought this fantastic bracelet on the street in Spain for three Euros and I get compliments on it all the time. Best save!
Q: Do your fellow dancers consider you to be the stylish one?
A: I think as dancers, we are creative people and we wear things that represent us as artists. We all have completely different styles, but definitely share a love for fashion!
Q: Do you have any style icons, past or present, who inspire you?
A: Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick.
Q: What are your favorite movies about dancers? Did any of the fashion inspire you?
A: Fame — the ’80s are back!
Q: You have a bold and edgy new hair cut. Who cut it? Is it difficult to have bangs when you have to wear your hair back for shows? Was the ballet okay with the cut?
A: I did get in a bit of trouble. Rogue at Salon Marc Harris gave me this fun new cut. Apparently dancers are supposed to have long hair! Nothing a bottle of hairspray and some fake hair can’t fix!
Q: What are your favorite places to shop?
A: I love Stil, Stel’s, and Reiss on Newbury. H&M and Zara for fun steals, and Barneys Coop. I love Chicago for their fabulous little boutiques and Europe because it’s all fabulous.
Q: What is the best accessory to any outfit?
A: Confidence and a great bag.
Q: Have you always been into fashion?
A: I wanted to be a fashion designer as a child. I spent hours designing gowns. I dance much better than I draw.
Q: What is the one thing in your wardrobe you really can’t live without?
A: My Mike & Chris Bailey hoodie. It is super comfy and goes with everything!
