How else to end the day but with a Q&A Christmas preparation from Kate King herself, who is fast becoming a recognised face in the Dolce&Gabbana world stars as Dolce’s campaign testimonial, having featured in campaigns for the Designers’ recent ready to wear and jewellery collections. Be sure to check out the very bottom of the Q&A for Kate’s 10 present wishlist that she would like to receive for Christmas.
What is the greatest thing about Christmas for you?
The greatest thing about Christmas is that I am lucky enough that every year, usually my family get together. It is about getting together with the people that I love and celebrating just being with them.
How will you be spending the holidays this year?
I have a house in Florida. I will be there with everybody in my immediate family, for the first time in a couple of years, all six of us, which will be nice. We won’t have a white Christmas, obviously, but some sunshine.
You have a big family, how do you celebrate the holidays when you are all together?
We open presents on Christmas morning. Santa Claus puts our presents next to our bed. Each year, my mum says this year we’re not going to do it, but each year, we say, “Oh, no we have to!” so it happens!
What is your favorite holiday tradition in terms of, not particularly for your family, but the common traditions that people have?
Probably a classic Christmas meal. Roast potatoes, sweet potatoes. Just sitting at the table, enjoying food with people you love.
Who do you think the Dolce fragrance is the ideal gift for?
It is an ideal gift for any woman. It is such a beautiful fragrance. It is not just for any one group of women or girls. It is something I could give to my mum or my friends. There is definitely youthfulness to the fragrance, but it can definitely be worn by a mature woman. My own mother wears it.
What has been your favorite gift that you have ever received and from whom?
I don’t think it would have been something material. I think my favorite gift would be the gift of travelling, the gift of having an amazing family that I am lucky enough to spend my holidays with. Things that aren’t tangible, like family and travel. Not material items.
What advice would you give to someone about buying a present for the woman who has everything?
A woman who has everything? That is the great thing about fragrance. It is a perfect gift for someone who has everything, because it doesn’t last forever, it runs out. I don’t know one woman who has enough perfume.
Is there any particular scent you associate with Christmas?
The smell of pine trees. I grew up in Canada so evergreens are everywhere. A fresh, real Christmas tree in the house.
Do you have any favorite Christmas films?
Elf is a good one.
What are your favorite Christmas fashion looks?
I love a cheesy Christmas sweater. The cheesier, the better. A Santa Claus or a reindeer sweater for Christmas Day with my family. But we go to church every Christmas, so then a black dress with a red lip.
What is your Christmas Day look? Do you put any make-up on? Do you keep it simple and fresh?
On Christmas day with my family, I don’t wear any make-up. When we go to church, I wear simple make-up with a red lip. I think at Christmas there is no better time to wear a red lip.
How will you be celebrating New Year’s Eve this year?
I’m going to Toronto for New Year’s Eve. That is my ritual, to go back home and celebrate with my childhood friends. Usually just have a party and a couple of drinks, bottles of champagne.
What is your top beauty tip for the classic New Year’s Eve look?
I definitely love a smoky eye on New Year’s Eve. Smoky eye is very festive. Lots of highlighter. A little glitter. Lots of highlighter and a smoky eye.
Do you change your beauty routine in the winter months?
Not a lot, just slightly. Maybe I’ll stop using a toner if my skin is drying out. But generally, it is pretty much the same. Little treats here and there, put on a bit more moisturizer. I don’t use as much sunscreen in the winter. I find that sunscreen is quite heavy on my skin, so if I can get away without wearing it I prefer to do that.
Do you wear moisturizer all the time during summer?
Not all the time, but if I am going outside, I try to. Emphasis on the word ‘try’.
Do you wear a different fragrance at different times of the year?
No, I don’t actually. I find a fragrance I love. I love that if my friends smell it, they instantly recognize it as me. I like to be loyal to a fragrance. I think if something smells good, it smells good all year round.
How would you describe your winter style in general?
I love dressing in the winter. As much as I love shorts and a crop top, there is nothing nicer than a beautiful coat. I wear darker colours with a lot of black all year round, but in the winter even more so. I love beautiful dark navy blues and greys, especially for my nails.
Is there anyone you find it difficult to buy Christmas presents for and why?
I think boys are always harder to buy for than women. Cologne, every Christmas, cologne is such a good go-to. Again, it is something they will always need, even if they got some last Christmas. They will need it eventually. I think that is a good go-to gift. A watch is a good gift. And socks… Men are hard to buy for.
You travel so much for your job. What is your favourite place to spend Christmas?
I love spending Christmas in Florida, obviously. I grew up in Canada, so a white Christmas is nice. I love a white Christmas. But I spend Christmas in Florida and New Year’s in Canada. It is nice to have the best of both worlds. A hot Christmas and a cold New Year’s to make up for it.
Do you have any funny Christmas memories from your childhood?
Usually we had massive Christmases, my aunt and uncle from outside would come in and we would have dinner and then go into the basement. Actually, it all started in the living room, we’d turn on music and be dancing to Christmas music and some classic dad rock. Dire Straits. Everyone would go crazy with their dance moves…
You would be dancing?
I can fill the dance floor like nobody’s business, it just takes a little while. Normally, I have no game that is my biggest problem when it comes to dancing but if I am with my friends, it is all about the dancing. We will have dance parties. Literally, for hours, we will all be going at it.
Kate King’s Christmas wish list.
10 things you would like to receive this Christmas:
1. Dolce fragrance
2. Dolce&Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Fire
3. Dolce&Gabbana Aurealux Mask
4. Dolce&Gabbana Velvet Collection Candle
5. A trip to a place I have never been
6. A book by my favourite author Kurt Vonnegut or David Sedaris
7. A new leather classic handbag
8. A new laptop
9. A new record, I like vinyl – something I have never heard before to widen my musical horizons
10. A new coat, a nice winter one like a trench or button-up one
