The Clothes That Make the Woman

Photograph by Bob O’Connor

Daniela Corte understands busy women; after all, she’s one herself. With two school-age children and a bustling 1,200-square-foot design atelier on Newbury Street, she’s always on the move—and looking fabulous. Born in Argentina, Corte was raised around fashion (her father was a men’s designer in Buenos Aires), so it’s no surprise that she knew what she wanted to do at a young age: Corte trained in the family business for most of her life before graduating from the School of Fashion Design in Boston, eventually starting her own line in 2000.

Made from fabrics from all over the world, Corte’s collection is beautiful and understated in all the right ways. “I love to accentuate a woman’s curves in an elegant and timeless way. I always tell my customers that I want [my pieces] to be their go-to foolproof outfit,” Corte says. “I design for a powerful woman who embodies confidence, who is comfortable in her own skin, and who is not afraid to take a risk,” she says. Ahead, the designer shares her inspirations.

Date Night

“My husband is fully responsible for planning date night. Friday night is exclusively ours—it’s always been our special night. Two kids and multiple businesses later...still nothing comes between it. Some of our favorite spots are the Bristol Lounge—the tuna tartare is always a must—and
Via Matta (pictured), which has the best chicken Milanese and great ambiance.”Photo courtesy of Via Matta

Photo courtesy of Via Matta

Heels

“Everything looks better with heels! I like to think they are an extension of my legs. For a night out I love Christian Louboutin, and for every day you can’t beat the comfort of a Manolo Blahnik. I love their BB pump because you can customize the heel, 
color, and skins.”Photo via Neiman Marcus

Photo via Neiman Marcus

The Back Bay

“I love Boston, especially my neighborhood, the Back Bay. The streets, the storefronts, the architecture; I feel very lucky to call this my home.”Photograph by Robbie Shade/Flickr

Photograph by Robbie Shade/Flickr

Coats

“I can never pass up admiring (and sometimes acquiring) a well-tailored coat. It’s one of the best things about living in New England. My favorite coats come from Burberry; my husband always treats me to one. I’m a trench junkie!” Photo via Burberry

Photo via Burberry

Stunning Stationery

“I love paper goods. I seek out unique and gorgeously designed cards, envelopes, pads, and paper accessories. Wherever I travel, I always seem to send a postcard! There is nothing better than a handwritten note.”Photo via Anthropologie

Photo via Anthropologie

On File

What I’m Reading
“Divergent, by Veronica Roth. My daughter is reading this. I always like to read her books first to give the mommy seal of approval. I have to admit that I love this one!”

What I’m Wearing
“Bangs! And soft silk tops with leather-inset leggings. Gold bracelets, boots, and—of course—a great coat.”

What I’m Eating
“Clean, protein-rich dinners. I love grilling, so anything you can grill has my name on it. I pack lunch for me and my team when I’m starved for time, or I’ll treat myself to lunch with my mother or friends when I need to break up the day.”

What I’m Watching
“Everything from The Jetsons with my kids, How I Met Your Mother with my husband, to my guilty pleasure, Live with Kelly and Michael. I am Kelly Ripa obsessed!”

Where I’m Traveling
“The Aman Resorts. My goal is to stay in every single one.”