Dina Asher-Smith is a force to be reckoned with – on track and off the track. The fastest British woman in history, a world champion sprinter and now an MBE recipient, she straddles the demands of being a young female athlete with a rare mix of determination, style and infectious energy. Whether powering through the final stretch of a 100m race or stepping onto the red carpet, she brings a confidence and poise to every facet of her work.
With races lined up in Texas, Jamaica and the World Championships in Tokyo this September, but despite her packed training regimen, she still likes to make time for fashion, beauty and moments of celebration and reflection with her loved ones.
Ahead of receiving her MBE, ELLE UK caught up with her to discuss the honor, her evolving style and the pieces she’s chosen for the occasion.
Read Next
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
On being awarded an MBE
It's a big moment of pride for me. My family are honestly so excited, it's been one of the only thing my mum has wanted to talk about for the past month. It's a testament to so much, not only my own hard work but the hard work of all the people around me, as an athlete and off the track as well. It’s been a real team effort to get me into a position to even be here.
On her first fashion memories
I've always been mega into fashion. I was the child who would sneak into my mum's room, put on her heels, spray out all of her Chanel No.5, put on her lipstick and then just run away. I've always been somebody who loves to dress up and there are so many family photos to prove it. I’ll also always remember my first pair of custom Nike IDs. My mum made them for my birthday and I was so proud of them. I ended up running a record in those shoes so they served me well.
On her personal style
I guess as you get a bit older, you get a bit more mature and you find yourself. I hate that phrase. It sounds very airy-fairy, but your style adapts to what’s going on in the rest of your life. Now, I love some good tailoring, I love the luxury brands like Dries [Van Noten], Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta, but obviously, 15 year old me, you would have had absolutely no idea about anything at that.
On the key pieces in her wardrobe
It's got to be the Nike 24.7 shirt. Obviously, I'm a Nike girl, but this shirt is an actual staple. I flew in it yesterday and it literally doesn't crease. You can tie it around you, and if you change your mind, there’s no trace of where it was tied. So I'm a big fan of that line of shirting. I also love a great jean, I have way too many pairs. I also love a good heel. I am a sucker for a heel, which pains me, because my job keeps me out of heels most of the time.
On her look for the event
For my first look, I'm wearing this most beautiful sunshine yellow dress from Matthieu Blazy's last collection for Bottega Veneta. I was fortunate enough to be there for his final show in September. It's stunning. It's very regal, which is perfect for the occasion, but kind of Grecian in the way it falls. It's beautiful, youthful, and fun, but it's still definitely occasion-appropriate.
My second look is another Bottega Veneta dress. It is actually my favorite colour, sage green. It has a similar cinched, pulled energy and a large stone, the size of my hand, on the hip. It makes me feel very strong and powerful.
On her love for fashion
I've been such a big fan of fashion for ages and ages, I love the intellectual side of it. So I'm somebody who loves the tales the Alexander McQueens, the John Gallianos and the Christian Diors, who really shaped fashion. Matthieu’s work has always been super special, and I’m so excited to see what he does next. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Louise [Trotter] does, especially as a British woman. I know that she's going to do a phenomenal job; her work at Carven has been amazing. It feels great to be wearing Matthieu, who is a designer that I've thoroughly enjoyed following. To bring him into such a big moment for me feels very special.
On her accessories
For the first look, I’m also wearing Bottega Veneta accessories; we played with a few options but settled on some floral fine jewellery earrings and the Sofia pumps. They perfectly complemented the dress and my hair. Then, for look: I’m wearing earrings, a bracelet and a ring, all from the Bee de Chaumet collection.
On her glam
I went for a hair-up ponytail. At these kinds of events, you are encouraged to wear fascinators and hats. We had loads of fun in the fitting, trying on lots of different ones, but I also acknowledge that with black hair, you can also achieve a really interesting and intricate look using your natural hair as well. Because the dress is the moment and the hair was such a feature, I went for my signature make-up, which is snatched cat eye, glossy lip and a big smile.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
