Ilse Werther, 36
New York City
A 1970s sequined tunic, originally designed for Liza Minnelli by Halston, hangs in Ilse Werther’s closet. How did it make its way there? Ilse’s mother worked with the designer and fell in love with the piece, so Halston gave it to her instead of to the superstar.

“I feel sexy and glamorous whenever I have it on,” says Ilse, a fashion fiend and the owner of the Wink boutiques, in New York City. “I can make it fancy or funky. It’s the perfect go-to piece for a cocktail party, or I can wear it with leggings and ballet flats to dress it down.” The tunic’s sentimental value isn’t lost on Ilse. With two daughters of her own — Anna, seven, and Stella, five, both budding fashionistas — Ilse may have a battle on her hands when the time comes to pass along the prized piece once again. Her money is on Stella: “She is a bit pushier,” Ilse says with a laugh. Liza would no doubt approve.