SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW @celinethenthusiast
Two words that describe you.
This was a hard question for me, believe it or not. The only two words I can think of is curious and observant. I’m always curious to see what’s next in fashion, research how to grow as a stylist, and how I can take the pieces in my wardrobe and style them into better looks without just buying new garments. Research is key and has become a requirement of me instead of just a task. I’m the person who’s favorite hobby is to people watch, hence why observant was one of my words. A lot of stylists enjoy people watching because you’re able to see in real time what everyone is wearing, how they wear it, and how others react to it. Which is why the best part about Fashion Week is seeing what people are wearing outside the shows.
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What was the best style advice you’ve ever received?
Best advice was from my previous boss, Law Roach and he said that “people will either love your look or hate your look, but regardless they’ll be talking about it”. That’s stuck with me ever since because it’s not about just creating a great look, but creating the BEST look for your client and standing by it.
What are 3 pieces every girl should have in their closet?
A graphic tee. I think this is such a key essential to have in your closet because you can always style up or style down a tee.
A nice pair of vintage jeans. I feel like this is self-explanatory. A wardrobe is never complete without a good pair of jeans… especially vintage jeans. I picked up these vintage men’s Levi jeans from Goodwill and I fell in love. I have no idea why because they’re so basic but it’s always more about what you do with the garment than how it looks.
A unique/dramatic outerwear. The best pieces in my wardrobe are all of my outwear jackets, coats, and blazers. I believe that you need a few eye-catching pieces just as much as you need key essentials.
Who is your favourite fashion icon, and why?
My fashion icon varies honestly, and about 95% of them are all stylists. If I had to choose one it would be Patti Wilson. I believe she’s an icon in general. Patti Wilson’s work is jaw-dropping and absolutely amazing. She is not only a stylist but Vogue Italia’s Editor-at-Large. She’s my favorite fashion icon and stylist because her work is never the same, or boring, and she doesn’t feel the need to only work with celebrities. She really has an eye for details and knows exactly what she’s doing. If you look her up, there aren’t many pictures of her or articles but yet she’s a legend? That is so crazy. She lets her work speak for itself. That’s my goal at the end of the day. She’s definitely one to follow! A few of my other fashion icons that people need to know about are:
Zerina Akers @zerinaakers
Kollin Carter @kollincarter
Juliette Foxx @romeosfashionfi
Law Roach (of course) @luxurylaw
Zerina Akers @zerinaakers
Kollin Carter @kollincarter
Juliette Foxx @romeosfashionfi
Law Roach (of course) @luxurylaw
What is your favourite luxury brand, and why?
My ultimate favorite designers/brands would be Sally LaPointe and Dion Lee. I can never choose between the two of them. Sally LaPointe has always been at the top of my list because she never changes. Despite other designers, she stays in line with trends and what’s new but also stays within herself and who she is as a designer. I fell in love with her work when I visited her showroom in New York. When I walked in and saw that all of her looks were monochromatic, I knew she’d be the one I wouldn’t forget. I have a true, die hard love for monochromatic looks. Dion Lee is an extraordinary designer. His work always, and I do mean always, looks very effortless. I first fell in love with his work when I saw the tailored, cut-out blazer from Fall ’18 show. I’ve been a fan of his work ever since because of the detailing on each garment is breathtaking. Like LaPointe, he sticks to himself and the brand and he does a magnificent job every time.
What advice would you give to an aspiring stylist?
Know the difference between someone trying to help you grow as a stylist and someone trying to tell you how to do your job. Never always assume the second. And keep doing research! No matter how good you think you are, you can always be better and know more.
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
Wow, I can go on and on about my current fashion obsessions! By far one of my favorites would be tying up your laced heels around the bottom of your pants aka wrapped ankles. I am in love with that trend and I pray it never ends. Ecru is a color obsession I now have and I can’t get enough of because it’s such an aesthetically-pleasing color. Last one would be puffed sleeves. That is my true obsession right now because I love dramatic pieces.
Do you prefer print or digital fashion publications?
I definitely prefer print. I am very old-fashioned when it comes to things like publication. As a stylist, seeing your work on the internet is great but seeing it actually printed out in front of you makes it seems much more final and real. It’s a great feeling.
Do you have any fashion rules when putting together an outfit?
I don’t believe in fashion rules really. You wear what you want and however you’d like to if it expresses who you are. I think the only rule I have for myself is to never wear the same thing twice. And I never do, but I also don’t look down on others who do as well. As a stylist, you need to be able to challenge yourself as well as your skills as a stylist. I take every day as a challenge to try a different look or trend that I haven’t yet.
What are some up and coming brands you think our readers should know about?
Yikes. I don’t even know where to start. My main two would be SociEx Studios and Poise Pendants. Poise Pendants is an online jewelry and accessory boutique that specializing in uniquely-designed quality jewelry. SociEx Studios aka The Social Experiment is a socially conscience streetwear brand looking to push a message of love and liberation as well as creative garments. They’re also expanding to cut and sew and jewelry and want to have a cleaner environmental footprint. I am very close friends of the founders of both brands and can vouch for both when it comes to the quality of what you’re getting. I wear their products so often, I’m surprised I don’t just work for either of them!
If you could style a celebrity of your choosing who would it be, and what event would you like to style them for?
I wouldn’t be able to choose between Pharrell and Janelle Monae, but either of them for the Met Gala. I don’t see it any other way. Pharrell and Janelle both speak through music and they’re both iconic but they also speak through fashion. They’re the type to wear the thing everyone else turned down and I love that! The Met is the best event because it’s where you and your client can truly express yourselves and I, along with every other stylist, live for the day of the Met. I cannot wait to be there one day!