After a number of gruelling interviews I got my dream job! I get to dress famous faces. You might call me a celebrity stylist, but I don’t like the over-and-misused word ‘celebrity’. I will come up with a better title for myself in due course. For now, call me a fashionoclast. My arm is black and blue from pinching myself. Just as well that autumn calls for long sleeves.
In my self-appointed, self governing role as advisor to anyone deserving and in need, I've realised that there is no need to criticise (though you know how I like to) but just cast a critical eye. I am to work with what is inherently there, bringing strengths to the fore and slamdunking any wayward items into the proverbial bin as I go. And I am not charging a dollar!
My first client is one of my all time favourite gals: Juliette Lewis. Her exceptional charisma completely eclipses her feral style. She is certainly not a camera pop tart, regularly changing outfits and make-up artist on standby to appease the lords of pap. She is not going to obsess because she is a woman of substance, whose shell is secondary to her performance. Sometimes it seems as though she doesn’t give two hoots, but she does like to make a statement, which points to the contrary. I wouldn’t dare mess with her stage persona, she knows best which skin-tight trousers can withstand copious crutch rubbings. I will be seperating the oui! from the chav.
I always start off by showing my clients pictures of themselves looking sensational. Juliette is on the fringes, offbeat and idiosyncratic, characteristics which I want her new wardrobe to echo. Dressing well is not just about what suits your shape, but also your personality. I like her in the simple but bold horizontal stripes and drainpipes outfit. The patent boots and studded clutch lend just enough attitude, though a belt could have added some welcome drama to this simple combo. The denim leopard print corset dress is purrrfect on Juliette. It shows off her wild side and fine figure. She was right to go for chunky peeptoe platforms to add length and modernity, anything else could have ended up in the extra mature cheese bracket. The last outfit looks good but it is too respectable and needs a shot of scandal to be true to the girl woman that is Juliette Lewis.
French chic meets biker chick and not a beret or harley in sight
a leather pencil skirt is sexy but subtle, the earrings add delicacy to this fierce look
The now way to foray into satin
a heavy masculine blazer brings gravitas to these lace trim shorts, the vest injects grunge
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Vintage cotton skull tank, £97, Bess Lace-trimmed silk shorts, £240, Lover Fine dogtooth wool blazer, £1,175, Stella McCartney Glitter leather loafer pumps, £370, Miu Miu Paradiso 24-karat gold drop earrings, £245, Bijoux Heart (all www.net-a-porter.com) | |
Carry off not on leather trousers
even red leather is a breeze when accompanied by high end classic items
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| Soan cropped leather biker pants, £1,490, Isabel Marant Striped cotton T-shirt, £270, Proenza Schoeler Canvas trench coat, £440, Thread Social Swarovski antique brass pendant, £340, Alexander McQueen (all www.net-a-porter.com) Peep-toe suede skull shoes, £565 (www.matchesfashion.com) Image via Starpulse.com |
Off duty clothes are balanced by on duty accessories
I'm not sure why, but seeing JL in these unimaginative ballet pumps makes me angry
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| Exposed shoulder pad jersey top, £240, Maison Martin Margiela
Suede tassel shoulder bag, £520, Vanessa Bruno
Global Glam beaded bracelets, £60, Juicy Couture (all www.net-a-porter.com)
Stud embellished denim shorts, £330, Current Elliott
Leopard print leather ballet pumps, £518, Charlotte Olympia (both www.matchesfashion.com)
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90% denim + 10% headscarf = 100% Axl Rose
25% denim shirt + 25% grey vest + 50% leather mini + 10% chunky silver = 110% rock n roll
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The Perfect Shirt, £260, Current Elliot Silk and modal tank, £65, Kain Isabel Marant 'Katell' fringed leather mini £1,100 Tribute spotted leather sandals, £1,170, Yves Saint Laurent (all www.net-a-porter.com) Large Wolf Head pendant, £110, The Grrat Frog (www.thegreatfroglondon.com) |
It was a NO to the Princess Diaries
If you want to go cute, make sure it is short and bright, add weight with kick-ass-essories
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Delancy short dress, £593, Diane von Furstenberg (www.matchesfashion.com)
Balleto platform sandals, £1,430, Brian Atwood
Chrome and crystal bib necklace, £740, Oscar de la Renta (both www.net-a-porter.com) |
Make an entrance don't beat a retreat with these white boots on yer feet
tred lightly on hallowed hippie territory in this colourful beaded jacket
the rest of the outfit keep it rockin rather than swaying
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Wolf logo t-shirt, £98, See by Chloé (www.matchesfashion.com)
Beaded short jacket, £930, Haute HippieFringed wool-blend shorts, £535, 3.1 Phillip Lim Suede peep-toe pump, £565, Alexander McQueen Sterling silver scarab beetle bangle, £265, Bottega Veneta Sterling silver eagle claw earring, £190, Pamela Love (all www.net-a.porter.com) Image via Stella Pictures |
More is more when it's right
Forego zany tights and gloves in favour of a mouthwatering dress and statement accessories
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| Draped satin dress, £1,430, Marios Schwab Leather skull bracelet, £165, Alexander McQueen
Lace-up pumps, £1,070, Alaïa
Queen of the Damned spike earrings, £220, Erickson Beamon (all www.net-a.porter.com)
Sequined fedora hat, £298, Eugenia Kim (www.matchesfashion.com)
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It's only V but I like it
Even if your heels sink into the soil, it is a fate preferable to these unflattering boots,
this wool cape will protect you from festival fashion and rain
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| Long wool cape coat, £550, Joseph Erika hammered-silk blouse, £145, Alice by Temperley Leather shorts, £530, Tibi Chelsea tassel ankle boots, £620, Yves Saint Laurent Hare brass and Czech stone earrings, £60, Marc by Marc Jacobs (all www.net-a-porter.com) |
Pattern to flattern
opposites sides of the spectrum don't always make for a coherent look
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Printed silk-twill dress, £360, See by Chloé
Venus Orlato 140 ankle boots, £880, Christian LouboutinBeverley stamped-leather clutch , £175, Michael Michael Kors Set of four 10-karat gold braided bracelets, £310, Scosha 18-karat rose gold snake earrings, £335, Anita Ko (all www.net-a-porter.com) |
Some further guidelines from your personal stylist:
Meltdown - avoid at all costs - head to toe looks, being too literal, pastels, flounce, white boots of any kind unless by prior approval with me, trousers tucked into pointy knee high stiletto boots, most things of the pearl variety
Hazardous - approach with caution: flounce, sequins, lady like, preppy, red, yellow
Safe - dabble in these but don't lose your head: leather, denim, leopard print, rich colours (esp purple, forest and burgundy), studs, fringing, short sharp graphic patterned dresses, exaggerated shoulders with nipped in waists, Adam Ant jackets, Chrissy Hynde, drama
DISCLAIMER: Lucky for you Juliette hasn't called on my services yet, but I want to give you advance warning that I won't be able to share with you so freely when she does, and lets face it, that's a given. Eventually
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