The Shopbop studio stylists seem to wave a chic little wand and voila!—a limp tee and a rumpled pair of jeans transform into something high voltage. What’s the secret behind their stellar personal style? That’s what we’re here to find out. Meet the newest member of our styling team, Amanda:
Suzanne: When did you know you wanted to be a fashion stylist?
Amanda: As long as I can remember, I've been inspired by individuals’ expression of fashion, whether that manifests in clothing, makeup, hair, landscapes, mixed-media, interiors—you name it—I'm drawn to the fantasy that’s been created. Grace Coddington has styled some pretty fantastical productions. Stylists have the ability to create emotions with one singular detail that can completely change the way a person or an entire audience feels about something. So to be able to play with these elements and morph people’s ideas of something symbolic is what’s most appealing. Also, I just really love the idea of working amongst a creative team—the Shopbop environment is amazing; it’s very inspiring to be here.
S: What did you do before coming here?
A: I studied fashion design, merchandising, and international business at FIT. While still in school I worked as a seasonal stylist for Bergdorf Goodman and assisted a florist. I’ve worked in botany, designing landscapes and gardens. I’m a MAC freelance makeup artist. Prior to Shopbop, though, I worked as a senior business analyst for a national retailer, but I knew I needed a switch. Something kept pulling at me, leading me in the direction of creative styling. That position gave me some great experience, but I now have the opportunity to completely utilize my creative instincts every day!
S: They say stylists get inspiration from everywhere and everything. What’s the most unusual or interesting thing you’ve been inspired by?
A: It’s so true—I’m constantly inspired. What’s most inspiring to me is travel. Probably the most unexpected source of inspiration for me was the interior of a Thai Airways airplane. Random. But immediately upon stepping inside this plane, it made me want to be on vacation! The plane was one big, jubilant environment of vibrant berries, fuchsias, siennas, yellows—really fun. We can become so accustomed to lackluster interiors and this was a reminder to question: “Why settle for mundane, expected palettes?” Instead, mix it up and do something different!
S: Who are your style icons and why?
A: Anna Dello Russo always looks amazing. She can combine really sensuous, beautiful pieces, but always keeps a part of herself very natural-looking. Emmanuelle Alt is a culmination of clean, chic, and edgy. M.I.A. takes risks—she’s fun—and I love how she rocks color. And Frida Kahlo for being a true individual. In a time of thin brows she kept her unibrow. She was proud of her work and rocked bright patterns.
S: And finally, what is your ultimate New Year’s Eve outfit and where are you wearing it to?
A: My ultimate NYE outfit would either be a vintage YSL Le Smoking tuxedo paired with a feather headpiece (I love making these!) or a bikini and sarong. Ideally, I’d be welcoming 2010 in Barcelona because that city knows how to celebrate! But unfortunately, this year I’ll be wearing neither—I’m planning on skiing all weekend.
--Suzanne
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