Interview with Sara Darling

Here's my recent interview with stylist Sara Darling: 

1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a freelance fashion/wardrobe stylist, fashion editor and journalist

2. Why did you want to become a fashion Stylist?

I have a degree in journalism and started my career at The Face magazine in the late nineties. I was working on reception, hoping to work my way up, but kind of fell into styling.

3. Did you have any experience in fashion before becoming a stylist?

I have always been interested in fashion, and used to wear some crazy home -made ensembles, but I didn't realize I could make a career out of it before I worked at The Face magazine.

4. Can you describe what type of stylist you are and the work that you do e.g. Personal?
I am a working stylist- so I do whatever styling that is involved to pay the rent! This ranges from fashion editorial shoots, to brand campaigns, TV commercials and music videos. I am currently in Beirut, working with a Dubai client on their fashion brand launch shoot.

5. What has been your dream job or your dream client?

I worked with Helena Christensen on a Habitat campaign, and I shot a high fashion editorial in the middle of the Cannes film festival which was crazy but fun!

6.  Who has been an inspiration to you?

I love the eccentricity of London and the UK as a whole. People are really adventurous and eclectic.

7. What have been the most valuable lesson or challenges that you have learnt in this industry?

Remember people's names!!!

8. What are some of your favourite places to shop?

Charity shops, TK Maxx in the sticks for the best rummaging, and foreign countries for unusual local finds.

9. What tips would you give anyone who is starting out in fashion?

Get used to loooooong days and lots of running around- its not all champagne for breakfast- that comes later!

You can have a look at Sara's portfolio here

Thanks for your time Sara x

Jewellery Editorials

When you’re flicking through your pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar or Elle you normally come across some jewellery editorials. These are pages are there to promote jewellery brands from designers or the high street.

Usually the Editorials are styled to enhance or draw attention to the jewellery, which is understandable as customers will need to see the pieces. A stylist would normally style the jewellery pieces on a model or with other props. If the jewellery is styled on a model it is normally exaggerated as the stylist would use many jewellery pieces to create the look which would be perfect for an editorial and also helps to promote the jewellery brand. 

The stylists job would be to create a look which is contemporary but not over- powering. Emphasis is normally on how the jewellery pieces are styled and how well they fit together, so colour and proportions and the brief would normally need to be considered. Have a look at the examples above. These examples are all styled creatively with a theme in mind.

Here is a Chanel AD Campaign which is to promote the Chanel Brand, but the emphasis is also on the jewellery pieces that are styled to create an Indian inspired look. 

Chanel’s Metier d’Arts Paris-Bombay Collection is styled by the former Paris Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld and shot by Karl Lagerfeld.

Paper Crown Spring 2013 Collection

This is the new SS13 collection by Paper Crown which is a label  by Lauren Conrad (you may know her from the Hills). She has kept the collection very simple by choosing a pastel colour palate. She has included various blue hues, white and a touch of peach.

You can tell that she was inspired by where she lives as the collection is full of summery laid back separates. The whole collection represents minimalism with a touch of prints, stripes, a little shimmer with feminine silhouettes. I can definitely see Lauren Conrad easily wearing all these pieces as they do represent her personal style. Overall, I think its a balanced collection. What do you think?

You can have a look at the full collection here

Add these Necklines into your wardrobe...

I think that most women forget that necklines are an important part of any piece of clothing. It can help complement the shape of your face, the neck and your decolletage  The neckline can simply influence the style of the garment that you are wearing. There are various designs that can look good on all dresses and tops.

Sometimes it can enhance a garment whilst other times it is the main feature of a garment. Next time you pick out a garment and see if you can identify the neckline. You will see many fashion designers who will opt out in trying out different necklines to help give their designs that extra something. 

Here are some suggestions to necklines that you can identify and hopefully add into your wardrobe:

• A V-neck is the simplest and the most classic neckline. This shape can be seen on any type of garment and on any type of fabric.

• The Boat neckline has a broad opening as it sweeps from one side of the neck to the other. This type of neckline reveals  a little of the shoulder area.

• A Scoop neckline resembles a U –Shape that is curved. This type of shape cuts across the neckline and dips low at the front.

• The One shoulder neckline proves to be popular on dresses. This is an asymmetrical neckline. It usually starts at one shoulder and cuts across diagonally. Usually starts, from one shoulder and across under the other arm.

• The Halter neck is popular in the summer. It has two straps from the bodice that meet at the back of the neck and creates a plunge at the front. This type of design is popular on tops and dresses.

• Another simple neckline is the Square neckline. This is where three straight lines join together to create a square. This type of neckline works well on a variety of garments and fabrics.

• The Sweetheart neckline resembles the top half of a heart. It normally concaves and meets in the middle. This neck designs also accentuates the decolletage.

There are also many other varieties of necklines that would look good on everyone. Try to spot a funnel neck, drape neck, horseshoe, envelope and a keyhole neckline next time when you’re out shopping.

Why not add some variety into your wardrobe!

SS13 Ad Campaigns

Here's some of the Ad Campaigns for SS13. What do you think?