🎙️ Declan Chan
Declan Chan is one of those front-row fashion fixtures that you always keep an eye out for at the shows. A fashion editor and stylist by trade, Declan has also become a favorite subject for anyone who loves to appreciate those who take the time to put together a look. Declan always looks put together, but with flare. And his outfits are just as eye-catching as the spreads he creates in the pages of publications like Vogue Hong Kong, The New York Times, the South China Morning Post, and Men’s Uno Hong Kong, or the campaigns he crafts for companies like Calvin Klein, Cartier, Estée Lauder, and Lane Crawford.
Declan Chan is one of those front-row fashion fixtures that you always keep an eye out for at the shows. A fashion editor and stylist by trade, Declan has also become a favorite subject for anyone who loves to appreciate those who take the time to put together a look. Declan always looks put together, but with flare. And his outfits are just as eye-catching as the spreads he creates in the pages of publications like Vogue Hong Kong, The New York Times, the South China Morning Post, and Men’s Uno Hong Kong, or the campaigns he crafts for companies like Calvin Klein, Cartier, Estée Lauder, and Lane Crawford.
Declan Chan
Ostensibly, Declan is based in Hong Kong, but if you follow him on Instagram, his real home, up until the pandemic, seemed to be on an airplane...or a series of hotels... as he is continuously crisscrossing the world to oversee a fashion shoot, attend a fashion week, or just be a part of all of the “you had to be there” fashion happenings.
What I like most about Declan, besides his style, is his honest, frank and often funny reflections on fashion in general and fashion shows in particular. I always look forward to checking in with him at least once a season to get his thoughts on what he saw - the upcoming trends - and even which pieces he has already put a personal order in for. Declan’s point of view is important because he has become one of the central go-betweens linking the Chinese consumer to the fashion catwalks. Communicating via his editorials a sartorial message that will shape how the Middle Kingdom sees a collection, understands a designer and ultimately, which brands they decide to invest in.
I know that once you have listened to this podcast you will be as enchanted by Declan as I am.
Photos by Hywel Jenkins for Men's Fashion Post website.
🎙️ Anna Dello Russo
Anna Dello Russo is a fashion force of nature. To the uneducated, she is the eternal star of the concrete catwalk. The colorful, upbeat and sometimes outrageous outfits she wears to the fashion weeks she attends are always the must get shots for the photographers that stalk the streets outside the show venues.
Anna Dello Russo is a fashion force of nature. To the uneducated, she is the eternal star of the concrete catwalk. The colorful, upbeat and sometimes outrageous outfits she wears to the fashion weeks she attends are always the must get shots for the photographers that stalk the streets outside the show venues.
Anna Dello Russo
But for those who know Anna, she is much more than a fabulous clothes horse. She is one of the industry’s leading stylists and art directors. After getting a master’s degree in fashion at the Domus Academy in Milan, Anna had the good fortune, right at the start of her career, to cut her teeth at Vogue Italia under the watchful eye of its longtime editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani. There she spent 18 years honing her skills and worked alongside all of the biggest photographers of the 80s and 90s. Then in the year 2000, she was tapped to become the creative director of L’Uomo Vogue before going out on her own as a creative consultant in 2006. She is also currently the fashion editor-at-large for Vogue Japan, creating one iconic cover image after another for the magazine.
Throughout her career, Anna has been paying forward the generosity and mentorship she received from Sozzanni to up and coming stylists. Many of her former assistants have gone on to their own successful careers in the industry after being trained up by Anna. And three years ago she took the concept of giving back even further by becoming the international brand ambassador of the Istituto Marangoni, teaching its students from around the world about how to telegraph their sartorial ideas through visual storytelling that both grabs the viewers’ attention and makes them dream.
Full disclosure, I have known Anna for years and she is hands down one of the most positive, heartful, and generous people working in fashion today. You can always count on Anna to find a way to make any situation fun and unforgettable.
Image from Fashion ABC website.
🎙️ Sascha Lilic
Creative director and stylist Sascha Lilic is a fashion month’s fixture. His distinctive look, of a beret and monocle, always makes him easy to spot at a show. You can also always count on Sascha to give you a great sound bite about what he thinks of a presentation, and it’s often something that will make you laugh out loud or blush.
Creative director and stylist Sascha Lilic is a fashion month’s fixture. His distinctive look, of a beret and monocle, always makes him easy to spot at a show. You can also always count on Sascha to give you a great sound bite about what he thinks of a presentation, and it’s often something that will make you laugh out loud or blush. Maybe it was all those years working alongside his mentor, the iconic photographer Helmut Newton, who was also known not to mince words, that formed Sascha’s talent for finding the perfect bon mots.
Sascha Lilic
But to be fair, Sascha, who was born in Yugoslavia and grew up in Germany, was always fascinated by the world of fashion and its fundamental transformational properties. By the tender age of 16, he was already working as a hairdresser and make-up artist, before he finally got his first break as a stylist. And once he did, he never looked back.
Sascha became the fashion & creative director of influential 90s era SPOON magazine before moving on to become the editor-in-chief of ABOVE magazine, which Sascha launched in 2004 and sold for a pretty penny right at the height of excess before the global recession of 2008. And since then, he has been using his talents on all sorts of different fashion fronts, as a stylist, fashion consultant, creative director...you name it...if it has to do with fashion and creativity, Sascha is your man.
A claim that is backed up by the laundry list of publications, photographers, and celebrities he has worked with. Which include, but not limited to Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Interview, V Man, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Glamour, LʼOfficiel, and Grazia. And besides his longtime collaboration with Newton, Sascha has also teamed up with other leading photographers like Ellen von Unwerth, Norman Jean Roy, and William Klein...and I could go on. His visual eye has transformed everyone from Lana del Rey, Jessica Chastain, Sienna Miller, Rihanna, Lily James, Diane Kruger, Keira Knightley, Lea Seydoux and I could go on and on.
So let’s just say that Sascha has quite a lot of great fashion stories to tell. Which is why I wanted to jump on a zoom call with him for this podcast. To tell us all about his extraordinary life, lived to the fullest, in fashion.
Image from Sascha Lilic website.
🎙️ Nick Wooster
As Japan Fashion Week is almost upon us, it is fitting that I finally post my Fashion Your Seatbelt interview with Nick Wooster. Nick and I met up at Japan Fashion Week back in October of last year; long before anybody had ever heard the words COVID or Coronavirus. Originally, I had planned on posting this podcast in March, when the last Japan Fashion Week was scheduled to start. But then the world shut down and the fashion week didn’t take place in the real world.
As Japan Fashion Week is almost upon us, it is fitting that I finally post my Fashion Your Seatbelt interview with Nick Wooster. Nick and I met up at Japan Fashion Week back in October of last year; long before anybody had ever heard the words COVID or Coronavirus. Originally, I had planned on posting this podcast in March, when the last Japan Fashion Week was scheduled to start. But then the world shut down and the fashion week didn’t take place in the real world.
Nick Wooster
But what do Japan Fashion Week and Nick Wooster have in common? Well, Nick, who is consistently one of the best-dressed men I have ever seen, is a world-class fashion consultant and he has been coming to Japan for years on buying trips. And basically, he has fallen in love with the country. Today he even sits on the jury of the prestigious Tokyo Fashion Award.
In the past, Nick has worked as a buyer at Bergdof Goodman, he was the director of retail merchandising at Calvin Klein, the design director of the Polo Ralph Lauren brand, and later he held the role of the men's fashion director at Neiman Marcus. Over the years there have been a few bumps in the road of his career path, which he will talk about, but today Nick is living his best life as a fashion consultant working with and advising a number of different fashion brands around the world.
Nick feels that it is his love of being a fashion consumer that is part of the reason he has been able to continue to be successful in the fashion sphere. His ability to maintain a user’s point of view makes it possible for him to give his clients clear-eyed opinions and criticisms with the confidence of a true blue luxury consumer.
So sit back and enjoy Nick talking about what he loves most - fashion.
Portrait by Ben Kulo.
🎙️ Rebecca Todd
Rebecca Todd is one of those “she is just born with it” stylists. Self-taught and a straight talker she is at the top of the stylist game in Hollywood. And that is because Rebecca is constantly hustling, networking, and pushing herself creatively. That drive has resulted in a highly successful career in both styling and costume design that spans over 20 years. And her mile-long list of clients includes everyone from Blake Lively, Kobe Bryant, Melissa McCarthy, and Dwayne Johnson to Elle MacPherson, Ryan Hansen, Lizzy Caplan, and the one and only Betty White.
Rebecca Todd is one of those “she is just born with it” stylists. Self-taught and a straight talker she is at the top of the stylist game in Hollywood. And that is because Rebecca is constantly hustling, networking, and pushing herself creatively. That drive has resulted in a highly successful career in both styling and costume design that spans over 20 years. And her mile-long list of clients includes everyone from Blake Lively, Kobe Bryant, Melissa McCarthy, and Dwayne Johnson to Elle MacPherson, Ryan Hansen, Lizzy Caplan, and the one and only Betty White.
Rebecca Todd
Rebecca started out in Hollywood in public relations, which evolved into merchandising and buying before she got bitten by the stylist bug. And almost from the moment she decided that being a stylist was her dream job her career took off. In less than a year, she was styling for America’s Next Top Model and then became the head of the wardrobe departments of numerous shows on the E! Entertainment channel and The Style Network.
Over the span of her career, she has done everything from celebrity styling and fashion magazine editorials for publications like Flaunt, People, Us Weekly, LA Confidential and Maxim to creating the visual story for advertising campaigns for companies such as Ford, Nike, Pepsi, Starbucks, Showtime, Google, AT&T, Budweiser, Toyota, and Universal Studios - just to name a few. Not to mention her red carpet work at all the top awards shows, The Oscars, The Emmys, The Golden Globes as well as the MTV Music and MTV Video awards shows.
Earlier this year she continued to challenge herself during the quarantine and designed to launch her own clothing line called Grey Hayes. Its message t-shirts, hats, and masks are all inspired by the lockdown. The clothing, sporting phrases like Stay Home, Worst Birthday Ever, Essential, Back The F#CK Up and Mental Distancing, have been selling like hotcakes.
Just on a technical side note, I did want to let all you listeners know that Rebecca and I did our interview over Zoom Video. So don’t be surprised by a couple of very minor audio issues. And if you happen to be more of a visual learner, feel free to head over to my signature YouTube channel to watch the video version of this podcast in action.
Now to all you future stylists out there, get out your pens and paper and pay close attention to what Rebecca has to say in this podcast. Her tips and tricks are a masterclass on not only how to become a successful stylist, but also how to stay on top in Hollywood.
🎙️ Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele has always been a woman who follows the beat of her own drum. She speaks her mind. Follows her gut. And has an unparalleled eye when it comes to making unexpected sartorial combinations work.
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele has always been a woman who follows the beat of her own drum. She speaks her mind. Follows her gut. And has an unparalleled eye when it comes to making unexpected sartorial combinations work.
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele
The godmother of the high/low fashion mix, she famously and fearlessly combined the most basic pair of stonewashed denim jeans with a Christian Lacroix haute couture top that featured a beaded and bejeweled cross for Anna Wintour’s very first American Vogue cover as the magazine’s editor-in-chief, back in 1988. It was a watershed fashion moment that people point to as the harbinger of modern fashion. Where wearing off the rack garments with custom pieces is not just permitted, it is expected and encouraged as a way of expressing one’s true character through their clothing.
Carlyne made the street not only chic but cool.
Born in Saint-Tropez in the south of France, as soon as she could, Carlyne got herself to Paris, the heart of the fashion action. There she let her innate sense of style speak for itself, first at Marie Claire then at Elle, before she left for the United States to work at American Vogue.
She is an instinctive layerer - I know that isn’t a real word but Carlyne is famous for making up her own so I am sure she would approve. She loves to pile on the accessories and clothing until a look is just right. Even if that means very little layering at all. Her career is also multilayered. She is a stylist, fashion director, and creative consultant all rolled into one slender powerhouse.
She has worked with the best photographers and designers in the business. From Irving Penn and Richard Avedon to Patrick Demarchelier and Steven Meisel. Helmut Newton even captured her on film at her most dramatic. And she shaped the iconic visual identity of both Versace and Chanel during the 1990s, and today gives Jeremy Scott’s Moschino collections her unique polish.
Carlyne and I caught up over tea in the heart of Paris, just off the rue saint honoré in a busy little cafe. And while there are lots of things I admire about her, perhaps what I admire most is that even after so many years as an insider at the top of the fashion pyramid she still sees herself as an outsider.
She calls it like she sees it. And what an eye she has.
🎙️ Law Roach
I first met Law Roach in early 2018 at a Tommy Hilfiger show in Milan when he came up to me to say how much he liked the 60 Second Fashion Reviews I did on Instagram. I was instantly charmed by his warmth, his openness and, off course, his amazing outfit. I soon realized, although I didn't know it at the time, that I was a fan of Law as well.
I first met Law Roach in early 2018 at a Tommy Hilfiger show in Milan when he came up to me to say how much he liked the 60 Second Fashion Reviews I did on Instagram. I was instantly charmed by his warmth, his openness and, of course, his amazing outfit. I soon realized, although I didn't know it at the time, that I was a fan of Law as well.
Law Roach
Stylist to the stars
I had been appreciative of his work over the years as the stylist for actress Zendaya and more recently Ariana Grande, as well as Tiffany Haddish and Tom Holland. Additionally, I was most definitely impressed with the way he transformed Celine Dion into style icon almost overnight.
For those who aren’t avid followers of the inner workings of the fashion industry, or didn’t spot him during his time as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, your first true glimpse of Law was most likely this year on the Met Gala red carpet where he, quite literally, was Zendaya’s fairy godfather. With a wave of his wand, Law turned the actress’ dove gray custom made Tommy Hilfiger Cinderella gown into bright blue lit up confection. But that is what Law has been doing for years now, transforming his clients into the sartorial best version of themselves.
Ever since he moved from Chicago, where he ran a vintage clothing store, to Los Angeles to follow his dream to be a stylist, Law has been ingenious in how he gets his clients notices for all the right reasons. He has come up with some of the most original and eye-catching statement looks of the past decade. But more than that, he has also helped his clients connect with leading fashion brands and was key in brokering partnerships, most notably Zendaya for Tommy Hilfiger and Ariana Grande for Givenchy.
Now after 10 years in the business, Law is looking for his next move. He is ready for his own transformation and during our conversation over breakfast at the busy Royal Monceau hotel in Paris, he looked back over his career and it became crystal clear that this is a man who will not only make it because he has got talent, but also because he has such a big heart.
💭 Nicoletta Santoro for ODDA Magazine
Nicoletta Santoro is a fashion industry fixture. One of the most well respected stylists working today, her sartorial vision has appeared in the pages of Italian Vogue, French Vogue and Vanity Fair. She was also the International Fashion Director at Large for Vogue China before her current job as the Creative Director at large for Town & Country.
A version of this exclusive interview first appeared in the pages of the 12th issue of ODDA Magazine.
NICOLETTA SANTORO
Learn How To Fly
Nicoletta Santoro is a fashion industry fixture. One of the most well respected stylists working today, her sartorial vision has appeared in the pages of Italian Vogue, French Vogue and Vanity Fair. She was also the International Fashion Director at Large for Vogue China before her current job as the Creative Director at large for Town & Country.
Nicoletta, with her famous waves of blond hair and her devotion to wearing Prada creations, has travelled the globe to shoot fashion stories in some of the world’s most exotic locations. So in this exclusive interview, we thought she would be the best person to ask about how to look chic in any circumstances, even on a 24 hour flight.
The 3 celebrities for the Town and Country June/July Philantrophy Cover
Nicoletta what sort of flyer are you? Do you get to the airport early…do you have a fetish outfit you always wear on the plane… Do you have any sort of flying ritual?
I get to the airport promptly and I have a timetested travel uniform, which includes Prada denim jeans. My ritual is the narcoleptic one.
Do you find that you are flying more now then you did earlier in your career? It seems like there is always some major fashion event now in some exotic location.
When I was Vogue China’s Fashion Director I probably spent those years flying more than I ever have in my life.
How do you spend your time in the air? Do you try and disconnect from the world or is it time you use to focus on powering through work without being bothered by any exterior distractions?
Unplugging is essential for me. Sleeping pills or overdosing on the mediocre movies that play from the miniature screen in front of me are both helpful.
As a famous stylists I am particularly curious about how and what you pack. Can you give me a blow by blow of what is in your bag…and what is in your carry-on…just in case the checked luggage doesn’t make it?
I pack systematically with military-like rigor starting two days before departure, pairing looks with accessories. This is more or less the same frame of mind I apply to my fashion shoots. Having something go wrong is not an option!
Do you have a luggage brand that you are faithful to, and if so which one and why?
Tumi. I like traveling with wheels and their bags are sleek and dependable.
What is the most luggage you have brought on a flight when you were doing a shoot?
Transporting seventeen trunks for a Vanity Fair Hollywood issue cover shoot with Annie Leibovitz.
How do you pack for a month of shows? Do you have things you plan on wearing shipped ahead of time?
I check what the weather will be like. And no, I don’t ship my clothes ahead of time. They’re just clothes after all, right? 😉
What makes an outfit for you? Suzy Menkes always told me to wear comfortable clothing and always have an amazing coat.
That’s good advice from Suzy. Me? I stick to a personal combo while trying to keep things unpredictable. I almost only exclusively wear Prada and I like mixing looks from past and present. Looking stale is the enemy.
I know some people love to always sit in the same seat, do you have any preferences, and if so what?
I always want the corridor seat. I’m a bit claustrophobic.
What is the secret to looking good and feeling good while traveling on a long haul flight?
Staying hydrated. I’m partial to lots of fruit juice.
Have you ever done a fashion shoot on an airplane?
I’m not crazy about the idea – it feels a bit cliché – although I once did a suitcase ad featuring Isabella Rossellini on a plane.
What do you always have to have with you when you travel?
My perfume. I’ve only changed scents three times in my whole life and each time was simply because the perfume got discontinued.
What do you love most about flying?
Being unreachable.
85 Likes, 4 Comments - Nicoletta Santoro (@therealnicolettasantoro) on Instagram: "After long #fashionmarathon back home so exited ! 🌹🌹🌹"
What can’t you stand about flying?
Ironically, also being unreachable.
Where do you stand on airplane food? Do you partake or do you bring your own?
I am vegetarian and I preorder my meals.
Which airline is your favourite to travel with?
I’m very fond of Virgin airlines.
What is your stance on shoes on a flight, must they always stay on?
I bring my slippers.
What is the best and worst thing that has every happened to you on a flight?
The best was meeting an old friend. The worst remains, and always is for me, talking to strangers.
Where is your favorite place to travel to?
I’ve been all around the world but visiting Milano, where I grew up, is always my favourite trip. I still stay with my mother in the same apartment I grew up in as a girl. The second would be Paris, where my husband and I started our family before moving to New York in the late 90s.
What should you never do on a flight?
Get angry. It can spread like a wave and affect everybody.