Interview with Anya Sarre: Television Fashion Expert, Red Carpet Celebrity Stylist & Designer:
From celebrity styling and red carpet trend spotting, to being interviewed about this season’s must-haves, Anya Sarre, is the go-to fashion force among Hollywood tastemakers. I have seen Anya numerous times on television shows such as The Insider and Entertainment Tonight. I was always intrigued by her keen sense to be able to create the “look for less”, something most of us need help with if we do not have a hollywood budget behind us.
I caught up with Anya and wanted to find out the secrets to her success and what she is working on. She was gracious enough to share her secrets and her insights with me.
When did you first realize you were destined to work in fashion?
When I was in kindergarten, my principal called my mom and said there was a problem because I would change my outfit five times a day and give the other kids make-overs.
Where did you go to college? Any additional training?
I went to USC and studied communication and business, and then I went to Parsons New School of Design for a graduate program in fashion design and trend spotting.
Who did you intern with?
I am a huge believer in internships because they help you find out what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. I interned at PR firms, advertising agencies and on movie sets. They gave me a greater understanding of all aspects of the business that help me tremendously every day.
Who do you credit for “mentoring” you?
I credit my parents for mentoring me. My mom always encouraged me to be creative and follow my dreams. My dad taught me a strong work ethic and to do something I love. They have every single magazine that I’ve been in and they record every single TV show I am on. I am very lucky to have that amazing support.
Who do you feel gave you your first “big break” that contributed to your success?
I credit my first big break to Hilary Duff. I was working on a movie and started working with her. That was a great time in my career, and everything grew from there.
How did you land your current position as Head Fashion Stylist/Designer for The Insider and Entertainment Tonight?
I really wanted the job so I made a portfolio of all the people I had dressed from red carpet to casual. I made a list of all the designer contacts I had and my relationships. I went in for many interviews and my final interview was with Mary Hart! I think I got that job because of the outfit I was wearing. One day I was wearing a Trina Turk suit with turquoise heels and the next day I was wearing a Nanette Lepore suit. I remember my outfits, but not what I said. At first, they hired me on a trial period for six weeks, but here I am seven years later!
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
I’m like a kid in a candy store when I’m in a fabric store – I like to spend all day looking at fabrics! I look around with my eyes wide open wherever I am – driving, traveling the world or at the grocery store.
Who/What is your muse?
I have too many to count. You can see them on TV every night!
What magazines do you scour for inspiration?
Everything and anything! I have so many files filled with all my tear sheets! From ELLE Décor (I love home design) to Inside Weddings to Seventeen Magazine. The more you look at and the more you read, the broader your range in style is.
What style / fashion blogs are in your RSS feed now?
What Fall 2011 trend from the runway did you add to your “must have” list?
Seventies stripes and silk silhouettes.
What trend(s) should be banned forever?
Double denim. There is NO need…ever!
What is in your closet now that you can’t live without?
Christian Louboutin Frouprive slingbacks in black, Chanel quilted chain link purse, Aziam yoga pants, XIV Karts turquoise earrings and my ARCADE cropped fur vest.
Which Fashion Designers do you admire most and why?
I admire designers like Ralph Lauren and Kimora Lee Simons for their branding and their empires. But the designers you will find in my shopping bag THIS week are Missoni, Veronica M, Halston, Trina Turk and Chanel.
Which shoe / accessory Designer(s) do you love?
Christian Louboutin, YSL, and Shoe Dazzle!
What would you define as your “Signature Style/Look”?
I am a glam girl with a California resort feel! You will rarely find me in a flat shoe, or wearing jeans! I love dresses, accessories and heels and always have my sunglasses, a tote bag and lip gloss!
How would you describe your personality type?
Happy, grateful, ambitious, perfectionist, optimistic and excited!!
Which on-air talent have you most enjoyed working with?
I am so lucky because I love them all. They are my Barbie dolls and they let me dress them up!
You are known for your ability to create the “look for less”. What advice can you offer to fashionistas who love couture but are on a tight budget?
It is important to shop around, scope out your choices online before you go, always shop the sale rack and know the store’s return policy. Always spend more time and money shopping for classic pieces and less on trendy ones. Prioritize, budget and remember to walk away and sleep on it before you make a big purchase. If you still remember it days later – you should get it.
Who would you most like to “lunch with” dead or alive?
My grandmother.
How do you feel about all the fashion reality TV shows? Do you feel they portray fashion in a positive or a negative light?
They are great! I love that they focus on fashion and allow people the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their interests and passion.
Talk about your collaboration with Kim Kardashian’s e-commerce site Shoe Dazzle. How did this come about?
I am the Chief Accessories and Handbag Stylist for Shoe Dazzle. It is a great place to go and get amazing shoes, hip bags and fun jewelry picked out for you by stylists for only $39.95! It’s a fashionista’s dream! BREAKING NEWS: be sure to check out the “Anya Sarre for Shoe Dazzle” jewelry line launching this summer and fall! It is all my must-haves inspired by my own jewelry collection! It is amazing! I want every piece!
I see you are a celebrity contributor at LiveDress.com. What do you enjoy most about your position there? How can women & men utilize the site to resolve their fashion dilemmas?
I enjoy being able to answer people’s fashion questions and help with their outfit dilemmas. It is a great place for fashionistas to shop, share and get the best deals.
What is on your IPOD?
Everything from Jay-Z to Journey to my meditation CDs. I like to mix it up!
What is on your TIVO/DVR?
The Soup, Oprah, Californication – I have a lot of stuff recorded but rarely get the time to watch it.
What are you working on now?
I just finished teaching the fashion styling course at FIDM – Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I am a contributor to Inside Weddings magazine and I am working on my 3-page spread “Celebrity Style”, my jewelry line – “Anya Sarre for Shoe Dazzle” launches in a few months, I am working on my style book, my signature perfume, and a really exciting new fashion business venture that I can’t wait to tell everyone about! Oh, and I am off to London for two weeks for the Royal Wedding!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Running my empire and helping as many young fashionistas as I can.
What would be the best advice you would offer to budding Fashion Stylists trying to break into the industry?
Work harder, better, and longer than other people. Be clear about your goals; always be grateful for your job and any opportunities. Be persistent and follow-up. Most importantly, remember to have fun!!
You can become a Fan on Facebook and follow Anya on Twitter @StylistAnya. Be sure to check out her website for even more fashion tips at anyasarre.com
END OF INTERVIEW
Jess Zaino is an emerging force in the world of fashion styling. She is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces on the New York and LA fashion scene. This twenty-something year old co-hosts Style Network’s Modern Girls Guide to Life and is a regular contributor to Fashion Week coverage for E! Entertainment. Jess also has appeared on Style’s How Do I Look, The Look for Less, and Style Court. In addition, she was a contestant on the VH1 reality hit show Glam God with Vivica A. Fox and Phillip Bloch.
I recently sat down with Jess to ask her some questions and see what it takes to break into the world of fashion and on-air styling. Here is what Jess had to say.
When did you first realize you were destined to work in fashion?
I was co-hosting a music television show in New York. I was making the tee-shirts and a lot of my wardrobe, too! When people starting responding to my designs and style, I naturally gravitated toward the industry.
Where did you go to school?
Hunter College on 68th and Lex in NYC. For film.
Any additional training?
For fashion, its the school of life for me!
Who did you intern with?
I jumped right into it as a stylist / designer for Kelly Osbourne
Who do you credit for “mentoring” you?
Style wise? It would have to be Finola Hughes, host of Style Network’s How Do I Look?
Who do you feel gave you your first “big break” that contributed to your success?
Kelly Osbourne.
What was your experience like being on the reality TV show GLAM GOD? Do you feel it helped in any way to advance your styling career? If so, how? Is this an experience you would recommend to other budding Stylists?
It helped my styling as it gave me tips and tricks I didn’t know about like using a maxi-pad to stuff a bra or make a hat fit more snug. While it was seemingly glamourous being on television with celebrities, it was very difficult both mentally and physically.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The past. I love films and photo books from previous decades. New York City is a big inspiration as is seeing someone else’s art which inspires me to go outside of the box like Lady Gaga.
Who/What is your muse?
My sister, Cailtin. She lives in Geneva, Switzerland and is the smartest, most stylish girl I know. She inspires me to push myself beyond my own limits and our brainstorming sessions are a big part of my art. Also, my boyfriend., Majed. He is seriously hot.
What magazines do you scour for inspiration?
Vanity Fair – the artists they use are incomparable and the stories are always right on trend and intellectually stimulating in an artistic way. Vogue. Old issues of Domino. The New York Times Sunday Style Mag. And of course, I check out the rags like Star Magazine to see who is wearing what on the red carpet.
What Winter 2010 trend are you loving most?
I love Menswear for women. And in no particular order – Lace stockings, Over the knee boots and Military-style overcoats, Long Black Leather Gloves and Faux-Fur Earmuffs for Winter in New York.
What trend should be banned forever?
Uggs. Ug.
What is in your closet now that you can’t live without?
My Uniqlo Jeans. They are a perfect fit and fabric. I am a superfan of the brand.
Which Fashion Designers do you admire most?
The House of Lanvin, The House of Chanel, I love Shoshanna! And Moschino. A dash of classic with a ton of playfulness.
Which shoe / accessory Designer(s) do you love?
Christian Louboutin, of course! And Kate Spade for classic accessories.
What do you think of Rachel Zoe and her TV show?
I like to watch it when I can. You actually learn something. And while she may not seem “real” all of the time, she created her own life and that should be applauded.
What would you define as your “Signature Style/Look”?
For myself right now I am trying out a Barbarella-inspired punk look complete with skinny black jeans, Chuck Taylors and hoop earrings. Lots of sexy bed-head and swoopy eyeliner. On clients, I work to create a classic American foundation with a New York City edge.
How would you describe your personality type?
A LOT of people use the word ‘Spunky’ to describe me. I would say open and enthusiastic.
Which hi-profile clients have you most enjoyed working with?
Jennifer Tilly is a dream.
What has been your favorite “gig” so far?
I did a tour with Nordstrom where I traveled to their national stores and spoke to an audience of 200+ woman on the accessory trends of the season. It was an incredible experience and they are a class act brand.
What celebrity would win “BEST DRESSED” in 2009?
I am always obsessed with Kate Moss.
Who would you most like to dress?
Tina Fey.
Who would you most like to “lunch” with dead or alive?
Ben Franklin. He was a smarty-pants quirkster.
What is on your IPOD?
Lady Gaga for the gym.
What is on your TIVO/DVR?
Curb Your Enthusiasm. 30 Rock. The Golden Girls.
What are you working on now?
I am consulting with a new menswear line, KSINO(.com), I am writing a style book for the GenY audience, I am working on designing My Boyfriend Shirt(.com), I am writing beauty reviews at StyleCaster and I am doing designer re-sale of celebrity items at A-Red-Carpet-Life.com
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Overseeing the global brand – Jess Zaino Worldwide, Inc. And eventually moving into directing and producing culturally inspired films and projects
What would be the best advice you would offer to Stylists trying to break into the industry?
Get your materials together – a portfolio, website, etc. Know your signature style and what you’ll bring to each job that is different from the others. Keep up on trends that are emerging, look to the past for your own creations. Stay focused, persistent and open to success AND failure. Never give up!
END……….
