Celebrity stylist Stevie B loves London Fashion Week – so who better to sit down with for the inside scoop? Named after the iconic Stevie Nicks (she’s a rock chick at heart), she’s got 19 years of styling under her belt – her star-studded roster includes Alison Hammond, Sadie Frost, Emmett Scanlan and more. Stevie’s also all about body confidence, as well as breaking the fashion rules. We asked her all about autumn/winter essentials, owning your look and so much more to get you inspired for London Fashion Week and beyond.
What do you love most about London Fashion Week?
London Fashion Week is always very special to me. I love fashion in London. I think it's like nowhere else. I'm lucky enough that I've been to New York and Paris Fashion Week too, but there's something really special about London. I think people that live in London and the UK are really experimental with fashion. Another favourite thing about it is the street style. I actually prefer going outside the shows. I love the creativity of London, and I love that it doesn't conform. It's really eccentric and fun.
Who is your favourite person to style and why?
My favourite person to style is a woman that is lacking confidence for whatever reason. Whether it's her body or something somebody has told her, or she has just lost her confidence, my favorite thing is to find clothes that make that woman get her spark back and look in the mirror and stand taller and feel confident.
What's the one styling item you can't live without?
A kimono! I love the way your dresses double up as a kimono - when you’re having just a bit of a “blurgh” day, put on an extra layer and it just makes you swish around. I love all your leopard prints and stars.
If you had to wear one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
100%, a kimono. 100%.
Name the five key items everyone should have in their wardrobe.
A denim jacket.
An item of leopard print. It's neutral, and nothing can bring me more joy than a leopard print.
A blazer. Every woman should own a blazer.
Denim that makes you feel good. Whether that be denim shorts, which I'm obsessed with, a midi skirt, or a good pair of jeans.
A really flattering dress that makes you feel great. I love your leopard print midi dress. I love the shape of it, and that it's versatile - you can dress it up. You can wear it with boots and a blazer or a leather jacket. You can also do it with a denim jacket so good with a fitted dress is really important, plus some bright lipstick and some amazing jewellery.
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Do you have any favourite prints?
I've been obsessed with leopard print since I think about 2002. Obviously why I'm so drawn to Scamp & Dude.
If you could style anyone in history, who would it be?
Audrey Hepburn. The natural style that oozed out of her, she was sensational.
Jimi Hendrix - I'm just obsessed with his revolutionary style. And Prince. Sarah Jessica Parker is on my wish list - I feel like it could happen. Diane Keaton. These people don't need styling, but I would just love to work with them. They're people that really inspire me. Also Florence from Florence and the Machine. I love anything that she wears. I could go on forever - also Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone in Casino. Oh my God her outfits in that!
We couldn’t agree more. Let's get onto autumn/winter! What do you look for in new season essentials?
I don't believe you should have a summer and a winter wardrobe. I wear all my summer clothes in the winter. I just layer them differently, so I think people should just bear that in mind. For example, Cami tops I would layer with t-shirts underneath or long sleeves, with a cardigan or a denim shirt over the top. That's what I would say about autumn winter styling – it's all about the layering. Same with your jewellery Don't be afraid to layer, and experiment – same with a fantastic pair of boots. Go for something fun, you don't just have to go for a black coat and black boots.
You’re a huge body confidence advocate, and we absolutely love that about you. What are your key tips to finding that confidence?
My ultimate tip is to start speaking kindly to yourself - especially in front of the mirror. We're so quick as women, and we're taught from a young age to say, “that doesn't look nice, it’s disgusting”. I've actually banned that from my house. So, speaking positively to yourself in front of the mirror is amazing.
Another tip would be to follow people on social media that you can relate to. For example, if they have a body type similar to yours, so that you see more of that, and it makes you feel more “seen”. If you're not that into the gym and if that makes you feel guilty in any way, if you're following lots of fitness influencers, that will make you feel rubbish. so just be aware. Follow positive, life loving fun people.
