UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: EVE THOMAS

How and where do you do your best work?
I'm at my most productive in the morning. I take our dog for a walk before heading to the office – it clears my head and makes for a wonderful start to the day. By the time I get to my desk I feel like I’m ready for anything. I find inspiration everywhere and anywhere – almost anything can spark an idea, from the colours of a painting or the costumes in an old film, to an image on Pinterest or Instagram.

Describe your style in five words
Eclectic. Elegant. A little playful.

What’s the best bit of the job?
The variety. As Styling Director I work with teams across the business. I may start the day by planning an upcoming shoot with our creative team before discussing incoming collections with our team of buyers based in London, New York and Shanghai, and end the day briefing our in-house design team on key colours and silhouettes for our private label, Iris & Ink. No two days are the same at THE OUTNET.COM – I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What’s on your studio playlist?
While on set I love to play fun, upbeat tracks to get everyone going. A little vintage Michael Jackson or Madonna never fails – it’s great to find something that everyone can sing along to.

What’s your top tip for surviving fashion week?
Enjoy it! Fashion Week is non-stop as there is a lot to see in very little time. Although it can be exhausting, Fashion Week is a time when London truly comes alive. There is so much talent and creativity to revel in – remember that you are privileged to be a part of it.

How do you relax when Fashion Week is over?
Every October, I spend a few days in the Scottish Highlands with my husband's family. It is incredibly remote, very beautiful and the perfect antidote to the madness of Fashion Week.

If you weren’t talking to us right now, what would you be doing?
I'm currently on maternity leave so I'd be looking after my six-month-old daughter. I must admit that having a girl has opened up a whole new world of shopping. Who knew that childrenswear could be so fun?

What makes London’s fashion industry so special?
London is home to some of the best art colleges in the world. The training here is second to none. I was lucky enough to study under Louise Wilson at Central Saint Martins. Although terrifying, she truly knew how to push her students to the best of their ability, all the while preparing them for work out in the real world. We also have an amazing blend of incredibly talented high-end designers and a wonderfully creative and design-driven high street which you just don't find anywhere else in the world.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I was a guest judge on ‘The Face’ last season. Judges (and international supermodels) Naomi Campbell, Erin O'Connor and Caroline Winberg helped stage THE OUTNET.COM’s first ever catwalk show, which was such an exciting thing to be a part of. Getting to tell Naomi Campbell what to do was a pretty special moment and one that I doubt I will ever get to repeat!

If you could dress anyone, who would it be and why?
If I could dress anyone in the world – past or present – it would be Audrey Hepburn. Her gamine frame and pixie looks made her the perfect clothes horse. She never looked like the clothes were wearing her, unlike many of today's celebrities. She had a lifelong friendship with Hubert de Givenchy, often acting as muse for his designs. They favored clean lines and minimalist fits paired with simple yet bold accessories; a look that's still relevant now. If she were alive today I think that she would look wonderful in Raf Simons for Dior.

About the season:

The key trends
Jeweled capes, billowing gowns and delicate details are every girl’s dream. Luckily, these fairy tale references abound for AW14. Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen and Meadham Kirchhoff showcased wonderfully romantic designs this season – this is fashion at its finest and most magical.

Winter pastels continue to feature prominently this season. Mint, powder pink and café-au-lait hues will lend a soft touch to winter outfits.

The tone-on-tone trend shows no sign of abating. Pick your favorite colors and wear them from head to toe! Wonderful examples of this were seen at Jil Sander, Carven and Dior.

Must-buys for AW14
My must-haves this season are a teddy bear coat, a pair of wide-leg pants, a midi skirt and a colorful faux fur stole. 

My new season styling tips

  • Belt it! A wide belt worn at the waist gives a new lease of life to a slouchy sweater or oversized outerwear.
  • Wear one shade from head to toe for an update on last season's matchy-matchy prints.
  • A dash of brightly colored faux fur instantly updates your look. The brave should opt for a chubby style, those less so a stole. Either way, the brighter or bolder the better.

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