The future of fashion | Oriona Robb, Fashion Stylist
THIS MONTH WE TALK TO FASHION STYLIST, ORIONA ROBB, TO FIND OUT HOW SHE HELPS HER CLIENTS DISCOVER THEIR PERSONAL STYLE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH THE POWER OF FASHION. WE ASK ORIONA EVERYTHING FROM HER STYLE PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR TO HOW SHE BALANCES THE DEMANDS OF MOTHERHOOD WITH RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL STYLING BUSINESS.
Before becoming a very successful fashion stylist you owned a restaurant, what made you move from hospitality to fashion?
Before becoming a fashion stylist, I had a background in both fashion and makeup for film and television. Alongside this, I've always had a passion for food, hosting people and creating memories My brother is an amazing chef, and we always dreamed about having a restaurant together. So, in collaboration with my brother, we decided to open a restaurant in Islington called Galley. In this venture, I took on the responsibility of running operations. However, I found that while there is some synergy between the hospitality and fashion industries, running a restaurant proved to be much more challenging.
You are a mother to 3 girls; how do you tackle the demands of family and work life?
As a mother to three girls, balancing family and work life is a daily challenge. While I wish I could say I smoothly manage it all like a superwoman, the truth is, I couldn't do it without the support of my mum. Her dedication has been invaluable in helping me navigate the demands of motherhood and my career. It truly does take a village to raise a family and excel in the workplace.
Your Instagram feed is beautifully crafted and produced, what’s your secret to creating content that reflects your passions and personality so well?
Thank you so much! Crafting my Instagram feed is truly a labour of love. I collaborate closely with talented photographers and videographers who share my vision. Recently, I under went a rebranding process that helped me clarify my vision and aesthetic. However, the most significant factor in creating content that reflects my passions and personality is the people I work with. Their creativity, expertise, and shared enthusiasm bring my ideas to life and make my Instagram feed a true reflection of who I am.
You naturally travel a lot with work, where is your go to destination for some downtime?
The Maldives is my favourite spot to relax and unwind. I love the peaceful beaches and luxurious resorts where I can disconnect from the world and recharge. Japan has always fascinated me. I'm drawn to its unique mix of old traditions and modern technology. I can't wait to explore the bustling cities and serene temples. South America is an adventure waiting to happen. From exploring the Amazon jungle to visiting ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, there's so much to see and do. I'm excited to experience the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes.
You have such an eye and instinct for dressing your clients, what is your go to brand for your own wardrobe and why?
Thank you! Finding what works for my body took some time, but I'm all about timeless designs that stay true to my personal style. For everyday wear, I gravitate towards brands like Anine Bing, The Frankie Shop, Camilla and Marc, and Blazé Milano. Their timeless pieces never go out of fashion and effortlessly complement my wardrobe, allowing me to express myself with confidence and style.
You offer a range of services from colour analysis to everyday styling and wardrobe management; how do you establish what is the right service for each client?
Each client is unique, and I tailor my services based on their individual needs and preferences. Some clients may feel stuck in a style rut and want a complete transformation, so we start by delving deep into their personal styling goals. This involves editing their wardrobe and setting the tone for a versatile capsule wardrobe that reflects their personality and lifestyle. For others, it may be a confidence boost they're seeking, so we focus on colour analysis or finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion. By taking the time to understand each client's desires and concerns, I ensure that the services I offer are precisely what they need to feel confident and empowered in their style journey.
You look after clients of all ages; how do you cater to the demands of different generations?
Absolutely, age is just a number! When catering to clients of different generations, I focus on understanding their individual style preferences, lifestyle, and goals rather than solely considering their age. I take the time to listen to each client's needs and desires, regardless of their age, and tailor my services accordingly. Whether it's helping a young professional build a versatile work wardrobe or assisting a retiree in updating their casual attire, my approach remains the same: personalised and attentive to each client's unique perspective and requirements. By embracing diversity and individuality, I ensure that every client receives the personalised attention and guidance they deserve, regardless of their age.
You have an enviable black book when it comes to the best fashion brands, are there any news brands we should have on our radar?
Absolutely! While there are many well-established fashion brands, keeping an eye on emerging and sustainable brands can offer exciting new options. Here are a few you might want to check out:
Laura Green: Known for their sustainable approach to fashion, Laura offers beautifully crafted, eco-friendly pieces perfect for special occasions.
Kimjoux: This brand specialises in bespoke jewellery, creating unique and stunning pieces that add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
FEDRO GAUDENZI: For those seeking bespoke tailoring, Fedro is a fantastic choice.
They create tailored pieces that fit like a dream and exude sophistication. By supporting these innovative and sustainable brands, you not only elevate your wardrobe but also contribute to a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry.
A sustainable approach to design has become a non-negotiable, fashion has a coloured history in this area, how do you tackle this for your clients?
In dealing with fashion's issues with sustainability, I focus on educating my clients about its importance. I help them choose brands that use eco-friendly materials and fair labour practices. I make sure they know all the details about a brand's sustainability efforts. By guiding them in making conscious choices, we contribute to a better, more sustainable fashion industry.
It’s all in the detail, who are your go to brands for timeless fashion and exquisite detailing?
When it comes to timeless fashion and exquisite detailing, there are several go-to brands that I love to recommend:
Stella McCartney: Known for her commitment to sustainability and animal-free materials, Stella offers elegant and timeless pieces with impeccable attention to detail.
Anna Mason: Meticulously crafted collections exude timeless elegance, featuring distinct silhouettes and a unique colour palette, while her commitment to British fabrics ensures luxurious pieces designed to be cherished and worn repeatedly for any occasion.
Burberry: Burberry is celebrated for its iconic trench coats and timeless British aesthetic. Their pieces often feature meticulous craftsmanship and subtle yet exquisite detailing.
Ralph Lauren: Ralph Lauren's classic American style is synonymous with timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. Their pieces often feature exquisite detailing and impeccable tailoring.
You don’t just work for individuals but for brands too, how do you go about creating a fashion personality for a brand?
When creating a fashion personality for a brand, especially for luxury uniforms, I start by understanding the brand's identity and target audience. Then, I develop a unique style concept that reflects the brand's values and resonates with its customers. This involves collaborating closely with stakeholders and ensuring that the designs are both practical and aligned with the brand's vision. For luxury uniforms, I prioritise elegance, comfort, and functionality, ensuring that each piece exudes sophistication while maintaining practicality for the wearer.
You styled our brand shoot at the end of last year where our brief to you was; British, timeless luxury with a sense of fun. What did you enjoy most about the brief?
What I enjoyed most about the brief was its fusion of British, timeless luxury with a sense of fun. British luxury holds a special place in my heart, so working with designers who embody this aesthetic was incredibly fulfilling. Each designer brought their own unique character to the shoot, allowing us to capture the personalities of everyone involved and express them through style. It was a delightful challenge to infuse the elegance of timeless luxury with a playful twist, resulting in a shoot that was not only sophisticated but also full of personality and charm.
What are the key looks for 2024 and how will you be working that into your client’s wardrobes?
As we look ahead to 2024, some key fashion trends are emerging. Here are a few that I'll be incorporating into my clients' wardrobes:
Relaxed Tailoring: Relaxed, oversized silhouettes and casual tailoring will continue to be popular. I'll be sourcing pieces like relaxed-fit blazers and wide-leg trousers to add a touch of sophistication to my clients' everyday looks.
Athleisure: The athleisure trend shows no signs of slowing down, with comfortable yet stylish activewear becoming a staple in many wardrobes. I'll be incorporating versatile athleisure pieces like joggers, hoodies, and sneakers into my clients' outfits for a chic and effortless look.
Statement Outerwear: Bold, statement-making outerwear will be a key trend for 2024. I'll be sourcing standout coats and jackets in vibrant colours, unique prints, and interesting textures to add a pop of personality to my clients' ensembles.
Elevated Basics: Elevated basics will continue to be essential for building a versatile wardrobe.
I'll be focusing on high-quality, timeless pieces like tailored blouses, classic denim, and versatile knitwear that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of stylish looks.
Oriona Robb
Founder and Style Consultant for Luxury Brands, Celebrities and Private clients
Personal Styling | Photoshoots | Editorial | Beauty | Luxury Brand Uniform
L: Linkedln
IG : @orionarobb
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