Hester Hodde
Fashion Editor, Modelinia.com
Blog: Hester + Lucia
**Seriously, check it out. We're in love!**
1. How did you all break into the fashion industry?
Well I don't think you can really "break in" to anything because finding a career-any career- is a very gradual process. Its all about starting small, and doing whatever you can with the resources you have to show that you're interested in fashion and that you're dedicated to making it a career. Both Lucy and I had internships when we were in college: I was with a local designer, she was with a local boutique. Having summer internships in NYC is the best thing you can do.
How would each of you describe your style?
My style is not shy. I like to take risks. It is very eclectic and is constantly evolving. I'm always balancing masculine and feminine. I really enjoy mixing references, decades, and price points. It can never be too much one thing. Some things I like to channel are: Disco Queens/Skaters / Art Ladies/ Bikers the list goes on. I love sheer fabrics and embellishment. Lucy's style is a little more sweet, and paired down- veryParisienne. She does playful, prep for day (jeans and stripes shirts) and retro glamour for night (black peplum dresses with killer shoes) I always say Lucy's best accessory is her fabulous red hair.
What is your advice to people who want to work in fashion?
Get started now. Fashion doesn't need to be your whole world, but make it a big part of it. It depends on what you want to do in fashion. If you are interested in fashion journalism join the school newspaper or start a blog. If there isn't a style section in your school newspaper maybe you should start one. You could start working at a local boutique if you're interested in retail. None of this applies to wanting to be a designer. If you want to be a designer take sewing and art classes, and develop a portfolio through highschool so you can apply to a design college. At least 2 of the summers you have in college should be spent interning in NYC or doing a fashion study program at one of the NY colleges. Also study up, know the names and work of the people you admire, follow their careers. Be innovative and start something yourself.
What is the coolest thing you’ve done for work?
That's a tough one. Because when you're working it's hard to remember how cool it is. I was backstage at the Proenza Schouler show in September and I got to see the show- i was so excited I could hardly breathe. I was also backstage at the Victoria's Secret fashion show and interviewed Doutzen Kroes and Karlie Kloss, the scale of the production was mind blowing. The thing that will always make me feel cool is when people stop me to take a picture of my look. Lucy's career highlight was when Grace Coddington admired her look outside the Nina Ricci show in Paris.
Who is your fashion idol?
Hmmm. I have always loved Chloe Sevigny and Hanne Gaby Odiele. David Bowie and Stevie Knicks are my spiritual guides. Debbie Harry is my recent beauty icon. Lucy's is a French new wave film buff, she loves Anna Karina.
What inspires you?
Wayyyyy tooo many things! I'm really inspired by designers' original vision for a collection and the way they conceive of a full runway show. That idea only exist fully in the show and maybe in the ad campain, I'm always trying to get closer to that idea. Marc Jacobs and Prada are particularly genius at creating a total world. It's cinematic and transportive. Movies are a huge inspiration for me. When I get dressed I'm often creating a character in my mind. I'm also inspired by people who dress very strictly, and don't stray from the path. It takes a lot of discipline and focus which isn't something I naturally have.
If you could have any job in the fashion industry, what would it be?
OMG I do not know! there are so many people I would want to work for, to work with Grace Coddington or Diane Vreeland would be a dream. Or to be a creative consultant for a brand I love, like how Amanda Harlech is at Chanel, or Betty Catreux was for Yves Saint Laurent. I think my secret dream is to be a muse...or an actress.
Favorite designer, store, site?
I love em all. Prada, Dries Van Noten, and Proenza Schouler, also Phillip Lim. My favorite stores: Creatures of Comfort, Barneys are my standbys. Dagny+Barstow is new and cool. Love, Adorned for jewelry and gifts. Ina for consignment. Blk Dnm for jeans and T-shirts. I'm constantly on Net-a-Porter, also Asos for impulse buys. I just love the internet so I don't have a favorite site.
And what is your favorite trend of the moment?
I'm really into oversized right now. I like clothes that are away from the body. I'm also getting into black and white which i never used to wear... it's a big trend for spring and fall this year. I think knee length skirts are going to make a comeback too, no more maxis for me. Bomber jackets are have been really trendy over the last year and they're just not going away which I'm okay with because I cannot get enough! Lucy is loving dangly earrings right now- inspired by Rochas. And rings on every finger!!!
Fashion Editor, Modelinia.com
Blog: Hester + Lucia
**Seriously, check it out. We're in love!**
1. How did you all break into the fashion industry?
Well I don't think you can really "break in" to anything because finding a career-any career- is a very gradual process. Its all about starting small, and doing whatever you can with the resources you have to show that you're interested in fashion and that you're dedicated to making it a career. Both Lucy and I had internships when we were in college: I was with a local designer, she was with a local boutique. Having summer internships in NYC is the best thing you can do.
How would each of you describe your style?
My style is not shy. I like to take risks. It is very eclectic and is constantly evolving. I'm always balancing masculine and feminine. I really enjoy mixing references, decades, and price points. It can never be too much one thing. Some things I like to channel are: Disco Queens/Skaters / Art Ladies/ Bikers the list goes on. I love sheer fabrics and embellishment. Lucy's style is a little more sweet, and paired down- veryParisienne. She does playful, prep for day (jeans and stripes shirts) and retro glamour for night (black peplum dresses with killer shoes) I always say Lucy's best accessory is her fabulous red hair.
What is your advice to people who want to work in fashion?
Get started now. Fashion doesn't need to be your whole world, but make it a big part of it. It depends on what you want to do in fashion. If you are interested in fashion journalism join the school newspaper or start a blog. If there isn't a style section in your school newspaper maybe you should start one. You could start working at a local boutique if you're interested in retail. None of this applies to wanting to be a designer. If you want to be a designer take sewing and art classes, and develop a portfolio through highschool so you can apply to a design college. At least 2 of the summers you have in college should be spent interning in NYC or doing a fashion study program at one of the NY colleges. Also study up, know the names and work of the people you admire, follow their careers. Be innovative and start something yourself.
What is the coolest thing you’ve done for work?
That's a tough one. Because when you're working it's hard to remember how cool it is. I was backstage at the Proenza Schouler show in September and I got to see the show- i was so excited I could hardly breathe. I was also backstage at the Victoria's Secret fashion show and interviewed Doutzen Kroes and Karlie Kloss, the scale of the production was mind blowing. The thing that will always make me feel cool is when people stop me to take a picture of my look. Lucy's career highlight was when Grace Coddington admired her look outside the Nina Ricci show in Paris.
Who is your fashion idol?
Hmmm. I have always loved Chloe Sevigny and Hanne Gaby Odiele. David Bowie and Stevie Knicks are my spiritual guides. Debbie Harry is my recent beauty icon. Lucy's is a French new wave film buff, she loves Anna Karina.
What inspires you?
Wayyyyy tooo many things! I'm really inspired by designers' original vision for a collection and the way they conceive of a full runway show. That idea only exist fully in the show and maybe in the ad campain, I'm always trying to get closer to that idea. Marc Jacobs and Prada are particularly genius at creating a total world. It's cinematic and transportive. Movies are a huge inspiration for me. When I get dressed I'm often creating a character in my mind. I'm also inspired by people who dress very strictly, and don't stray from the path. It takes a lot of discipline and focus which isn't something I naturally have.
If you could have any job in the fashion industry, what would it be?
OMG I do not know! there are so many people I would want to work for, to work with Grace Coddington or Diane Vreeland would be a dream. Or to be a creative consultant for a brand I love, like how Amanda Harlech is at Chanel, or Betty Catreux was for Yves Saint Laurent. I think my secret dream is to be a muse...or an actress.
Favorite designer, store, site?
I love em all. Prada, Dries Van Noten, and Proenza Schouler, also Phillip Lim. My favorite stores: Creatures of Comfort, Barneys are my standbys. Dagny+Barstow is new and cool. Love, Adorned for jewelry and gifts. Ina for consignment. Blk Dnm for jeans and T-shirts. I'm constantly on Net-a-Porter, also Asos for impulse buys. I just love the internet so I don't have a favorite site.
And what is your favorite trend of the moment?
I'm really into oversized right now. I like clothes that are away from the body. I'm also getting into black and white which i never used to wear... it's a big trend for spring and fall this year. I think knee length skirts are going to make a comeback too, no more maxis for me. Bomber jackets are have been really trendy over the last year and they're just not going away which I'm okay with because I cannot get enough! Lucy is loving dangly earrings right now- inspired by Rochas. And rings on every finger!!!