ANGIE SMITH Q&A

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Celebrity stylist - and Jasper fan - Angie Smith kindly took time out of her hectic schedule to answer some questions about her burgeoning career, where to shop and her favourite places to hang out... You started working as a fashion assistant at FHM. How did you make the transition to your current job as celebrity stylist? After five years of styling menswear at FHM, I decided to make the freelance leap. A fashion photographer called Kai Z Feng asked if I could style a shoot with Pixie Geldof and Daisy Lowe and I was terrified! I hadn’t styled womenswear before, but I pulled out all the stops and when I saw the results I absolutely loved it. Womenswear is much more fun! Then I just went around with my portfolio everywhere I could and I’ve been very lucky. My work has come mostly through recommendations and word of mouth.

Can you describe what a typical working day would involve for you?

Each day I’m up early to write posts for my blog at angiesmithtyle.com. If it’s a prepping day, I might then be off to appointments – lots of them – with PRs and shops, selecting clothes for my clients. Otherwise I might be on set styling a shoot. Whenever I find the time I’m devouring magazines or online hunting down new pieces and looking for inspiration. If I’m honest it doesn’t feel like work. It’s my dream job and I really enjoy being my own boss and working to my own brief.

How does it feel to be named in Glamour Magazine’s Power List for 2011?

It’s unbelievable, especially as I haven’t been styling womenswear for very long. To be recognised by a magazine as highly regarded as Glamour is a dream come true.

What would you say your career highlight has been so far?

Working with Dannii Minogue on The X Factor has definitely been a highlight! It was great to work with such a lovely team of people and all those amazing clothes.

Where do you shop for yourself? Do you have any tips to share?

I’ve always been a fan of car boot sales and vintage markets for rare finds and bargains. Away from that, the fourth floor at Harvey Nichols has most things I want and I would always recommend Liberty for its overall shopping experience. Oh, and Zara is definitely one of my favourites! If there’s one shopping tip I would give it would be that wherever you shop, make sure you have a great seamstress. It doesn’t have to be a massive expense but it’s very important if you want clothes bought on the high street to fit properly. I use Dorothy’s in Fulham. It’s perfect!

When you’re not working, how do you relax?

I recently got back from a long New Year break in Thailand, which was amazing after last year’s hectic schedule. I’m also lucky that my partner has family in Miami so we like to visit when we can and when we do, we always grab a few days at The Standard (luxury hotel and spa). It’s so peaceful. I love it.

What does this year have in store for you?

I don’t tend to plan too much, If this year’s half as good as the last, I’ll be very, very happy.