 MEET THE STYLIST
Lindsay Albanese
Have you always wanted to ask your favorite designers, stylists and celebrities what they love to about their roles in the fashion industry? Or perhaps what they think the next big beauty or styling trend will be? Look no further than this exclusive series of fashion icon interviews by JustLuxe. So read on, as we bring you these answers and more — direct from the fashionistas themselves. Some of the most famous names in the industry, including legendary TV personalities, have divulged exciting insider information and personal stories of their journey to the top just for our readers.
We were inspired to create this series after talking with three influential figures in the fashion world as they geared up as panelists for Simply Stylist New York, a three-tiered event that was held during New York Fashion Week to help fashion lovers get inside tips on all things style related. One of those young ladies is celebrity wardrobe stylist and style expert Lindsay Albanese, who served as a guest speaker at Simply Stylist's New York Fashion Panel in September. Read on to get the inside scoop on Lindsay's story.
Blog: Lindsay Albanese | Style Expert
Location: Los Angeles
Style: Contemporary
Favorite Brands: RTW-Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Burberry.
JustLuxe: How did you get your start as a stylist? Did you receive any formal training in fashion?
Lindsay Albanese: It’s a crazy long story. I went to FIDM, but eventually figured out I never wanted to be a fashion designer like I thought. So I proceeded to wait tables for three years while I worked for free with various “stylists” and productions. It was a roller coaster and so discouraging! But I’m so thankful I stuck with it.
JustLuxe: What got you interested in fashion? Have you always been fashion forward yourself?
Lindsay Albanese: For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been really particular about what I wear. I was never someone who had that “I don’t care what I’m wearing” attitude. I also used to design my prom and homecoming dresses in high school so I guess that proves my point!
JustLuxe:When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
Lindsay Albanese: I thought I always wanted to be a graphic designer, but then a friend of mine went to FIDM and everything she was doing intrigued me, so I enrolled and never looked back!
JustLuxe: Are you creative in any other departments? Explain to me how you see fashion as an art.
Lindsay Albanese: I definitely would say I know what I like. And I’m just not OK with anything when it comes to design. So yes, in that case I am. As far as any other creative hobbies? None. I pour my heart and soul into my career.
JustLuxe: Do different cultures ever inspire you and if so, which culture’s fashion do you find yourself borrowing from the most?
Lindsay Albanese: I always find myself being drawn to Indian, Asian, or Moroccan sensibility in clothing, accessories and housewares. I also admire things from Aztec or American Indian cultures.
JustLuxe: Who are your favorite designers? Why?
Lindsay Albanese: RTW-Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Burberry, oh so many. Marchesa’s gowns are living fantasies. I’m also an avid, expert mall shopper so I have a love for all ranges of designers and I’m not too snotty about it, just picky about what I like.
JustLuxe: Are there any fellow stylists who you look up to? Who are they?
Lindsay Albanese: I admire any and all stylists that have taken from our craft and built an empire from it. Styling in itself is a hard job, and to branch off and build clothing lines, shows, etc. from that is exceptional.
JustLuxe: What are you hoping to see during New York Fashion Week?
Lindsay Albanese: All things DVF, Alexander Wang, Parabal, Alexandre Herchcovitch Rebecca Minkoff if my schedule will allow me to! And a ton of style inspiration whatever it may be.
JustLuxe: What’s one trend you never want to see again?
Lindsay Albanese: I hate to answer this because my style is always changing and evolving. But I’m so bored of your typical solid color bandage dress. Oh wait, I loathe jelly shoes! Please no, never again!
JustLuxe: How does fashion seen on the runway translate to fashion worn by celebrities or fashion seen on the street?
Lindsay Albanese: Style comes from within. That’s why two people with maybe the same body type can wear the exact same thing yet the whole vibe of the look from one girl to the other is different. I always admire a person who can make something their own rather than wearing a look head to toe off the runway.
JustLuxe: What time period or decade do you feel had the best style?
Lindsay Albanese: '30s and '40s old Hollywood glam. The '70s were free spirited, rugged, and had attitude. Those polar opposites are what make those decades so intriguing to me.
JustLuxe: What has working in the fashion big leagues taught you?
Lindsay Albanese: That you are responsible for your own success. As quick and proactive as you are, the further you get. I like to think that the most successful people in this biz all share a common thread of that tenacity. It’s what makes the big things happen, it’s not about how amazingly stylish you are— that alone doesn’t get you the jobs.
JustLuxe: Any personal favorite styling jobs or celebrities you love to work with?
Lindsay Albanese: I loved traveling the world with Access Hollywood when I was styling for them. It was an incredible experience for me. And I’ve always said I would love to get my hands on Britney Spears for appearances. She’s an icon, but a fashion icon? Not so much. I would love to blow people away.
JustLuxe: What’s been your favorite part of working your position in fashion?
Lindsay Albanese: I dictate what I want to do, and what I don’t. It’s taken me a long time to be OK with not taking on a project for the sake of missing an opportunity, any opportunity for that matter. And it shows growth when you can get to that place.
JustLuxe: How do you make sure your clients always make the “Best Dressed” list? How would you recover if they didn’t?
Lindsay Albanese: I always try to follow my motto- style is about dressing for your body, personality, and the occasion. If I follow those three, it usually works out. And it’s only happened once, but I never fully agree with those "Worst Dressed" pages. A lot of times “worst dressed” just means someone experimented rather than succumbing to the crowd-pleasing already-been-done looks (same dress, different color.) We have so much of that in Hollywood. I love a mix master.
JustLuxe: What’s the key to always looking your best?
Lindsay Albanese: Confidence! When you put on something that you feel good in, whatever it may be, you are better for it.
JustLuxe: What’s the key to always dressing appropriately for the occasion?
Lindsay Albanese: Know your audience, and think about it. Will a skin tight leather dress be appropriate for a christening? NO. Add your own flare within the appropriate dress code but don’t fall off the map with it.
JustLuxe: What’s your go-to Fall outfit?
Lindsay Albanese: Dress, tights, boots and a leather jacket.
JustLuxe: What is one fashion or beauty item that you love to splurge on for yourself?
Lindsay Albanese: Bags and shoes. Everyday if possible.
JustLuxe: Do you have your eye on any specific items you want to purchase for yourself this Fall?
Lindsay Albanese: A new pair of flat black half boots. and some new floral scarves. And I can never have enough jewelry. I have eight drawers full of it!
JustLuxe: What is one item that you think all women should have in their closet?
Lindsay Albanese: A white button-up blouse. They go over and layer under so many things.
JustLuxe: What is the first thing you do when styling a new client?
Lindsay Albanese: Check them out on Wire or Getty Images.
JustLuxe: How do you truly get to know someone’s personal style?
Lindsay Albanese: Doing your research and spending time fitting with them. You get a pretty good grasp on somebody’s style, insecurities, and taste in the first fitting.
JustLuxe: What are some pieces of clothing or accessories you feel will never go out of style?
Lindsay Albanese: Denim, jeans, and staple classics like cardigans or button-up blouses.
JustLuxe: What is your favorite fashion tip, rule, or secret?
Lindsay Albanese: My motto: Style is about dressing for your body, personality, and the occasion.
JustLuxe: How has living in Los Angeles affected your career? Would you be able to do what you’re doing in another location?
Lindsay Albanese: Other than NYC, this is where it’s at as far as being in the heartbeat of the biz. I have a house in San Diego but If I lived there I would never be able to drop everything for an opportunity or gig. I can do that here. I rent two apartments in my building, one is for work, and the other is for living!
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