From celebrity styling and red carpet trend spotting, to being interviewed about this season’s must-haves, Anya Sarre is the go-to fashion force among Hollywood tastemakers. I have seen Anya numerous times on television shows such as The Insider and Entertainment Tonight. I was always intrigued by her keen sense to be able to create the “look for less,” something most of us need help with if we do not have a Hollywood budget behind us.
I caught up with Anya and wanted to find out the secrets to her success and what she is working on. She was gracious enough to share her secrets and her insights with me.
When did you first realize you were destined to work in fashion?
When I was in kindergarten, my principal called my mom and said there was a problem because I would change my outfit five times a day and give the other kids make-overs.
Where did you go to college? Any additional training?
I went to USC and studied communication and business, and then I went to Parsons New School of Design for a graduate program in fashion design and trend spotting.
Who did you intern with?
I am a huge believer in internships because they help you find out what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. I interned at PR firms, advertising agencies and on movie sets. They gave me a greater understanding of all aspects of the business that help me tremendously every day.
Who do you credit for “mentoring” you?
I credit my parents for mentoring me. My mom always encouraged me to be creative and follow my dreams. My dad taught me a strong work ethic and to do something I love. They have every single magazine that I’ve been in and they record every single TV show I am on. I am very lucky to have that amazing support.
Who do you feel gave you your first “big break” that contributed to your success?
I credit my first big break to Hilary Duff. I was working on a movie and started working with her. That was a great time in my career and everything grew from there.
How did you land your current position as head fashion stylist/designer for The Insider and Entertainment Tonight?
I really wanted the job so I made a portfolio of all the people I had dressed from red carpet to casual. I made a list of all the designer contacts I had and my relationships. I went in for many interviews and my final interview was with Mary Hart! I think I got that job because of the outfit I was wearing. One day I was wearing a Trina Turk suit with turquoise heels and the next day I was wearing a Nanette Lepore suit. I remember my outfits, but not what I said. At first, they hired me on a trial period for six weeks, but here I am seven years later!
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
I’m like a kid in a candy store when I’m in a fabric store – I like to spend all day looking at fabrics! I look around with my eyes wide open wherever I am – driving, traveling the world or at the grocery store.
Who/What is your muse?
I have too many to count. You can see them on TV every night!
What magazines do you scour for inspiration?
Everything and anything! I have so many files filled with all my tear sheets! From ELLE Décor (I love home design) to Inside Weddings to Seventeen magazine. The more you look at and the more you read, the broader your range in style is.
What style/fashion blogs are in your RSS feed now?
What Fall 2011 trend from the runway did you add to your “must have” list?
Seventies stripes and silk silhouettes.
What trend(s) should be banned forever?
Double denim. There is NO need … ever!
What is in your closet now that you can’t live without?
Christian Louboutin Frouprive slingbacks in black, Chanel quilted chain link purse, Aziam yoga pants, XIV Karts turquoise earrings and my ARCADE cropped fur vest.
Which fashion designers do you admire most and why?
I admire designers like Ralph Lauren and Kimora Lee Simmons for their branding and their empires. But the designers you will find in my shopping bag THIS week are Missoni, Veronica M, Halston, Trina Turk and Chanel.
Which shoe/accessory designer(s) do you love?
Christian Louboutin, YSL, and ShoeDazzle!
What would you define as your “signature style/look”?
I am a glam girl with a California resort feel. You will rarely find me in a flat shoe, or wearing jeans! I love dresses, accessories and heels and always have my sunglasses, a tote bag and lip gloss!
How would you describe your personality type?
Happy, grateful, ambitious, perfectionist, optimistic and excited!
Which on-air talent have you most enjoyed working with?
I am so lucky because I love them all. They are my Barbie dolls and they let me dress them up!
You are known for your ability to create the “look for less.” What advice can you offer to fashionistas who love couture but are on a tight budget?
It is important to shop around, scope out your choices online before you go, always shop the sale rack and know the store’s return policy. Always spend more time and money shopping for classic pieces and less on trendy ones. Prioritize, budget and remember to walk away and sleep on it before you make a big purchase. If you still remember it days later – you should get it.
Who would you most like to “lunch with,” dead or alive?
My grandmother.
How do you feel about all the fashion reality TV shows? Do you feel they portray fashion in a positive or a negative light?
They are great! I love that they focus on fashion and allow people the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their interests and passion.
Talk about your collaboration with Kim Kardashian’s e-commerce site Shoe Dazzle. How did this come about?
I am the chief accessories and handbag stylist for ShoeDazzle. It is a great place to go and get amazing shoes, hip bags and fun jewelry picked out for you by stylists for only $39.95! It’s a fashionista’s dream! Breaking news: Be sure to check out the “Anya Sarre for Shoe Dazzle” jewelry line launching this summer and fall! It is all my must-haves inspired by my own jewelry collection! It is amazing! I want every piece!
I see you are a celebrity contributor at LiveDress.com. What do you enjoy most about your position there? How can women and men utilize the site to resolve their fashion dilemmas?
I enjoy being able to answer people’s fashion questions and help with their outfit dilemmas. It is a great place for fashionistas to shop, share and get the best deals.
What is on your iPod?
Everything from Jay-Z to Journey to my meditation CDs. I like to mix it up!
What is on your TiVo/DVR?
The Soup, Oprah, Californication – I have a lot of stuff recorded but rarely get the time to watch it.
What are you working on now?
I just finished teaching the fashion styling course at FIDM – Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I am a contributor to Inside Weddings magazine and I am working on my 3-page spread “Celebrity Style,” my jewelry line – “Anya Sarre for Shoe Dazzle” launches in a few months, I am working on my style book, my signature perfume, and a really exciting new fashion business venture that I can’t wait to tell everyone about! Oh, and I am off to London for two weeks for the royal wedding!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Running my empire and helping as many young fashionistas as I can.
What would be the best advice you would offer to budding fashion stylists trying to break into the industry?
Work harder, better, and longer than other people. Be clear about your goals; always be grateful for your job and any opportunities. Be persistent and follow up. Most importantly, remember to have fun!!
You can become a Fan on Facebook and follow Anya on Twitter @StylistAnya. Be sure to check out her website for even more fashion tips at anyasarre.com
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