In the wake of Boston’s Fashion Night Out, I had the chance to interview Boston’s own fashion guru and stylist, J.Sybylla Smith. Smith gives us her take on everything from Fashion Night Out to career advice from someone who has risked it all to follow her dreams.
What are your thoughts on FNO coming to Boston?
The concept is good and I think it will continue to grow. Like the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, when Anna Wintour speaks great things happen. In three years FNO is a successful global initiative. It will evolve and grow. Just like Fashion Week, Fashion Night Out is another one of Anna Wintour’s great ideas that, with time, will mature and evolve. FNO comes at a good time as September is on of the most important months of the year in the fashion world. It is a great way to kick off the new season.
What will your staple items this season be?
Color Blocking– One of the most important items this season will be using color in a big way. This means ditching black, being adventurous and mixing it up. Bold combinations – an eggplant pant with a lime top and tangerine jacket. Whether it is an eggplant pant, tangerine top or a lime green coat, it’s important to have fun with it.
Tailoring- Form fitting pieces are important. Think 1930’s with more romance and better fabric.
Shoes- Look for exaggerated silhouettes in shoes. Many designers are stepping up what Alexander McQueen started and making it more walkable – the heel is in a new relationship to the shoe. Lady Gaga heralded the outrageous originals of Noritaka Tatehana. Now for those of us covering more distance designers are giving us wild options.
What are some of your timeless pieces that never lose their flare season after season?
I have a John Galliano grey microfiber and wool coat that never goes out of style. It is a luxurious fabric with great shape. I love transitional seasons and this is perfect for those. This is a great piece that is built to last! I also have a Jill Sander, lightweight black wool skirt that has great simple detailing. Another timeless piece I have are flat, lace up Fendi boots that have seen me through many seasons. I can dress them up or dress them down. Spent 3 digits replacing sole and it it worth it.
The key to having a few timeless pieces; make them your investment pieces. Buying super trendy heels from H&M and Forever21 may be cute and cheap, but will likely fall apart after a few nights out and give you killer blisters (been there, done that.) I cringed at the thought of purchasing my nearly $300 Frye boots a few years ago, but they have seen me through the rough, unpredictable New England weather year after year, and I love them just the same now as I did then. Simple, yet well made, investment pieces will pay off in the long run.
When did you know you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Always. When I was a little girl I used to use fabric swatches and make clothes for my Barbies. By middle school, I was making my own clothes. My biggest excitement as a child was walking into a fabric store! Being from a family that valued altruistic professions I earned and MSW at Columbia before striking out on my true artistic path. Within three years I enrolled in F.I.T. to study clothing design.
What/Who was the most influential person/event in the early years of your career?
I took a huge risk by cashing in all my savings to go to Paris and study fashion. While there I attended a Givenchy fashion show, introduced myself and was invited backstage. I got a glimpse of his muse Audrey Hepburn trying on her picks from the collection. I never looked back.
Great risks reap great benefits when it comes to following your dreams!
The Her Campus women would like to know, what is the one thing you did in college that we all need to experience?
Study abroad! Immerse yourself in more than one language.
Any additional advice?
When I was a design student, I had to create a collection made up of colors and fabrics I didn’t like. This caused me to step out of my comfort zone. I think all college students should take a class in a subject they either don’t like or know nothing about.
As we all embark on the endless journey to discover our true career calling, getting in touch with someone who has years of experience in your desired field can prove invaluable. I had the privilege to work with Smith in the summer of 2010 in putting together a holiday gift guide for Boston Common Magazine. During this project I learned many important lessons that I will take with me through out my future career endeavors. I feel very fortunate to have worked with someone so passionate about what she does. I left feeling endlessly inspired rather than worn down and horrified at the thought of spending another day flipping through look books. Even if the latter was true, it still would have been worth it.
I encourage all HC girls to start applying for internships this coming summer to get a taste of what your future may look like. If it works out, great, if not, you never would’ve known unless you tried. Most companies begin looking in early to mid-Fall, so dust off those résumés and start searching!