Saturday, January 29, 2011

Q& A with Amy Lu

I’m not embarrassed to say that I’m in a fashion rut right now. My clothes are lacking that oomph factor and I am in need of some stylish clothing stat!



In addition to checking out a plethora of fashion mags and religiously watching What Not To Wear, I thought to reach out to a fashionista and find out everything I need to know about fashion, but more importantly, what the hottest trends are for Spring 2011.


I contacted Amy Lu—fashion stylist extraordinaire, to ask her about her career as a stylist, and of course to get the 411 on what I should be wearing this spring.





When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion as a career?
I must admit that I have been in love with clothes for as long as I can remember. Most of my childhood memories start with what I was wearing or what I can remember someone else wearing, so it was a very natural progression for me to pursue a career in the fashion industry.


Did you go to school for fashion?
I studied marketing for two years at Camosun College in Victoria, also at the Fashion Merchandising program at Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver. I completed a one-year Couture Sewing program from a woman named Blossom who taught out of her home in Vancouver (and studied under Jacques Fath). In addition to that schooling, I took continuing education courses at Emily Carr in photography, sewing, print making. All of which has been beneficial in some capacity of my career.


How did you get your break into fashion?
I get asked this a lot in interviews and to be honest there was never one specific event that was the trigger but rather a series of things that led me in the right direction. I suppose my first shoot was key and I got that because I contacted a student photographer who was looking to collaborate with a fashion designer on a photo shoot. I contacted him and convinced him to give me a shot.


What has been your career highlight so far?
I have experienced many fabulous moments with celebrities and fancy productions but the highlights are often times very unglamorous and easy to overlook. I suppose some of my sparkliest moments so far have been shooting Selena Gomez which was a real treat because her persona is so big yet she was such a sweetheart.

What are some of your fave stores to shop?
I love Aritzia, it is my go-to shop. I enjoy Holts and BCBG when I can splurge.


What is your favourite city to shop?
Hmmmmmm, I love different cities for different reasons but I always get lucky in Seattle. Chicago and New York are also winners but they take effort. LA is good too but parking is a struggle. Vancouver is amazing too!


If you could have any other job, what would it be?
I can honestly say, photography and fashion is where my heart and soul is, so I'd be lying if I mentioned another job. I do however, want to expand my skills into helping people look and feel their best on a much larger scale, self-esteem is at the root of people's success and style is an easy way to access that.

What celeb would you like to style and why?
Kate Moss. I love her, I grew up watching her career unfold and she is so inspiring not to mention the most stylish person ever!

What are the hottest trends for Spring 2011?
Pleated trousers, cropped tops, clear rimmed glasses, and platform sandals.

What are some trends we should stop doing now?
One-shoudered tight dresses, all things covered in grommets and spikes. The Kardashians killed those trends!

Where are you based?
I reside in Toronto at the moment but am away more than I am home.

More stats on Amy
 
* Amy began her career as a fashion stylist in 2001


* She has styled editorials for FASHION magazine, Zink, Vanity Fair, Toronto Life, among others


* In 2003 she was awarded BC’s apparel Fashion Stylist of the year


For more information on Amy Lu, please visit http://www.amylu.ca/

Michelle

Styled by Amy Lu

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