Based out of England, Style Machine had the chance to catch up with global celebrity stylist Rebecca Bowyer, tastemaker, personal stylist to BBC1 Radio host and London it girl, Mollie King, style curator, co-founder of @bowandbo, consultant to @threadsstyling to get her take on style, fashion inspo and what her vision is for the coming trends of 2024.
- Firstly Becky, how would you define your signature style and how does it set you apart in the fashion industry?
I’m very good at using designer accessories to elevate a full high street look. I embrace colour via a seasonally appropriate palette and i’m able to tap into current trends without compromising my wardrobe which is built on timeless and classic pieces.
2. Can you share with us an example of when you successfully translated a client’s vision into memorable fashion moment?
My clients often present an event they are attending and from there we build a vision. Mood boards are used to illustrate and inspire, confirming we are on the same page before pulling in the PR loans and doing a fitting.
I recently had the honour of designing a bespoke gown for Mollie King to wear to The Pride of Britain Awards in London with iconic fashion designer Suzanne Neville.
The vision was a deconstructed Tuxedo transformed into a stunning gown. By taking key Tux elements such as the silk lapel, the pockets and the fabric covered buttons and re-designing their positioning into the perfect dress. It just had to be red as its Patriotic significance aligned perfectly with the Pride of Britain. The dress was a knockout success and put Mollie on the Best Dressed list.
3. In your experience, how do you navigate the balance between staying on-trend and creating timeless, classic looks for your clients?
I love to combine current trend pieces into a wardrobe built on solid timeless foundations. Encouraging my clients to invest in great accessories like bags, belts and shoes that are versatile and stand the test of time.
4. What are the key factors you consider when selecting clothing and accessories for a client, taking into account their personal style, body shape, and the occasion?
First and foremost I consider the occasion, be that a Red Carpet, a Television appearance, a private event or even when styling a holiday edit, the entire look needs to be in perfect alignment. Body shape is a key consideration, it’s important to honour and celebrate your figure and dress to your maximum potential. Personality is also incredibly important, style speak volumes on personality. Clothes are incredible at evoking ‘feel good’ endorphins, choosing a look which your client ‘feels’ amazing in as well as ‘looks’ amazing in, is the key.
5. How do you handle situations where a client may be hesitant to step outside their fashion comfort zone, and how do you encourage them to try new styles?
Trust builds over time, I see clients leaning into styles they would have previously been hesitant to wear the more we work together. It’s often just a confidence thing, if I fully believe in the outfit and can see how fabulous and beautiful they look, they just need a little boost to feel it too. Positive press coverage is always great and really helps to keep elevating a clients style. It’s a journey, it’s a process and I love being part of transforming someone’s style and often their confidence alongside it.
6. Can you discuss the role of cultural influences in your styling choices and how you incorporate diverse perspectives into your work?
Inspiration is literally all around us, evolving everywhere we look. I adore to travel, and am often influenced by visiting different destinations across the world. Social media, instagram in particular for me as i’m a picture person, is a giant force for inspiration. It brings people from all over the globe together sharing their style and love of fashion. When I was little I was obsessed with magazines, and would go to the corner shop after school to spend all my pocket money purchasing as many fashion mags as I could afford. Those 90s supermodels had a big impact on my career. I always take inspiration from fashion decades past and present.
7. What tools, resources, or software do you find most valuable in staying organised and inspired throughout the fashion styling process?
My travel steamer is an essential for obvious reasons. I love my bright orange suitcase that has skate board wheels so it’s super easy and smooth to pull around airports, train stations and a busy London city centre. I’m forever carrying clothing samples and shoes around so great luggage is a stylist’s best friend. Jewellery and lingerie solutions are always good to be equipped with for fittings.
8. How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as photographers, makeup artists, and designers, to ensure a cohesive and visually compelling final look?
A strong team is vital and I love bouncing off others creativity, combining ideas and creating something extra special. Building relationships with amazing photographers and makeup artists is so important and seeing our collaborations come to life is one of the most rewarding aspects of this job.
9. Can you share a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it, providing insight into the problem-solving aspect of fashion styling?
I think tight timeframes, last minute Red Carpet confirmations which rely on couriers for that perfect PR gown to arrive in time is probably the biggest headache for a stylist. Where there is a will, there is definitely a way. It’s about thinking fast and problem solving. I’ve used Ubers last minute to deliver urgent dresses in time for a fitting on the same day as a Carpet. I also build relationships with brands and am constantly thinking ahead, when I see a dress I love, I then think “what event would this be the most perfect fit for?” i’ll email the PR and ask to loan, tagging it on to another fitting. This is a way of getting ahead of the game and being prepared for those last minute events that allow no time for prep.
10. Looking ahead, what trends or shifts do you anticipate in the fashion industry, and how do you plan to adapt and innovate within your role as a fashion stylist?
I believe 2024 will kick off with a ‘quiet-luxury’ muted palette. Lace is hanging around but designers are turning to white over black for Spring. We’ve fallen in love this year with Magda Butrym’s rose appliqué and I really feel embossed florals will be growing in ’24. Pops of red on the runway broke up an otherwise monochrome seasonal forecast. 90s inspiration will be clearly apparent, oversized coats, leathers, blazers and boyish high-rise trousers. Keep those Vintage Levis close as 90s denim will be back. Micro shorts with super sheer tights worn underneath oversized trench coats and stilettos are also a trend to have fun with. We are entering a new business era of power dressing.
I will continue to immerse myself in all things ‘fashion’, staying current and ahead of trends where possible is the plan. I genuinely LOVE fashion and I am so incredibly blessed and grateful that my passion is my career.
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