Sophia Banks-Coloma is living the stylists dream, working with some of the worlds biggest stars- from Christen Chenoweth and Blake Lively. This homegrown hero has been aptly named the Aussie Rachel Zoe. Co-owner of Hollywood boutique Satine, Sophia counts Nicole Ritchie, Scarlett Johansson and Rachel McAdams among her celebrity clientele. BWA got the chance to sit down with this talented industry veteran and chat about all things fashion. To read more on Sophia, head to her website here.
What inspired you to get into styling?
I sort of fell into it from working at Satine, the store I owned in LA. We would style people in the store when they would come to shop. From there, I would get requests to come style clients for events, redo their closets and give them fashion makeovers.
What do you think was your first big fashion moment?
My first big fashion moment was when I was at Satine and won Harpers Bazaar style leader two years in a row and was named Womens Wear Daily’s ‘the next front row’.
What are your 5 top tips for our readers when they are shopping?
My number one tip is that if you don’t want to wear it out that night, don’t buy it. If you don’t want to walk out the door in it, you most likely wont wear it.
2. Don’t buy anything you don’t feel confident and you are comfortable in.
3. Don’t buy things just because they are the current trend – know what works for you and your body.
4. If a certain style looks great on you, buy more than one of it! If you wear one out, you’ll have another one ready to go.
5. Good dresses are hard to come by, so if you find a good dress buy it and keep it in your closet and then you’ll have it for your next occasion!
Key trends for summer?
Add a touch of fluoro – like a neon belt, pump or clutch to an outfit. Wide leg jeans with silk tank button up shirts tucked in and platforms is also a key look, not to mention hats for every occasion. Also, don’t be afraid to wear all white – whether it’s a dress and sandals or pants, or a top and heels.
What can you absolutely not live without?
My high waisted jeans, my white Birkin bag and high heeled platforms. In general though, I would have to say handbags. I can make any outfit work as long as I have a great handbag to tie it all together.
Best career moment to date?
Getting to work with some of the best designers in the world. For the movie I’ve just finished costume designing, I got to work with designers such as Dior, Chloe, J Mendel and Dolce & Gabbana.
What was it like seeing Blake Lively wearing your designs?
I love Blake Lively, I think she is amazing and has great fashion sense and so it was an honor to see her wearing Whitley Kros.
Finally, if you could have Breakfast with anybody who would it be and why?
Coco Chanel because I would love to have insight into the mind that changed women’s fashion forever.
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