The first time I saw Stella Rose Saint Clair at an event in New York City, she clearly distinguished herself from others around her. It was a natural combination of body language, looks and a very positive energy that she seemed to be pouring into the universe. Since we are in the same social circle, at some point, it was inevitable that we would meet someday. And when we finally did cross paths at a vernissage at the Leslie Lohman Museum, it was just a delight.
Stella Rose Saint Clair was born in New York’s East Village, but grew up in Seattle. Now, she resides in Bushwick, where she visually spreads her happy lifestyle by being very active on social media. Stella loves pink, she loves patches — all kind of patches — and she is a young designer with great dreams who is already working so hard to develop her brand STELLA. Her vision and concepts are fun and amusing, and in a world where pop stars and scene stealers work a little extra to influence our young generation by sometimes appearing so vulgar, Stella projects the opposite image. Her Fall Winter 2015 Superstisia movie demonstrates that you can look hot without — at times — looking or behaving so desperate.
New York Fashion Week starts today, Thursday, Sept. 10, and to celebrate our one-year anniversary of the Style Master gallery, we decided that Stella Rose Saint Clair’s positive approach to fashion and style makes her the perfect pick to be our September Style Master.
Gazelle: Stella, please describe your style with your own words.
Stella Rose Saint Clair: My style is a mixture of throwback punk and Kawaii culture influences, but with a retro twist. I love the minimal details and cuts of the 1960s. I’ve always been very thin, so boxy garments are most flattering on me. I like to dress with a sense of humor and a sense of seasonal influence.
Do you have any peculiar fashion habits?
I always need to have something on my head — usually a hat or at least some statement accessories. The head is so neglected in fashion, but I don’t think a look is complete without a headpiece of some sort.
How important has fashion and style been to you?
Fashion and style is my life. Everything I do is fueled by my eye for fashion and design. It dictates so much more than simply how I dress. My music tastes, the food I eat, etc. They are all rooted within my fashion sense.
What was the defining fashion moment of your life/career?
I don’t think I’ve reached the defining moment quite yet. Running a startup fashion label, I have a lot of goals, but I’m working towards it, which will help define my career as a designer. As a model, I was photographed in 2012 by Steven Meisel for Lanvin. It was soon after I relocated to NYC, and it was surreal to be working with such a notable team in the fashion world. Modeling was not my first choice of fashion careers, but it was definitely a definitive moment for me.
Who are the most elegant women and men of all time?
Elegance has never been a feature I value in people, as I myself have never felt particularly elegant. I do, however, aspire to resemble Bette Davis in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” in both looks and character once I turn 90.
Fashionably speaking, if you could have a second chance to give another first impression, when and why?
Everything I wore between the ages of 11 and 15 surely left a sore impression on everyone I met. Everybody makes mistakes.
What is your favorite store in the world and your favorite one in New York City?
I love shops that exist as an experience in addition to what they sell. BESS in SoHo does an impeccable job at this. I grew up in Seattle, and Pretty Parlor was and still is one of the only independent businesses really devoted to this idea.
What was the most spectacular party you attended?
I once attended a party with such an offensive theme I can’t mention it here, but out of only 15 people that showed up, three of them fell through windows, and one more had to be sent to the hospital with a concussion. Sometimes the most unexpected events are the most spectacular.
If you could style one person, who would be the lucky one?
As selfish as it may seem, my favorite style client will always be myself.
What is the perfect attire for the eternal sleep?
With proper care and harvesting, my body could become attire for eternal life. I plan to live on as a fabulous handbag, jacket or pair of earrings.
Gazelle Paulo is a contributing journalist for TheBlot Magazine. Follow him on Twitter and FreakChic.
