Abby Adler

Stylist and Consultant

Abby Adler is a stylist and consultant with experience in London, Paris, and New York. Starting in the fashion cupboard at AnOther Magazine almost 10 years ago, she moved to NYC to further hone her skills under editor and chief at i-D Magazine. After four years in NYC, she relocated to Paris to work at Mastermind Magazine.After living and working in these fashion capitals, her style grew to encompass a strong reference to all three of these places. One that blends vintage and archive pieces with a focus on construction, detail, and silhouette.

TYW: When did you first realise you wanted to become a stylist, and what was the journey like to get to where you are today?

Abby: The first 15 years of my life I wanted to be a ballerina, then when I realised that was more likely than not, not going to happen, it was then that I decided I wanted to work in fashion and I really have not looked back or done anything else ever since! My journey has been in a way, quite linear, starting with internships at magazines before going on to assist stylists full time and then eventually taking a fashion editor position in Paris which has led me to where I am now.

TYW: Are there any brands, designers, or other stylists who have influenced or inspired your work over the years?

Abby: It is sort of ever changing, in the beginning when I first started to come aware of fashion I remember coveting designers like Meadham Kirchoff, Miu Miu and early days Jeremy Scott Moschino (I even bought one of the McDonald’s fries Iphone cases like a real fashion victim). But today I am very inspired by construction and designers who have more of a subtle elegance, of course I love Alaia and the way it is constructed for the woman’s body. I also admire younger designers who are working in this refined yet elegant style like Aarson Esh or Supriya Lele.

TYW: How do you approach styling for different clients or projects, and what’s the most rewarding part of that process?

Abby: Every approach and process is so unique and different. On the personal client side, the girls I work with are more often than not, lifelong friends, which is very inspiring for me to be able to build, grow with and empower the women around me through their clothes, we are also able to have a totally open and candid dialogue surrounding their fashion choices which helps make the choices authentic. When it comes to editorials, I usually collaborate very heavily with female photographers and we build a vision and concept together, whether that is rooted in shape, color, or something else and then I pick the silhouettes and garments to reflect that. I often can't find the exact thing I am looking for so I end up making pieces myself from fabrics and trimmings which I love doing.

TYW: Do you find yourself stepping outside of your personal style when styling others, or do you bring elements of your own aesthetic into the work?

Abby: I definitely do bring my personal taste into all my work, it's hard not to... I guess also that is what people are hiring me for to a degree? If I get approached by someone or for a job that I feel is really not aligned with me in terms of taste or vision, I am more likely not to do it. Of course, I was to embody whatever that specific project is about, but still bringing in elements reflecting my taste.

TYW: What’s a key piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in styling?

Abby: Say yes to everything and keep being curious. Further down the line, when there are more eyes on your work, everything can feel quite strategic. You hear a lot of things, 'if you work with this brand you'll never work with this brand' etc... So it is amazing in the beginning when you have the space to make work, make mistakes, and really develop a style.

TYW: Quick-fire Questions:

TYW: What is the most versatile piece of clothing you own?

Abby: Jeans- always

TYW: What’s one thing you invest in, and one thing you’re happy to save on?

Abby: I invest in bags and shoes. I am happy to buy cheaper tank tops and tops in general, as no matter the quality they always wear out quite quickly.

TYW: What are three beauty products you can’t live without?

Abby: Embryolisse moisturising cream

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel

My Glossier perfume that I have been wearing for about 10 years and everyone LOVES it

TYW: What song are you currently listening to on repeat?

Abby: Anything DoeChii

TYW: Bath or shower?

Abby: Bath

TYW: Coffee or tea?

Abby: Tea

TYW: Music or movies?

Abby: Movies

TYW: Trainers or heels?

Abby: Trainers

TYW: Lipstick or lip gloss?

Abby: Lip gloss

TYW: Baggy or straight-leg jeans?

Abby: Baggy!

TYW: Online or in-person shopping?

Abby: Hmmm.. both!