5 Minutes With Fashion Director Naomi Miller
Ever wanted to know what it takes to style a campaign shoot? We sat down with esteemed Fashion Director and stylist Naomi Miller on the set of our Spring-Summer campaign, to discuss inspirations for the shoot, getting into styling and top tips for nailing your personal style…
You work closely with our Creative Director, Nick Passmore, on the styling direction for the campaign. Talk me through the mood of this shoot - what was the starting point?
Nick talks me through the collection and shows me the inspiration boards. From there, we discuss how we want to edit the collection to give the strongest message for the campaign. This season there was a strong emphasis on print which worked well with the diaphanous, ruffled summer dresses and fresh poplins. The spirit of summer and travel was definitely a main message, but mostly we wanted it to feel light, spontaneous and easy.
How did you get into styling?
When I was at school I didn’t know styling was a job, I just knew I loved reading magazines and looking at the fashion shoots. After A-levels, I did an art foundation course and was introduced to the idea of studying fashion at university. I knew I didn’t want to be a designer – I wanted to create the shoots I loved in magazines. I got a place at Central Saint Martins to read Fashion Communication and Promotion for four years. During my placement year I was fortunate enough to get onto a photography internship in Paris, and then going on to intern in the fashion department at the Observer. After I graduated I was incredibly lucky to get offered a position as Fashion Assistant at Harpers Bazaar after meeting the Fashion Director during my work experience year – and I’ve been doing the job I love ever since.
Do you think styling is something instinctive, or can it be learnt?
I think it’s a bit of both. I’ve definitely had an instinct for styling all my life. I remember being struck by the way people put clothes together, the way my mum did her makeup, the way characters dressed in films. Everything you experience informs your taste, and like most things it can be honed and refined. Working with inspiring people is invaluable – it teaches you different skills that will improve your work. It also takes time to develop your unique point of view. It’s like anything creative, you learn to develop your voice through trial and error. If you stop learning and pushing, it gets stale!
What is your favourite look from this shoot and why?
My favourite look is the double breasted navy jacket with the bright cobalt t-shirt underneath. I love it because it is versatile, classic and chic.
Describe your sense of style?
Over time I’ve developed a sort of uniform. I used to experiment a lot more but now I’m very low key in my style. I like to be comfortable and it has to be quite functional. I usually wear neutral colors – lots of black, grey and navy blues. I don’t base my style around trends and prefer to be quite timeless. I also like quite masculine pieces. For me, it’s about quality fabrics and pieces that will last.
What will you be wearing in SS18?
Lots of cotton poplin shirts! Jeans, khaki trench coat, black trousers, sandals…
And finally, tell me your best styling tip...
Be authentic and follow your instincts.
