Check out our interview with celebrity, fashion and advertising stylist Carlee Wallace.
She began her career in the United Kingdom as a contributor to numerous international brands and publications. As she has worked with some of the industry’s top clientele including, Musicians – Finneas, Lewis Capaldi; Actresses – Julia Stiles, Kaitlyn Denver, Lana Condor, Grace Park, Tiera Skovbye; and Athletes – Shaun White, Sloane Stephans, Maya Gabeira, and Luka Doncic, and with world-renowned photographers, Carlee has developed a unique eye for style.
Carlee is currently based between her two west coast homes in Los Angeles and Vancouver; however, frequently works out of NY, London and Paris.
Follow Carlee @carlee_wallace
Hi Carlee, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a stylist and art director from British Columbia, Canada. I now live in Los Angeles and in a pre-pandemic world would travel regularly for shoots. I work with a number of publications, brands, musicians, actors and athletes.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Adventurous, Generous, Tenacious
What’s your background?
I’m Canadian, however I lived in East London for 6 years. It’s in London where I studied fashion styling and got my career started.
When did you start in the business?
I worked as an international model in Milan when I was 16 years old (2006) from there I moved to London at 18 to study fashion styling at Instituto Marangoni and begin my career in fashion.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
What is the key to your success?
That’s tricky to answer. To be honest it’s just hard work and persistence. Anytime I’ve wanted to give up I just keep pushing myself to keep creating and keep trying. I still have much to learn, it’s always a process.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
I love the people I get to meet with my work. I’ve been so lucky to work with such inspiring humans. It’s always about teamwork and collaboration. There is nothing more exciting than seeing my concept come to life on set.
What’s not? I’m often a human sherpa carrying more things than possible. It’s not all glam life as a stylist that’s for sure. Lots of broken hangers and steamer burns along the way.
Can you name a few of your celebrity clients?
Like I said I’ve been so luck to work with many talented celebrities. I recently styled Julia Stiles for the cover of Rollacoaster Magazine. I had the pleasure of styling Finneas and Kaityln Denver for Paper Magazine. Lizzy Greene has such a fun energy – we worked together a few months ago for Schön Magazine. Canadian singer Jessie Reyez for Schön Magazine in Brooklyn. Kate Nash for the cover of Phoenix Magazine. Lana Condor for the cover of Euphoria Magazine and so many more.
Who will be in your bucket list to work with?
I’d love to style campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Prada, Fendi, Dior and many other amazing brands. There’s so many talented musicians I’d love to work with. Billie Eilish is crazy talented and I think the style she’s developed is insanely cool.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful business/brand like yours?
Hard work and persistence.
What are your Spring fashion favorites?
I’m a sucker for the perfect chunky sandal. I’m all about being comfortable and fashionable so anything like a silk skirt and oversized T is the best spring look for me. Also, always a fan of the perfect denim jacket.
And which accessories do you recommend for the Spring?
I’m very into Telfar bags at the moment. Also anything Jacquemus this spring.
Any particular colors we should be wearing this year?
Pastels have been a nice shift away from the previous seasons highlighter yellow and neon trends. Loving pastel blue, purple and teal.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Phoebe Philo – her work at Chloe and then Celine was incredible. She shaped the modern woman’s wardrobe for me. Virgil Abloh is just an insanely creative force and has such a vision for modern style and what luxury means today. Also, Jil Sander and JW Anderson.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Understated and easy. I love to throw on things that I feel fantastic on and are no fuss. Silk trousers and sneakers with a tucked in T. I love a good jacket of any kind.
What do you think makes you different and so popular compared to other celebrity stylist?
Honestly nothing. I just do my thing and people respond well to that.
What is your own definition of happiness?
A glass of wine with a bowl of salt and vinegar chips and a warm breeze.
What is next for Carlee Wallace in 2021?
I’m so excited to have signed with Art Department in March last year. I’m very excited to see what this next chapter with new representation holds for me. I’m just happy to be working and healthy and staying safe. Excited to build a life here in LA with my husband Marc.
Something people don’t know about you?
My parents pulled me out of school when I was 13 and we travelled as a family around the Caribbean on a sailboat for 3 months.
Who was your role model as a child?
My mom.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
I seriously only use moisturizer with SPF and Glossier concealer, mascara and boy brow.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Coco Chanel – I think we would have a very interesting conversation.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Greek Salad
And your favorite cheat food?
Spicy Ramen
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Vogue & Harpers Bazaar covers
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I hope I’m just working with more amazing clients and crews. There really isn’t one thing that would define my career or make me feel “successful”. I just enjoy the journey.
What music do you like?
Almost everything. Lately listening to Arlo Parks, Jamila Woods, Daisha McBride, Sorry, Charlotte Cardin and Yenkee.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I’m a big TV series person. I used to watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer over and over again in my bedroom as a teenager. I love to switch my brain off at the end of a long shoot day and watch something. Lately I’m watching The Sinner on Netflix and I just finished watching You’re The Worst on Hulu.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
iPhone, Keys, Sunscreen (I’m a redhead living in LA), Water Bottle (hydration is important).
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Brunch with my husband and / or some good friends, a walk or hike or swim, laundry, sunset wine and cooking a nice dinner to eat curled up on the couch watching something.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a very useful tool for my industry. I also think it can be very destructive and harmful to our mental health. I try to limit my social media use daily and not get wrapped up in comparing myself to other people / others work.
Where we can follow you?
@carlee_wallace on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Jude Lee
