Meeting new likeminded people is always fun. So I was very excited to finally get to know our new HUGO stylist Tom van Dorpe at the HUGO Fashion Show Fitting on Tuesday. We instantly realized that we are on the same wavelength since we are both obsessed with fashion and the whole fashion industry. So after the fitting we grabbed a coffee, relaxed on our headquarter’s terrace and started talking…
How did you become a stylist and fashion editor?
To make a long story short, I always knew I wanted to work in fashion. I am from Belgium and there is the famous Antwerp Academy so I was contemplating to go there. But when I went to see the school I realized that I was not really interested in making clothes but in all the other aspects of fashion, which are fashion photography, the models, the fashion shows. And I knew I wanted to work on that and do something with all the collections and work with different designers rather than designing my own clothing line. So most people who want to work in fashion go to a design school. I went to Paris and worked as an intern and stylist assistant. I did that for a while and then moved to New York and there it just sort of happened and I started working as a stylist and fashion editor. I was very young when I decided what I wanted to become and then I just kept going in the same direction. But of course, I was also very lucky.
What’s new for Spring/Summer 2013?
The new HUGO collection has a very sharp silhouette. It’s a constructed minimal luxe look, which is the DNA of the brand. Right now this look is very popular and trendy. Just look at Céline and Jil Sander – people love this minimal luxe feeling and HUGO offers it, but at an affordable price. With the HUGO collection you get the same designer feeling and quality, but you don’t have to feel guilty for months for spending too much money. What I also like about this look is that it’s timeless and modern at the same time. So I really enjoy working for HUGO since it also reflects my personal style.
Speaking of personal style, which characters from the fashion industry have impressed you with their personal style?
I admire Carine Roitfeld for sure. She’s a woman who makes you dream.
Let’s talk more about trends… what’s the shoe of the moment?
If you think of main stream trends I’d probably say the wedge sneaker, but now you see it everywhere. Personally I have always loved the classic pointy pumps. It works with everything and I’ve been placing it in almost every shoot I was doing during this season. I keep using it. It gives women an edge and a certain attitude. I also love elegant sandals and have used a lot of them for shoots. I really prefer elegant to chunky shoes because they’re simply more attractive.
Summer skirts and dresses 2013 – mini, mid-length or maxi?
These days it’s very hard to define one trend because there are so many different ones going in different directions. I think this season it’s definitely not a tight silhouette, but a shorter and wider style. On the runway you see the full-length skirts and evening gowns and in real life it’s translated into a shorter A-line skirt.
How about jeans and pants – which style should we invest in next season?
I think right now people are looking for pants that are not super-skinny, but have a classic regular fit like the cigarette pants. I think we’re past the skinny trend and are heading towards a more comfortable and relaxed style. Especially guys don’t really want to wear that tight fit anymore, it’s too uncomfortable and the look is simply too trendy.
What are the three basics every woman should have in her closet?
A pencil skirt, a tuxedo jacket and a little black dress.
And what’s the perfect outfit for a first date?
You have to wear something feminine, but it should not be too sexy, of course. The most important thing though is not to try too hard to please the other one. If you really like what you are wearing you will look relaxed. But never wear prints on a first date. They give away to much already.
How about the perfect look for a job interview?
I really believe in power dressing. The fit is very important. So I would recommend a fitted jacket with strong shoulders and heels, but not too high. Then the rest of the outfit doesn’t matter so much.
Which fashion and streetstyle blogs do you read?
Well, I look at style.com every day, I read the WWD blog and American VOGUE. When it comes to personal blogs, I only read blogs of people I know, for example the beauty blog IntoTheGloss.com and my friend’s vintage style blog TalesOfEndearment.com. And I am also a big fan of interior blogs. I’m more interested in where and how people live rather than in the clothes they have. Everything that’s posted on personal style blogs is already passé. I don’t want to see what a person was wearing last week. Instead, I want to see what’s next. That’s why I love style.com.
Thank you for this inspiring interview, Tom!
Of course, I also made Tom fill out a little personal questionnaire for you. The statement “Fashion is looking forward” will definitely make it into my little collection of #quotes.
