Our Interview with ANGELA SCANLON
Currently a professional stylist and fashion writer, Angela Scanlon has had many strings to her bow; each adding to her overall experience. Her love of English meant that writing was something she was passionate about, her background as a dancer allowed her to experience many different cultures and cities and indeed it was on one of her many travels that caused her to bump into the stylist who would change her career direction towards that of the fast paced fashion industry. We caught up with this fashion queen, who not has not only styled some top photo shoots and covered some great fashion shows, both on and off screen but also writes and edits the fashion blog for the Irish Independent online.
Q:Angela there is something very creative about styling high fashion photo shoots and certainly one must learn to think outside the box. Were you very creative as a child and were you always interested in fashion?
I was always a bit of a tomboy; building “huts” and mucking around so creative yes but dresses didn’t really feature! I’m convinced I was born in jeans but I was always aware of fashion and very clear about what I liked from an early age. I hated being told what to wear. For my Communion I insisted on wearing black patent shoes-not quiet angelic but perhaps a glimpse of what lay ahead!
Q: Do you think your background as a dancer has had an overall influence on your work in the fashion industry?
I suppose dancing made me very aware of body shape and how people hold themselves. It’s the first thing that I look for when choosing a model-someone who can move and manipulate their body to create shapes that seem unnatural but look beautiful. I love styling shows too-the frantic excitement and energy remind me of being part of a show. That confidence that everything will work out even when I’m under serious pressure was honed through years of dancing and definitely makes life a little easier. The show must go on and all that jazz!
Q: We are seeing you in many different areas, writing, styling and even TV presenting for Style Nation. Which outlet is currently your favourite or do you simply enjoy all facets of the media and fashion industries?
I tend to bore very easily, it’s always been a problem for me! I guess that’s one of the reasons why fashion, as an industry appeals to me so much as it’s constantly changing. Being involved in different facets feels very natural to me but it wasn’t necessarily a conscious thing. They’ve all grown out of eachother really. I’ve always loved writing (Angela got an A1 in Honours English in her Leaving Cert) and planned on writing books but got distracted somewhere along the way. Writing can be a bit solitary sometimes and TV and radio are the complete opposite so the balance works. It’s all journalism at the end of the day, just different forms.
Q: A little bird told us we may be losing you to British shores for a while. Is this something you can talk about at this stage?
Well, I’m working on a few really cool projects at the moment that will involve travelling to London initially and possibly New York in the future. But I’m extremely happy with my life in Dublin right now so it won’t be in the immediate future but I wouldn't rule it out.
Q: Have you any inside style tips for the upcoming aw09 season?
Embrace shoulders. Balmain ran with the trend last season but every designer has done versions for AW 09. It's not Dynasty style shoulder pads, its much more refined and grown up. A strong shoulder can be very powerful and sexy without revealing anything and is definitely set to be around for a few seasons.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
Relaxed and casual, boyish even. I live in skinny jeans or cut-offs, a t-shirt & leather jacket. I’m drawn to wearing men’s clothes-t-shirts, blazers, jeans and shirts mixed with statement jewellery and accessories. I love playing with silhouettes and tend to stay away from really bright colours or anything too frilly or feminine. A rocked-up, teen boy with an 80’s streak who raided his parents wardrobe!
Q: Is there any particular person in Ireland that you would consider to be a ‘seriously stylish’ person?
My friend stylist Celestine Cooney has an amazing sense of style. A really eclectic mix of high fashion and high street. She's based in London and works with Dazed & Confused and Vogue among others. If I could raid a non-celebrity wardrobe it would definitely be hers.
Q: What would be your all time favourite place to shop?
A vintage store in Milan call Humana. It's full of unbelievable pieces. I bagged a Gianni Ferre leather dress with huge sculptured shoulders for €35 on my last trip. In Dublin, I love Circus Store and always have a peek into the Loft. Online it's got to be eBay.
Q: What item of make up or beauty product would you absolutely not leave the house without?
Lipbalm-it drives me nuts when I leave it at home. Other than that eyebrow pencil & mascara. Sorry that's three.
Q: If you could buy one thing today from your wish list – regardless of cost- what would it be?
A Pauric Sweeney python shoulder bag. Bronze. It's been on my hit list for a few seasons now & I'm determined to have it by the end of the year!
www.angelascanlon.com
blogs.independent.ie/angelascanlon/
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