The Alchemy of Fashion & Style with Harris Elliott

Just A Fashion Minute

Hey there, fashion enthusiasts! Welcome back to Just A Fashion Minute, I'm your host, David M. Watts. In this week's episode, we have the incredibly talented stylist and designer, Harris Elliott, joining us for a captivating discussion on the impact of AI in the fashion industry, the unique challenges faced by stylists, and the power of fashion as a form of identity.

Harris shares insightful experiences from his impressive career, including working with high-profile clients such as Gorillaz & Pharrell, and his involvement in thought-provoking exhibitions such as "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House. We dive into the world of fashion styling, the essence of fashion as a means of expression, and the fascinating alchemy of styling that combines various elements to create visually impactful looks.

We also discuss Tokyo Rakuten Fashion Week, the significant early influences on Harris's career, and much more. As always, we have our Just A Fashion Minute News Roundup, bringing you the latest updates from the exciting world of fashion.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting app to stay up-to-date with our latest fashion discussions and interviews. Let's dive into the world of fashion with Harris Elliott!

Timestamps & Topics

00:00:01 - Intro and Background

Introduction to the podcast "Just A Fashion Minute" and overview of the topic of fashion styling.

00:05:51 - Tokyo Fashion Week

Harris shares his thoughts on Tokyo Fashion Week restarting with international buyers and the press, which he sees as good news for Japanese fashion.

00:07:08 - Dries Van Noten Succession

Discussion of Belgian designer Dries Van Noten stepping down and the succession plans for his brand.

00:09:39 - Early Fashion Influences

Harris Elliott shares his earliest memories and influences that sparked his interest in fashion, including shop window displays and military regalia.

00:11:11 - Career Start with Judy Blame

How Harris got his start in fashion by cold-calling stylist Judy Blame, who gave him opportunities that launched his styling career.

00:13:15 - Defining Fashion as Identity

Harris defines fashion as identity, relating to attitude, stance, cultural context and self-expression.

00:17:56 - Working with Japanese Clients

Harris explains why he loves working with Japanese clients, who have a deep understanding and respect for his creative role.

00:22:07 - Styling Examples

Harris provides examples of his styling work, including projects with Gorillaz putting the band in head-to-toe pink looks, and styling Pharrell Williams.

00:25:22 - Challenges with Brands

Harris describes some of the challenges and mistreatment stylists can face from brands that don't understand or value their role properly.

00:28:09 - AI Already Existing

Harris points out that AI technology for styling is already being used, like virtual fitting rooms, and will continue advancing.

00:30:46 - "The Missing Thread" Exhibition

Discussion of the concept and creation of the groundbreaking exhibition "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House, spotlighting underrepresented Black British fashion designers.

00:35:00 - Being a Black Male Stylist

Harris discusses his perspective as a Black male stylist and how he has moved the needle on perception of stylists in the industry.

00:36:59 - AI Impact on Styling

Exploring how artificial intelligence is already impacting and may continue to transform the role of the fashion stylist.

00:39:12 - AI Perspectives

Harris and David discuss their perspectives on the AI revolution in fashion, seeing it as both necessary but needing to be carefully monitored.

00:42:42 - Quick Fire Questions

Rapid fire questions included an embarrassing fashion moment, Harris' favourite store, an unsung hero shoutout, and describing his outfit.

Guest Bio

Harris Elliott, a multifaceted creative director, curator, and stylist based in London, is renowned for his unique approach that blends fashion, art, and socio-political narratives. His guiding principle, "Culture Without Compromise," underscores his dedication to storytelling with integrity and vigour. Elliott's notable work includes curating "The Missing Thread" at Somerset House, an exhibition that delves into the contributions of Black British designers to the fashion industry. He has also made significant strides internationally, particularly in Japan, where his collaborations have bridged cultural divides.

Elliott's portfolio showcases a wide range of projects, from immersive exhibitions like "Return of the Rudeboy" to global campaigns for brands such as Adidas and Puma. His ability to create compelling visual narratives has earned him acclaim and a diverse client base in the music, fashion, and luxury sectors. Beyond his professional endeavours, Elliott contributes to the future of fashion as a Senior MA Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, where he encourages a collective and innovative approach to design challenges.

Through his work, Elliott not only challenges the status quo but also celebrates diversity and the power of creativity to connect and inspire. His impact on the fashion and art worlds is a testament to his vision and commitment to cultural relevance and commercial viability, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary creative discourse.

Guest Links

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harriselliottstudio/

Website https://harriselliott.com/

Le Tings https://www.instagram.com/letings_/

Resources

• We are the Bold Agency
• Christopher Nemeth's store in Japan
• Designer Takeo Kikuchi
• Dries van Noten fashion label
• Rakuten, Tokyo Fashion Week
• "The Missing Thread" exhibition at Somerset House

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Copyright 2024 David M Watts