Gigi Hadid’s Stylist Shares Her 5 Style Secrets
Ahead of her collaboration with cult accessory brand By Far, celebrity stylist MIMI CUTTRELL tells MEGAN LOGUE what fashion means to her, how to develop your own signature look, and the inspiration behind the new capsule
Few stylists can boast a client list as impressive as Mimi Cuttrell’s – her roster includes Gigi Hadid and chart toppers Ariana Grande and Normani. What sets Cuttrell’s work apart, in what is becoming an increasingly crowded landscape, is the emphasis she places on each individual client, helping them to develop a look and aesthetic that’s utterly unique. Given her stellar track record, it’s no surprise to learn that Cuttrell has forged strong relationships with some of the industry’s most sought-after brands, and that designers – both established and emerging – are clamoring to dress the stars she works with.
So, what was it that inspired the in-demand stylist to team up with By Far, the uber-cool accessory label founded by twin sisters Valentina Ignatova and Sabina Gyosheva and their best friend/sister-in-law Denitsa Bumbarova? “By Far pieces are the perfect modern staple; it felt natural to go into this collaboration together,” explains Cuttrell. And the feeling was mutual, as Ignatova explains: “With Mimi, it felt so natural, as we all share the same aesthetics and values – we’re both passionate about craftsmanship and have a strong sense of what women crave.” Ignatova continues: “What we love about our collaboration is it combines By Far signatures with Mimi’s distinct vision. The range is sophisticated, modern and will slot effortlessly into any woman’s existing wardrobe.” Keen to take your own look up a notch? Read on to discover this exclusive new capsule and the five styling tips Cuttrell swears by….
“What we love about our collaboration is it combines By Far signatures with Mimi’s distinct vision. The range is sophisticated, modern and will slot effortlessly into any woman’s existing wardrobe
”Valentina Ignatova, co-founder of By Far
Have fun with it
“For me, fashion is really closely linked to my sense of self. My look speaks to my moods, my schedule, what trends I am into at any given time. Fashion is playful, and that’s why I love it. The pieces I’ve created with By Far are super-wearable – the colors and styles are timeless and can work for any occasion. They can be paired with anything from a cocktail dress to a ballgown, or even just your favorite jeans. I think anyone hoping to change up their look right now should take a playful approach. Get colorful, mix and match different tones and textures, and take risks! When it comes to styling, the only rule is to be yourself. The moment you limit yourself by trying to fit in or follow trends, that’s the moment you’ve lost it. Build your own sense of style, your own character.”
“The moment you limit yourself by trying to fit in or follow trends, that’s the moment you’ve lost it. Build your own sense of style, your own character
”
Find your signatures
“My go-to look is a classic pair of jeans with a tee or a cashmere sweater, styled with sneakers. The only way to find your perfect failsafe look is by knowing what makes you feel comfortable and honoring that. No matter what occasion you’re dressing for, the end goal is to feel your best, and comfort is a huge part of that. You should never wear something that makes you feel awkward or unlike yourself.”
Build a capsule closet
“When I’m choosing my own personal looks, what I have in my diary for that day plays a huge factor in what I’ll wear. For me, comfort is key. Styling can be quite a physical, hands-on job, and I like to be ready for anything that might be thrown my way when I’m working. Some closet essentials I think every woman should own are a great pair of jeans, a little baguette bag that works for day and night, and a pair of knee-high boots. I am a big fan of timeless investment pieces; in my book, less is more, always.”
“No matter what occasion you’re dressing for, the end goal is to feel your best, and comfort is a huge part of that. You should never wear something that makes you feel awkward or unlike yourself
”
Play favorites
“I have always loved By Far as a brand. We have worked together on countless occasions, dressing my clients. The inspiration behind my By Far collection was simple: I wanted to create a capsule of the perfect shoes and purses that would become key pieces in [a] woman’s wardrobe. Above all, I wanted the collection to be comfortable, wearable and chic. The slingback pumps are my favorite style from the collection; they’re the perfect shoe for elevating your day or night look. I also love the mini ‘Frame’ tote. It’s an easy piece that you can wear with almost anything and will make you feel super-polished.”
Create your own aesthetic
“Style is ever-evolving, but my core aesthetic has stayed pretty consistent over the years. It’s always timeless – I like to look effortless. Trends and seasonal styles come and go, but in essence, my style stays the same. It’s a lot of fun helping a client develop their own aesthetic. We bounce all sorts of ideas off each other, but ultimately, it’s my job to make sure my clients feel their best in every look we put together. That comes from knowing them really well, understanding their preferences, their body type and the character that we’re creating together.”