Our top stylists from Coast Oxford Street will be live on Facebook to solve your Valentine’s date style dilemmas!
Join us for this Valentine’s Day exclusive!
7th February, 1 – 3pm
To participate simply ‘Like’ us on Facebook and ask your questions from 1-3pm!
In the meantime, get to know our fabulous stylists, Alex and Maria!
Name: Alexandros Kouloumanou
Occupation: Stylist at the Coast Oxford Street Flagship store
What is your fashion background?
I have lived and breathed fashion from a very early age; fashion manufacturing was always in the background when I was growing up as it was a family business. A menswear tailoring graduate from Central St Martins I then went on to work for Stella McCartney and Gucci, so I really feel that luxury fashion is my destiny!
Who have you styled?
I have styled and created stage costumes for the fabulous Alexandra Burke and since working for Coast’s flagship store have styled the beautiful TV star Lydia Bright. I’ve adored the opportunities to style people in the entertainment industry!
Lydia Bright wearing the Verbier Dress, Summer 2012.
Who would you love to style?
It would be a dream to style Dita Von Tesse as she is always so immaculate, yet at the same time channels a modern sense of femininity with an edge of old school glamour.
Dita Von Teese
What occasions do you enjoy styling?
The real special occasions excite me, I love styling people for weddings and red carpet events…anything that requires a floor length glamorous gown! It’s always a joy to see women smile when they see themselves looking their very best and feeling like a star.
The Tina Maxi Dress, shop here.
What are your fundamental styling rules?
My rule is and always has been ‘Less is More’…I know how tempting it can be to over accessorise and jazz up your outfit in order to boost your confidence… But ‘keep it simple’ is what I always say! I like to mix textures, and formalities of clothing; so for example throwing over a blazer on top of a dress gives any feminine outfit that chic and sophisticated edge. And always, always add heels! Whether in a knee length skirt or skinny jeans, they give any outfit that sexy, glamorous lift.
…And your style mantra?
My motto in styling that I have learnt over the years is…
‘If you feel good, you look good’
… so never go too far out of your comfort zone. Only go with something new if it feels right, not because someone tells you to.
Introducing our second stylist…
Name:Maria Huggert
Occupation: Stylist at Coast Oxford Street Flagship store
Tell us about your styling experience?
Being brought up in Sweden with roots from Latin America, I feel I have been able to combine my fashion influences from all over the world!
As a former professional dancer I’ve always appreciated the drama of stage costumes, so working in an environment with lots of glamorous dresses, is a match made in heaven for me! Having assisted on photo-shoots with Vogue, Vanity Fair and Elle, I feel I am able to see the bigger picture when styling outfits and understanding individual’s needs always comes first.
What looks do you enjoy styling?
I love mixing strong, bright colours to create that stand out look, its so simple to achieve but high impact.
Who would you love to style?
I would have loved to have been able to style Audrey Hepburn, she was so classic and so feminine! It is amazing how her look has transcended into modern fashion. You can still see her influences on today’s catwalks, and I imagine we always will.
Audrey Hepburn, style icon!
What are your styling rules?
My style ethos when dressing up for a special occasion is never to dismiss a garment or accessory without seeing the bigger picture first. Primarily when we shop we take things at face value, but when we get that piece home, you see what other items in your wardrobe it can go with. It is so important to wear pieces that compliment each other, not those that clash and fight for attention.
What are you styling influences?
Well, the 1920’s is a favourite era for me, I’ve always loved Art Deco and the fashions that are inspired from the culture of that time, and whenever I see this on the catwalk I get so excited! The modern lines and soft, chic colour palettes are so flattering and in my eyes, will never go out of fashion.
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Did you know, you can always book your complimentary personal styling session at a Coast store near you.
Click here to book your Coast By Appointment http://bit.ly/Uw8Ilx
