Molly Elizabeth is a celebrity stylist and creative director in LA. She began her career at just age 15 when she created her own fashion line. Soon after, she was showcasing her collections on the runways of NYFW. Molly was a cast member on Project Runway Junior Season 2, in addition to recent reality tv series, Stitched.
FMW: You began your fashion career at 15-years-old. Take us through your journey.
That was such an exciting time in my life. I was going to high school in Omaha, Nebraska and crazy enough- one of the youngest designers in the world went to school there (she was a few grades above me). Actually, she was even one of the first Americans to show a collection on the Eiffel Tower. I was sitting in study hall, which happened to be in the sewing room, and she came in during her break to work on a dress for fashion week. I was in AWE that someone close to my age was an actual fashion designer. From that point forward, it became a goal in my mind to get into Omaha Fashion Week that year. I didn’t even know how to sew clothes that well if at all back then. I put my 110% into perfecting my craft every day going forward and it propelled me to a year later showing on the runway of New York Fashion Week and being cast on Project Runway Junior!
FWM: Why are you so passionate about fashion?
Fashion to me is a way of expressing who you are and it can build so much confidence in a person. My favorite part of fashion is the styling- combining a bunch of basic elements into something so complex. It’s crazy how many different styles there are- that’s what makes fashion so interesting and exciting every single day. You get tired of one thing and you get into a different style- there is no getting bored of it haha!
FWM: You are a Celebrity Stylist and Creative Director in LA who works with the world’s top music and entertainment professionals. What does a typical day look like for you? What do you enjoy most about your work?
Each day is so different, especially these last few months. As a stylist, when I’m prepping for an upcoming music video or photo shoot, I’m usually spending my days running errands and pulling clothes. A lot of people think being a stylist is super glamorous, but in reality, a lot of it is running errands all day. I enjoy it so much, but it can definitely become exhausting. Set days are my favorite- there is always an energy that reminds me why I do what I do- and you finally get to see all your work come together. Being on set is what I enjoy the most about being a stylist and creative director. I love the fast-paced environment of being on set, rushing to finish everything last minute… it reminds me of my Project Runway days. If I don’t have a styling job that I’m actively working on, my day consists of computer work, emails, and networking… probably at my local coffee shop.
FWM: How do you help clients?
I help my clients find their style and visualize their creative ideas into reality- whether it’s with clothes or creative directing a music video.
FWM: Tell us about being a lead designer for your brand, BELLE DE VOIR.
Being a lead designer for my personal brand made all the years of designing a reality. Seeing your clothes manufactured is the best feeling when you are used to making everything yourself. I also learned the business side of things when running my own brand- tech packs, line sheets, and pattern development. I think branding is another part of being a business owner that you don’t get to experience when just designing collections for fashion weeks. My favorite part is getting an order and seeing people wear my designs.
FWM: What are your popular designs? Can these fashions be seen on celebrities?
My tiered ruffle top, one of my iconic items, was worn and posted on Instagram by Sabrina Carpenter. I also created a dress version of the top!
FWM: You have been praised by industry mentors, like Tim Gunn as the “style expert of this generation, easily balancing the perfect look for anyone.” Share a few success stories.
I think my favorite success story was creative directing AND styling a Chainsmokers music video last minute. I develop the storyboard and concepts the day before- and it came together so well. It is available to watch on Youtube: Chainsmokers “Do You Mean” music video.
FWM: What is the most valuable asset that you bring to clients?
My most valuable aspect is that I have so much experience in a variety of areas in the industry. I can offer branding, styling, fashion design, creative directing, and more all to my clients.
FWM: Share your upcoming goals.
My goals for the upcoming year are to work on more music video projects, especially creative directing music videos, Another goal of mine is to gain more high profile celebrity clients.
www.styledbymollyelizabeth.com
