My Life In Fashion: Tabitha Simmons
@TABITHASIMMONS
My appreciation for fashion started when I worked Saturdays in a Joseph store as a student. That’s when I became aware of labels like Prada, Alaïa and Helmut Lang. Soon after, I was ‘discovered’ as a model and that led to getting into styling. I’ve always loved putting looks together but I wasn’t always aware that job existed. I also interned at Dazed & Confused with Katie Grand. I learnt so much there, then I went to work in New York on shows, advertising campaigns and magazines. From there, I went to V magazine and then Anna Wintour asked me to come in and see her. Some of my early shoots at Vogue were terrible and got dropped by Anna, but she didn’t give up on me.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Calvin Klein, Tory Burch and Alexander McQueen. Working with Alexander McQueen was such a privilege and Tory is someone I really admire, but working closely with all these brands really allowed me to understand their DNA, and see everything from first sketches to final edits. That’s when I realised I loved shoes the most – they can be so transformative. Eventually, it was Jefferson Hack who told me to stop talking about shoes and just launch my own brand. Edward Enninful was also very supportive – he was the first person who told me I shouldn’t be a model and that I should be styling instead.
My first big shoe purchase was a pair of Manolo Blahniks. They were the highest stilettos, but I loved them and still have them now. I'm the biggest hoarder when it comes to shoes. I have a lot of old McQueen shoes from the collection when model Shalom Harlow was spray-painted by robots during the finale – I managed to get my hands on some catwalk samples that never went into production. I also have a few pairs of Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga shoes and some really high Galliano platforms.
I wish I’d known more about the business side of everything before I went into shoes. I didn’t even know which questions to ask. If I were embarking on the same journey today, I would tell myself to pay more attention to how the company is structured and how it’s put together. It’s so exciting when people say they bought a pair of my shoes several years ago and still have them today. It means they’ve really stood the test of time – something I aim for in all my work. Right now, I’m the creative director for Tanner Krolle, a British brand that has the same slow luxury appeal. We don’t produce multiple collections a year; it’s much more focused and all the bags are timeless. My shoe philosophy is exactly the same.
@TANNERKROLLE
There are so many designers I love. I’m excited to see what Daniel Lee does as creative director at Burberry, and I love Harris Reed so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with Nina Ricci.
If I could raid anyone’s wardrobe, it would have to be Kate Moss’s. I bet she has so many iconic pieces – Galliano, Alaïa and all those 90s pieces that I would love to wear. I was working with Lila (Kate’s daughter) recently and asked if she borrowed her mum’s clothes and she said she’d only just started. I thought, wow, I would be in there every single day! Amanda Harlech, too – she would have the most unbelievable Chanel collection.
My personal style changes with the seasons. Winter is about solid colours and lots of layering in big Celine sweaters. In the summer I'm all about florals, colour and feminine printed dresses. My advice is: just be yourself because that’s your point of view. The same applies to styling. Follow your instincts to tell the story you want to – that’s the most important thing. In terms of shopping, I like shopping online as much as I do at places like Dover Street Market or lesser-known boutiques. I also love vintage shopping.
I’ve just bought two pairs of Levi’s – and I love Frame jeans too. I feel like I’ve come full circle with denim. I’m back in those classic 501s and right now, I’m loving a really long, dark denim pair. I also buy a lot of Khaite denim and knitwear. Creative director Catherine Holstein has a great design philosophy, and nothing feels too seasonal or trend led.
@TANNERKROLLE
The pieces in my wardrobe I come back to time and again are my Celine sweaters and white shirts. I used to think Celine pieces were too expensive, but I still have them and wear them eight years later – so I think more about the cost per wear now. Be it from Zara or a higher-end brand like Equipment, a white shirt is an essential in my wardrobe. I’ll wear them under a sweater at this time of year and loose in the summer.
My favourite piece in my wardrobe is a couture dress that Dolce and Gabbana gave me. It’s from their Alta Moda collection and it’s covered in pink sequins and yellow flowers. It holds you in all the right places and it’s something I’d never be able to buy.
My most extravagant purchase was a pair of Fred Leighton earrings. They’re like a chandelier with a bird on them and a feather coming out. They were so expensive, but I know I will wear them forever and that I’ll hand them down to my daughter eventually.
One career moment that’s stayed with me is showing my first shoe collection to the Parisian press. I was so nervous but this woman stopped me in the street and said, “I love your shoes. Where did you get them? They’re amazing.” It was brilliant timing and just gave me the validation I needed. My favourite fashion moments, however, have always been at the Met Gala. It’s the one time you get to go all out, and I’ve worn so many looks over the years. One of the most memorable was a huge pale pink dress by Dolce & Gabbana – I felt like a princess walking up the stairs.
Follow @TabithaSimmons on Instagram.
@TABITHASIMMONS
@TABITHASIMMONS
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