Los Insiders - Nicole Chavez
Celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez has a penchant for all that exudes grade-Afly. Just ask Hollywood’s hottest young stars, who all depend on the L.A. based fashionista to create jaw-dropping, red carpet looks. From dressing her first client Rachel Bilson of Fox’s hit TV show, The O.C., to working with Kristen Bell, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ashlee and Jessica Simpson, Hillary Duff, Miley Syrus and Scarlett Johansson, among others, the 32-year-old Mexican-American beauty is one of the most in demand stylists in Tinseltown. Forbes Magazine named her one of the top “10 Superstar Stylists,” in 2006. And her expertise has been published in elite fashion rags W, InStyle and Seventeen. Taking a break from her busy schedule, Nicole shared with ULM her beginnings, the do’s and don’ts of fashion, and her personal mantra. - Danielle Young
I know that you started styling with the hit television series, The O.C., but before you landed that gig, you were…?
I started working with a designer. In working with her, I met a family friend that introduced me to one of their colleagues at Disney. From there, I got an interview with a costume designer [and] landed a job as a production assistant with the wardrobe department of Big Trouble.
Was styling your first choice as a career?
I graduated from Cal Poly (California Polytechnic), where I studied Photography. I knew I didn’t want to do that for a living. I loved photography, but I really got into it because of my love for fashion. I wanted to do fashion photography. After being in the program, I realized that I enjoyed styling, from all my shoots and casting models—it was a natural progression for me.
What’s your fashion philosophy?
It’s really all about confidence, feeling good about yourself and what you’re wearing. If you have that—no matter what you’re wearing, you’re going to feel fantastic. That’s the number one thing [for me]. If you’re going to go there, you’ve got to own it.
How much of your styling reflects your Latino roots?
I think that my Latin background helps me with flair and dramatics. I have these amazingly beautiful, talented women that I get to dress like Barbie™dolls. In my own sense of style, I love to see the physical figure. I don’t like oversized things. I like seeing the body, the shape—the hourglass silhouette. I like drama, feathers and fringe.
Do you have a signature piece or look that says Nicole Chavez?
I have looks that I remember because they were defining looks for the girls or for me. One that really sticks in my head was when Rachel wore a Brian Reyes grey dress with a red belt. She looked so beautiful that night. It’s still one of my favorite looks. When Katherine Hiegl won the Emmy, and wore a really special Zac Posen look. I remember being really emotional about it and watching it with my parents. When Kristen [Bell] wore the blue and white Jenni Kayne, I was so in awe of her. When I want to wear what they’re wearing, that’s how I know I did agood job.
What are your major fashion dos and don’ts?
I’m not so good with fashion don’ts because I feel that once you say something is a don’t, it becomes the next big thing. [But] get to know your closet. I’m a big fan of building a neutral closet that fits well. Not having a ton of clothes, but really good basics—jeans, blazer, cocktail dress. Spend money on the fit– something you can put on and know it will look great. Have fun with it and keep up with trends via accessories, tights, hosiery and shoes. Use your accessories to introduce color into your outfit. Undergarments are underrated. Undergarments can change your wardrobe and your body.
What current trends should we look out for?
Lace is huge for the fall. Plaids and tweeds, the country look is in. Gladiator booties are strong shoes. I see the glamorized hippie-chic look happening. Tea length dresses are also in. We’re getting into different silhouettes and that’s exciting. Bell shaped jackets and coats are in as well. Big hair, which I love, is also in. I have naturally big curly hair and I am finally in style!
What advice would you give aspiring stylists?
Nothing is impossible. I had no connections and knew no one. I left a great paying job for my dream and vision. Interning and assisting is a great way to start, learn and make contacts. Just get out there and keep trying to meet people. Nothing is free. I was lucky because I had someone I could call and request for [Rachel]. If you keep on the path of working hard, believe in yourself and the power of God, anything is possible.
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