Capture Fashion by Amanda Del Duca

Recently I have had the opportunity to work alongside Miami stylist Rachael Russell. You may have noticed things have been a little slower on CaptureFashion.com and RR is the main reason why. It has been an absolute pleasure assisting Rachael and getting to work on some commercial gigs! I contacted her about a month ago, looking to see if she was interested in an assistant, or in collaborating with me on a few styling projects. Luckily, I got both opportunities.

Our first collaboration was for the CaptureFashion editorial Winter is Coming. (Check here, for images and my take on that shoot) A few days later, I got to be her assistant on a promotional shoot for DJ Cedric Gervais. Working on that shoot was a totally different experience for me. It was the first time I had ever been “on-set” for a project that wasn’t going on my blog. I can’t say it was less stressful, just a different kind stress. I thought maybe I would feel more relaxed and less pressure because I had fewer responsibilities, but I’m telling you – I was steaming clothes as if my life depended on it.

Next up, I’ll be working with Rachael on a super sick 60s-inspired editorial, so def look out for those photos later on CaptureFashion.

Now, go here for my FULL interview with Rachael Russell. We talk about her career as a stylist, her goals for the future and what it’s like to style Lindsay Lohan! xx

AD: Hi, babe! Thanks for sitting down with me. Let’s get started…when did you decide fashion was your passion?

RR: The first time I ever remember putting together an outfit was for the first day of kindergarten. Patent leather shoes and a matching handbag. I’ve always been obsessed with handbags.

AD: Haha, that’s amazing. What about later? What has your career path been like as a stylist?

RR: Well, for schooling I got my B.A. in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University, and I also, studied Fashion Merchandising at Miami International University of Art & Design. During that time I was a fashion assistant and blogger at 944 magazine. Then I studied Fashion Styling at the Domus Academy in Milan.

AD: You studied styling in Milan? Epic. How amazing was that?

RR: Milan was on another level. One of my teachers was a stylist for Vanity Fair and the other was a stylist for Grazia magazine. It was great learning from the masters. One day that sticks out in particular was the day Anna Dello Russo came and taught the class.

AD: ADR is a huge source of inspiration for me. Incredible that you got to meet her and learn.

RR: I remember exactly what I was wearing that day – I was in the front row – and she said she liked my outfit. It was like the first time a guy tells you he loves you. It was one of those big moments that reassured my desire to work in fashion.

AD: What did you do after studying in Milan?

RR: I was an assistant stylist at Condè Nast for Vogue, then moved back to Miami last December. I’ve been doing independent styling here for local and international magazines, commercials and ad campaigns.

AD: That is how I discovered you. I saw your editorial work for Plum Magazine and wanted to know more about you.

RR: The Lindsay Shoot?

AD: Exactly.

RR: That was an amazing opportunity. I was the in-house stylist for Plum Magazine, so when I heard the news I knew it was going to be huge for me.

AD: I absolutely adored the shoot. It’s definitely up there in my favorite recent Lindsay editorials.

RR: Thank-you. We hit it off immediately. We are both fashion lovers and she took me up to her hotel room where we “oo’ed and ahh’ed” over the clothing I pulled for her. I was impressed with her sense of style, she is very well seasoned when it comes to knowing designers and brands. I’ve been a fan of hers forever, so I wanted to make her look really soft and elegant. Take away that hard edge.

AD: What was your inspiration for dressing LL?

RR: Light pinks, cremes and silks -innocence and romance. She was a total natural in front of the camera, she is able to open up and pose really well. I loved the soft lighting of the shoot, it was a strong editorial for her.

AD: Who do you look up to as a stylist? Or is there someone you would like to work with?

RR: I would love to work with Joe Zee. (Creative Director of US ELLE Magazine)

AD: Love him! His work is so on point.

RR: Agreed. I just think he is so humble and talented. It would be great to work with him.

AD: Who are your favorite designers?

RR: It changes every season! For awhile, I wanted everything Chloe, then it was Lanvin, sometimes Balmain – always Chanel. It really depends on my mood. I could never choose just one. One day I will feel edgy and want to wear leather pants, the next I’m feeling feminine and drawn toward Valentino.

AD: What is next for you? What type of projects do you want to work on?

RR: I would love to style more actresses.

AD: Like?

RR: Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johansson or Catherine Zeta-Jones.

AD: What about working as the head stylist for a television show? Does that interest you?

RR: Are you kidding? Who wouldn’t want to be the stylist for Gossip Girl? I absolutely adore the show, it’s couture candy for the eyes. I like the plot, but come on, it’s the fashion that keeps you tuned in. Yes, I would be very open to that.

AD: How would you describe your personal style?

RR: More is more. I love to layer. Whether it’s adding a blazer or stacking a few more bangles on, I’m drawn to lots of accessories that make a perfect, complete look.

AD: Who are you favorite local Miami designers?

RR: Silvia Tcherassi is amazing. I love her pieces. Also, Danjebis Rodriguez at Base.

AD: What about your must-haves for fall? What three pieces should my readers have in their wardrobe for fall?

RR: A maxi skirt, its a chic look for day or night. A simple blazer and a pair of boots.

AD: Thank-you so much for speaking with me. Love you, love your work.

RR: My pleasure.