Taylor Tomasi Hill

September 23rd, 2011

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Miu Miu

Red was all over the runways this season — on lips, shifts, slacks and furs. But on the streets and style blogs, Taylor Tomasi Hill’s red has been trending for years. That scorching scarlet coif is the first thing you notice about the Marie Claire Style and Accessories Director when scrolling through The Sartorialist or Jak & Jil, but it’s not the last. While she’ll be snapped wearing the same Alexander McQueen bustier or Comme des Garçons trousers more than once, her chameleonic way of dressing ensures they’ll never be worn the same way twice. We queried her, hoping to crack her unconventional style code.

The Block: How did it feel being the model on set, styled by someone else for this shoot?

Taylor Tomasi Hill: The Block’s shoot was my first experience being in front of the camera as a model. It was a bit intimidating at first. However, I worked closely with James DeMolet when he was an assistant (and eventually styling) at Teen Vogue, and I knew I could trust him with anything.

The Block: What’s your morning getting-ready ritual?

Taylor: There really is no ritual. I find I work best under pressure, so when I wake up clothes are usually flying all over my apartment.

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Céline

The Block: Style is in your job title, but what does it mean to you personally? Is it an extension of your mood? Is it your art or armour, or both?

Taylor: My style is always evolving, and I think it certainly has to do with all of the above. I studied industrial design at Pratt Institute and never thought I would end up in the fashion world. Because I studied tabletop, furniture, shoe, and jewelry design, I think I look at the industry from a slightly skewed perspective. I do not have an expansive knowledge of fashion history, so working with people who have lived and breathed fashion since childhood is quite a learning experience.

The Block: Would you say your style has metamorphosed over the years?

Taylor: Certainly. When I was an intern at W magazine, I remember shopping at the Salvation Army and being so excited to go in and see how my boss would react. I wore some pretty outrageous things at the time — like two pairs of jeans, one skinny pair under a shredded pair, which caused a betting war in the office to see if I really was wearing two pairs. I didn’t follow trends at the time. I’m not sure I could have even spotted a trend.

The Block: Do you remember when you first fell in love with fashion?

Taylor: Starting my fashion career at W was a real eye-opener. Working closely with Alex White on set with Steven Klein, Steven Meisel, and Bruce Weber is like nothing I can describe. Long hard hours, brutal lifting and packing, absolutely no glamour, except I was surrounded by the best of everything fashion has to offer. That was all I needed to hook me for life!

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Junya Watanabe

The Block: Let’s talk about your signature fiery mane. When did you first take that plunge?

Taylor: My mother has sported a fiery red mane for as long as I can remember. While in college, I went home to visit — with bright green streaks in my hair. She took me to the salon and asked if I wanted to try her red. An hour later I was a redhead for life.

The Block: Will it really be red until the very end?

Taylor: More than likely. I may branch out and try something else one day, but I believe I will always go back to red. My husband will occasionally mention that he would love to see me the way he met me, as a brunette, so one day I will do it for him.

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Burberry Prorsum

The Block: The most beautiful thing you saw on a runway this season was…

Taylor: McQueen — it’s usually my absolute favorite. One day I hope to have endless McQueen dresses on my sets and create magical works of art with them.

The Block: Is there a designer or collection you’re excited about right now?

Taylor: I’m looking forward to seeing where Olivier Theyskens takes his collection with Theory. I find his work very interesting, as well as his move from a couturier to designing for a mainstream brand. Proenza Schouler is a brand that I find myself relating to. I think the modern girl they dress is always inspired, and inspiring those around her. Junya Watanabe is a must for me, amazing tailoring and fit.

The Block: Sigerson Morrison brought you on as a creative consultant. Can you give a hint of what you’ll be doing for them?

Taylor: I am going to be working closely with them to differentiate and refresh their two brands [Sigerson Morrison and Belle]. I’ve always been a fan, and hope that I will eventually see the collections develop into something that has my stamp and flavour.

Taylor Tomasi Hill in Valentino

The Block: What else are you up to these days?

Taylor: At the moment I am working with Lane Crawford’s fashion director, Sarah Rutson, to create a collection showcasing all my favourites. Pieces that are seasonless, some inspired by vintage treasures that I have had in my closet for years. One is inspired by a dress I wore to my first day on the job at W, Teen Vogue, and then Marie Claire. I will be traveling to Hong Kong in January, when the line is slated to hit shelves. I am also working with a close friend, Meggan Crum, to help develop her amazing insider website, The Runthrough.

The Block: If you had to impart one piece of style advice, what would it be?

Taylor: I’m often asked this very question and my reply is always the same: stay true to yourself. I think it’s also important for women to try new things. Don’t be afraid to try on something that doesn’t scream at you. I recently did, and it was well worth it.

Writer Joy Pecknold Photographer Tetsuhara Kubota

A longer version of this story appears in Issue 25 of The Block, available on newsstands, via subscription, or from Zinio.

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