Carlee Wallace was born and raised in British Columbia but moved to London in 2008 to get her degree in Fashion Styling from Istituto Marangoni. Working in the United Kingdom as a contributor to numerous international brands and publications kickstarted her career, which now includes advising some of the industry’s top names in music, film, and sports. Her clients include musicians Finneas and Lewis Capaldi, actresses such as Julia Stiles and Kaitlyn Denver, and athletes Shaun White and Sloane Stephans. Carlee is currently based between her two west coast homes in Los Angeles and Vancouver; frequently working in New York, London, and Paris. We had the opportunity to speak with Carlee, who gives her perspective of working in the arts and entertainment industries.
Carlee, thank you for agreeing to this interview with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. How did you get into fashion?
I grew up on a remote island in Canada so the fashion world wasn’t readily available or anything I knew about other than what I saw in magazines. From a young age, I was always very interested in performing arts, music, art, dance, etc. I was in performing arts school which led me to attend a modeling class with a friend of mine. After being scouted and signed to an agency from attending that modeling class, I was quickly asked to go to Milan for two months. I was 16 at the time. I went back to Milan for two months each year while finishing high school and fell in love with the fashion world. It was there I discovered the Istituto Marangoni fashion styling program and knew that was the path for me. I moved to London at 18 after being accepted into the three-year program there.
Please share your experience of studying in Britain and working with Marangoni.
Moving to London at 18 was the most incredible experience. I often tell my London-born and bred husband (whom I met while I lived there) that London will always feel the most like home to me. That city holds a special place in my heart. We go back often to visit family and friends and for fashion week of course. I was in the fashion styling program for three years and stayed for another three years to work in the industry in various roles interning and assisting wherever possible. Unfortunately, I ran out of visa options or I likely would have stayed even longer.
Aside from Istituto Marangoni, who have been your industry influences?
My first internship was at Paul Smith right after graduating. After that, I worked at Purple PR in press clippings- which essentially meant I looked through magazines all day long (dream situation). I then got my first paid job as Assistant to the Creative Director at Jane Carr, a British accessories brand. I learned a ton from working with Jane and owe her a lot for taking a chance on me and showing me the ropes.
Do you apply a particular design and development process when you start new projects?
It really depends on what the project is, to be honest. I’m a big research girl and require a ton of visual references before I feel prepared to really start shopping for anyone or any project. I suppose that’s how I fell into art directing alongside styling. I turn to InDesign daily to create visual decks for myself and my clients – I find this the easiest way to communicate and ensure my clients get exactly what they’re looking for.
You’ve worked with some of the entertainment industry’s top clientele including musicians Finneas and Lewis Capaldi. You’ve worked with actresses Julia Stiles, Kaitlyn Denver, Lana Condor, and Grace Park. You’ve also worked with other celebrities and athletes such as Shaun White and Sloane Stephans. The list seems to be endless. Please share some of your most memorable experiences and how they have shaped your approach to fashion and design?
I adore working with other ambitious and like-minded creatives. It’s always an honor to take what a musician, actor, or athlete has built-in terms of their personal brand and elevate it with style. The Lewis Capaldi ‘Bruises’ music video was an unreal experience. We had limited time and budget to pull it off and I always love working under pressure and pulling it off beautifully. My assistants and I were literally hand-dying all the looks in the garden a few days before the shoot. Likewise, the Rollacoaster cover shoot with Julia Stiles a few months back was an amazing experience. She is so lovely to work with and made the day an absolute dream.
I really love pushing people a little outside of their comfort zone of what they might typically wear or be the one to introduce a new brand or designer that becomes a new favorite. Dressing someone in the right fit completely changes their energy and it’s so fun to watch that shift happen.
You’ve worked with world-renowned photographers to get that ‘perfect image’ for your clients. How important is the synergy and communication between you and the photographers on set?
So important. I’ve been lucky to work with some of the absolute best photographers in the industry. Image making is always about team collaboration. It’s essential that the photographer and I have a clear and aligned vision and that we gel together on set. That really goes for everyone on the team, to be honest. Set life can be stressful and with serious time pressure so it’s important everyone communicates clearly with one another and keeps good vibes high priority.
As a fashion and advertising stylist to celebrities and brands what has been your biggest challenge and how do you overcome it?
If I’m being totally honest my biggest challenge over the years is self-doubt. I think many creatives have this along the way and pushing through it can be challenging. It’s been important for me to celebrate the small wins and remember that this is a process and not a race. I get a little better with each project I work on and that’s all that matters. There is no one shoot or client that would define my success – it’s all growth and practice.
Your work normally keeps you between your two west coast homes, and frequently in New York, London and Paris. How has the current pandemic affected your business this year?
It’s been hard for everyone that’s for certain. Having a career that relies on travel is tricky – being adaptable has been key this year. I’ve learned how to do remote styling and put a lot of trust in my assistants in various cities to be my eyes and hands in situations I’m unable to be there for in person. Grateful to have an amazing team behind me and that I’ve been able to continue safely working through this crazy time. I signed to Art Department in March 2020 so it was odd timing but I’m so thrilled to be working with such amazing artists and have my wonderful dedicated agent.
With the pandemic in mind, are you able to offer readers, both men, and women, some fashion tips for the upcoming spring season?
While I love a good sweat suit combo I think it’s time we remember the importance of how dressing up can make us feel. Even if it’s a cute loose trouser and oversize T combo that’s practical and comfortable for working at home, getting out of the sweatpants shifts our mood and can make us more motivated. The rise of athletic gear is going to keep coming at us strong – get out for a hike or take an at-home yoga class in a new outfit (personally I love Outdoor Voices and Girlfriend Collective at the moment).
Can you share any information on other projects in the pipeline?
Not a ton I’m able to share at the moment, however, I just finished shooting a music video with one of my favorite Canadian clients, Felix Cartal. Watch out for the release of ‘Happy Hour’ featuring Kiiara.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects?
https://www.carleewallace.com/
https://art-dept.com/la-wardrobe/carlee-wallace/10037/?sid=62203/#viewall
https://www.instagram.com/carlee_wallace/
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