This weeks interview is with a good friend of mine, Erin Cain. For as long as I have known her she has been a stylist. Our careers overlapped for a time when I was designing wedding dresses. I was always so happy when the bride would tell me Erin was doing their make-up. She then moved onto full time work with Fox and also Court TV. Now that she is freelance, she has the freedom to pursue some other avenues and has been a regular guest on the radio for fashion type talk show.
SD: How did you get your start as a Stylist?
EC: Having been on camera for a short time, I loved what was going on behind the scenes, the production, the circus….the lights, the artistry. I had been to school for makeup and hair, so I begged some really great stylist to let me come to work with them and watch them, then became their assistant…watching and absorbing is the best way to learn…especially all the mechanics of a film shoot or a photo shoot, what works in each different medium, etc., etc.
SD: Who is your favorite client?
EC: I like different clients for different reasons, I love the diversity of my job. I loved working with high end fashion people like Cynthia Rowley, celebrity jobs are fun for obvious reasons. I do corporate shoots, sporting events, award shows…you name it, the best part for me is meeting all the different people, having a great exchange of energy…most of the time!!!!
SD: Which do you prefer NY or LA? And why?
EC: My hometown is NY, so there my heart lies. I loved living in LA and working there was invaluable. It’s the crème de la crème of the business, its Hollywood, I had a blast there and worked with a wealth of talent!
SD: What is the one item in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
EC: One item is tough to be limited to…I have to pick two, boots and hats..all kinds all seasons…definitely couldn’t get dressed most of the time without both!!!!
SD: How would you describe your personal style? And who or what influences that style?
EC: Tough one….if I had a gun to my head and had to pick a word to describe my style, maybe bohemian(overused).i must say I love skirts and dresses, they make up a large part of my wardrobe regardless of season. I do also love jeans and definitely integrate several pairs a week. But really its such a mish mosh of styles that I love..i definitely know what I like, I can walk into a store and scan it in an instant, I have a sort of radar,then its just a question of price and need(who’s kidding who with the need). Everything influences me, I am a very aesthetic person, I love looking in magazines, watching people on the street.taking all my surroundings in.SD What is your fashion obsession of the moment?
SD What is your fashion obsession of the moment?
EC: fashion obsessions? Fashion…itself, getting dressed everyday is fun for me, what we wear and how we present ourselves to the world is such a reflection of who we are and how we feel inside…that’s a very cool opportunity!!!
SD: Who Inspires you?
EC: people inspire me, people with genuine purpose, no matter what it may be. People who know why they are here and what they are doing, another reflection of really knowing who you are and how you might leave your mark…very powerful stuff!!
SD: In your opinion, what is the best and worst fashion trend?
EC: a bad fashion trend to me is a trend that only works on one percent of the population and everyone is trying to pull it off. Tragic! Ie; bubble skirt…but the list is endless…good rule of thumb..if your not sure, don’t. the best fashion trend of the moment is that there are so many different trends you can really pick what works for you and what you like and still feel up to date.
SD: What does your average day entail?
EC: a day of work…could be, arriving at a tv studio, setting up my work station, checking any kind of schedule that might be posted, ie; shows, talent, guests. Meeting new people, transforming them, often having great conversations and making connections in all kinds of ways…I love my job!!
SD: If you knew then (before you entered the industry) what you know now, what would you do differently?
EC: honestly, I don’t think anything. Being a freelance artist has been such a blessing. There is always the instability of working for yourself and being in a sometimes dramatic business, maybe there were days when I wished I were a school teacher, but not really. This suits me, really, I feel very blessed.
SD: If there was one designer on Smashing Darling that you could ask a question to who would it be and what would you ask them?
EC: Laura Williams of Whosiepie, incredible company..beautiful company, whimsical, gorgeous designs…how do you keep the child like beauty of your ideas flowing????
