Chloe Beeney is a fashion powerhouse. She's worked with the biggest designer brands, styled uber glamorous celebrity clients and has styled shoots for luxury publications including Tatler and Sunday Times Style. We take a look into her life, her London hangouts, her festival tips and her London Fashion Week wardrobe.
Chloe wears Bella Freud Jumper and Paige Shorts
DONNA IDA: What was it like growing up in America?
Chloe Beeney: Amazing. You are infused with a ‘can do’ attitude and spend so much time outdoors. I love London but I miss having hiking and skiing on the doorstep.
DONNA IDA: When and how did you come to the UK?
Chloe Beeney: I am half English, so I was sent to school here when I was 12.
DONNA IDA: Tell us about your career history? How did you get your fashion job?
Chloe Beeney: I always say, that I was lucky the world of fashion picked me. I was on a different path but once in fashion, I couldn’t imagine myself in any other industry. I started out at Conde Nast and then I was lucky enough to join Isabella Blow at the Sunday Times.
Chloe wears Eleven Paris and Paige Leather Trousers
DONNA IDA: You've worked for Burberry - what did you take away from the experience?
Chloe Beeney: Burberry is an inspirational powerhouse. As a company, it is filled with the most passionate and creative people I have had the privilege to work with. What I learnt is that when you have strong corporate creative teamwork - anything is possible.
DONNA IDA: You've worked for influential publications like Tatler and Sunday Times Style. What is it that you love about styling?
Chloe Beeney: I love being able to tell a story, in all its different forms.
DONNA IDA: Who is your favourite person that you have styled?
Chloe Beeney: I can’t say I have a favourite. Every project is a unique experience and different from the last one. It is this huge diversity, which I love. You can be styling red carpet for a film premier or awards one day, to a trend editorial, or a simple clean product look book the next.
Chloe wears Ravn Coat, 360 Sweater and J Brand Leather Leggings
DONNA IDA: What have your favourite shoots been?
Chloe Beeney: One of my ‘pinch me’ fashion shoots wasn’t a typical fashion moment as such. I was commissioned to shoot a portrait of Bernard Arnaud (LVMH) and during the sitting, he serenaded Mario Testino and I on the piano. Mr Arnaud is truly talented pianist and there were just the three of us in the room. I was on cloud 9.
DONNA IDA: What would be your dream magazine to style for?
Chloe Beeney: To work with the team at Garage Magazine.
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to someone trying to get into styling?
Chloe Beeney: Passion, boundless energy and tenacity are a pre-requisite. Someone once told me you are born with an eye or not. It can be polished but if you don’t have it to begin with - you will struggle.
Chloe wears Ravn Coat, IDA Jeanie Jeans and R13 Tee
DONNA IDA: You styled our SS15 Look Book - what was your inspiration for the day?
Chloe Beeney: The warmth of the Californian sun.
What was your favourite look?
Chloe Beeney: The double denim with the hat!
DONNA IDA: Let's talk LFW - which shows are you looking forward to?
Chloe Beeney: It has to be Gareth Pugh. I was lucky enough to work with him when he did a Fashion in Motion show at the V&A and it was spectacular.
Chloe wears Wildfox Jumper and IDA Jeanie Jeans
What's been your favourite ever show?
Chloe Beeney: Hands down – the early Alexander McQueen shows and my first John Galliano Dior Couture show I saw.
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
Chloe Beeney: I can’t live without a black cashmere turtle neck and a pair of J Brand jeans.
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
Chloe Beeney: I went through a painter’s dungaree’s phase in the early 90’s when going to Grateful Dead shows. Luckily there is little photographic evidence of this period.
Chloe wears J Brand Flares and Wildfox Top
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite way to wear jeans?
Chloe Beeney: Really depends on my mood.
DONNA IDA: Who is your denim style icon?
Chloe Beeney: Elvis.
DONNA IDA: Your locations for your shoot were all important to you, talk us through each one?
Chloe Beeney: If you are a coffee aficionado you can’t do better than the Gentleman Baristas on Union Street. They blend and roast their own beans and it is my office away from my office! Besides my love of Borough Market, my other favourite haunt is the cocktail bar at Hixter Bankside. There is nothing better than a good chat with friends at the bar! @hixterbankside
DONNA IDA: You live near Borough Market - what are your top tips for the area?
Chloe Beeney: Flat-forms and a good appetite. Also check out Maltby Street Market nearby. Most importantly, the lines for the local cashpoints often are quite long. Best to hit the bank before you come!
Chloe wears Pyrus Kimono and IDA Rizzo Jeans in MASH
DONNA IDA: Any London hidden gems we should know about?
Chloe Beeney: Bankside Beach (a grand name for a bunch of sand only found at low tide) – in front of the Tate Modern is fun to beachcomb and let the dog romp about!
DONNA IDA: You're a regular at Coachella Festival - what are your favourite memories?
Chloe Beeney: Pharrell last year lit it up, the Killers, Arcade Fire, Florence and the Machine, the XX. I could go on! I have also met great friends there who come from all points on the compass. It makes for a eclectic time!
DONNA IDA: What are your top Coachella Festival tips? Or festival tips in general?
Chloe Beeney: Sign up for the Anytime Shuttle Pass. The distance between the hotels and the grounds can be quite far. Downtown Palm Springs is almost 30min away. It isn’t like UK festivals. You can only drink in designated areas. This has its downsides but it also makes for the cleanest festival (abet dusty) you will every go to! People happily walk around barefoot without a care in the world. With all the great resort hotels and local houses to rent, it also makes it fairly family friendly.
DONNA IDA: Your lovely dog Zelda appears in you shoot - tell us about her?
Chloe Beeney: Zelda is a black lab mix that I found abandoned as a 4 month old puppy in a South London park. It isn’t easy having a large dog in town but luckily I live close to the Thames and can let her romp on Bankside Beach at low tide.
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Chloe Beeney: Live in the moment and enjoy it as it comes. It is all about the journey, not the destination.
Shop New In. Read Next - IDA SS15 Look Book. As styled by Kate Rose Morris http://www.katerosemorris.com/