By: Juliana Pires Johnson
@gettyimages
We are so thrilled to share with you this Q&A with one of the most gifted and creative VIP stylists of our time, Erica Cloud. While you certainly know Erica’s magic from looks crafted with now Fashion Icons Kacey Musgraves and Dan Levy, we get to go behind the scenes to discover what inspires her, tips on how to have fun with your own closet and create your own signature style.
Having personally and professionally known Erica for over 10 years, we can attest to the fact that she has remained incredibly humble and excited about her work, despite her undeniable success and acclaim. I truly don’t think she even knows how remarkable she is at creating looks that inspire and bring us so much joy.
PRO-TIP: Do yourself a favor and follow her IG – @ecduzit for the most magical inspirational interiors, bts shots of her at work, yummy food and so much more.
Dig in.
Q: What inspires you? Where do you get your creativity from?
A: I get inspired by color combinations or beautiful lines. Whether it’s interiors, art or a beautiful silhouette
Q: Favorite style icon?
A: Carolyn Bessette & Audrey Hepburn
Q: Favorite fashion decade?
A: 50s or 90s
Favorite/ signature scent?
A: Chloé Eau de Parfum
Q: Advice for nailing your individual style and what to focus on?
A: Don’t be scared. So many things we have been taught that ‘don’t’ go together, are actually very complimentary so take risks. And WEAR your clothes.
Q: How to mix high and low fashion and what to invest in?
A: I love to pair fancy top with jeans or a beautiful dress with sneakers and a cardigan. It completely changes your head space when you feel good about what you have on. Invest in:
- A great pair of denim, my fave are vintage Levis 517s
- A cashmere or soft sweater, I love J Crew men’s
- A great bag to go with any outfit. It immediately elevates your look and gives character
*Look for special pieces on resell sites like Poshmark, Vestiaire, Depop or any vintage or thrift store. I recently purchased a Phoebe Philo old Celine purse from Tab Vintage on Instagram and it’s now one of my greatest treasures!
Q: Favorite Kacey and Dan moment/ look?
A: For Kacey: it’s a tie between her Moschino MET Barbie look & the strapless Valentino Haute Couture she wore to the Grammys (both pics above!)
For Dan: the yellow Valentino Men’s Haute Couture he just wore for the Golden Globe Awards (2021)
Q: Proudest accomplishment professionally?
A: The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show
Q: Dream project?
A: To curate an art show of all my favorite designers & artists and have the presentation/show in a Lautner home, ideally the Wolff house
Q: What’s a signature Erica look (accessory/ color/ etc.)?
A: Red Chanel lipstick, vintage shrunken sweatshirt, Stella McCartney plaid overcoat, Levis, brown penny loafers and Hermès Cape Cod watch
Q: Favorite place to vacation?
A: Tuscany, Italy
Q: If I could live anywhere other than LA?
A: In a treehouse somewhere
Q: Any wellness ritual/ practice?
A: I take vitamins and try to wake up early so I have a couple hours to myself every morning. But I really just need to stretch more – haha
Q: What you are bringing into 2021 and leaving behind in 2020?
A: Hopefully less stress. I think we have all shifted our priorities a bit. And for work, I’ve learned to streamline things and aim for less quantity and more quality (clothing option-wise)
Q: Ultimate meal and cocktail – specific to restaurant if need be?
A: Madeo Spaghetti Bolognese and a glass of Barolo
Q: Life motto?
A: BE KIND; and work to live, don’t live to work!