Winnie Harlow's work clothes
As a supermodel, dressing the part is in the job description, and Winnie Harlow not only knows it, she's done it flawlessly; since breaking onto the fashion scene in 2014, this Canadian stunner has walked countless red carpets and (with with the help of stylist Jason Bolden (open in new tab)) has posed for dozens of shoots in the most glamorous items. Off-duty, however, she prefers a more relaxed look, from sweatshirts to chic, comfortable pantsuits.
Currently a judge on the second season of the fashion design competition show "Making the Cut" (opens in new tab) (Amazon Prime Video), Harlow uses her fashion expertise to mentor up-and-coming designers, but her experience as a judge She tells Marie Claire that her experience as a judge is also an integral part of her approach to dressing.
"I don't like fitting. I'm the kind of person who hates going to Old Navy and trying on 50 pairs of jeans with my mom to go back to school." [When I first started modeling] I was like, why am I trying on so many? Just show me a picture and I'll pick the best one. Even if I like something, sometimes it needs to be re-tailored. From Jeremy Scott [designer and fellow "Making the Cut" judge], she learned how a well-cut hemline and tidy stitching can make the difference between a perfect fit and, ultimately, the right look.
Ahead of tomorrow's Season 2 finale, Harlow shared her closet staples, the important packing lessons Bella Hadid taught her, and how her style has evolved over the years.
The first thing I do when I wake up is pick up my phone. I spend at least an hour fiddling with my phone and then I get sucked into the vortex. Then I get up, take a shower, and brush my teeth. I go downstairs and meet [my assistant] and she explains what I need to do that day. I stay in my pajamas until I really need to get dressed. My girlfriend made a pair of pajamas called 'Sleepover. The material looks like you're sleeping naked, but you're not.
The way I make my clothes is to pick one piece that I really want to wear. When I walk into a closet full of clothes, I'm like, "What am I going to do, where do I start?" So I always start with accessories that make a statement. For example, blue shoes: the clothes that go with them are either blue or white.
I definitely draw inspiration from where I grew up and who raised me. My grandmother was a Caribbean woman and she loved color and printed patterns. As I entered the fashion industry, I learned and experienced more. Growing up, I never imagined myself wearing a pantsuit, but now I love a good pantsuit.
I dress very casual on set. Sweatshirts or biker shorts and a T-shirt or sweatshirt. My dream off-duty look is Princess Diana. Goal. She is always very calm, yet neat. I especially like to wear sneakers with long socks (around the ankle) scrunched up. I shop in my boyfriend's closet. I have a contract with Puma. Puma sends me things in my size, but I love to wear the oversized ones. If you see a picture of me in a sweatshirt, it's usually [boyfriend Kyle's] clothes.
I told my stylist, Jason, that I basically wanted a completely different look for each episode. I wanted to inspire the designers (competing on the show) by showcasing some of my favorites, like Versace.
I like to wear bright, vibrant colors because I like to make an impact on the red carpet. It's all about having fun. I'm lucky enough to have some close friends in the fashion world, so I always try to support them. Kim Jones of Dior and Fendi, Riccardi Tisci of Burberry, Laquan Smith, and of course Jeremy Scott are all essential red carpet designers.
I think jewelry is very important. I saw a meme that said, "Putting hoops on anything "fits" it," and it's so true. I just put on a few hoops and a little gold necklace and I'm good to go. [jewelry brand] Jenny Bird (opens in new tab) makes some really gorgeous stuff.
When I first started traveling as a model, I didn't bring a bathing suit because I didn't think I needed one unless I knew I was going to Jamaica or [to the beach]. One year I went to the Cannes Film Festival and Lewis Hamilton [Formula 1 driver] invited all his friends to come on his huge boat. Me, Bella Hadid, Barbara Palvin, and his friends. It was so sudden that we were on the boat in the middle of the ocean without our swimsuits. Bella Hadid taught me to always have a bathing suit. She gave me a new bikini every day and said, "Don't worry. Here you go." I was so grateful.
The person who makes the swimsuits I'm obsessed with is Melissa Simon. (Open in new tab) The way the tops are cut is perfect and they fit me perfectly. Bikinis have less fabric, so I have to get a little creative to make them fit.
A travel fit for me is literally always a sweatshirt. I love brands that put out really cool sweatshirts, like Jerry Lorenzo does with Fear of God. (open in new tab) that are stylish yet comfortable. I fly a lot (for work), so I get a lot of rest there. As far as carry-on essentials, I like to have my main cosmetics--concealer, mascara, brow makeup, and lips--just simple things to freshen up after a day of no sleep. I also always like to have a portable makeup mirror with a light. It comes in very handy when I'm stuck in a dark hotel room.
Adventurous, self-honest, and colorful.
I don't think it's a specific piece. It could be a dress, it could be pants, it could be a skirt, but if it makes me feel good and look good, then I feel powerful.
Wigs, yeah (laughs)
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