Introducing: Steph Szostak
What is more fun than working with your friend, who’s down to earth, interesting, super cool, chic, funny, the same shoe size, and one of the stars of the ABC ensemble drama A Million Little Things? Not much!
I’ve had the pleasure of styling her for appearances, photo shoots and collaborated with designers to capture a moment in time or her essence. Steph is an actress, a wife and a mom. She’s grounded yet whimsical, generous, warm and super easy to be around. I feel lucky to be able to work with her, and even more to talk with her about life, love, parenting, her passions and projects. Steph has her own style and as she would fully agree – opinions too! She likes effortless clothes but also rock ‘n roll edgy styles (she is French after all!) and sometimes more androgynous or subtly sexy looks. She likes to push the envelope of style in unexpected ways.
SS’s Fashion Inspirations:
She is inspired beyond anything else by people whose individual identity is reflected in a distinctive style. People with a personal and effortless fashion sense that carry a story – Patti Smith, Tilda Swinton, Lou Doillon, Bob Marley, Steve McQueen, Stella Tennant, Freja Beha Erichsen are all on her list, and Mick Jagger for his HAIR!
Steph in Film/TV:
Devil Wears Prada: Jacqueline Follet (styled by Patricia Fields)
Devil Wears Prada: Jacqueline Follet (styled by Patricia Fields)
A Million Little Things: Delilah
A Million Little Things: Delilah
A Million Little Things: Delilah
ON STEPH:
Recently we worked together with photographer Jerri Graham and a classic red Alfa Romeo. The 69 Spider, the backdrop of autumn trees and a rusty hanger set the tone for our shoot. Our process starts by looking at photographs for the overall mood, the setting or body attitude. Then we do a fitting (it helps when almost everything looks fantastic on her!) and finally we pair with shoes – which I personally collect – and we agree on a few looks. The day of the shoot we move around to different locations (clothes, makeup and jewelry plus equipment and more in the back of a car), play music and laugh a lot (Steph will laugh at herself too!). We take tons of pictures until the mood or the style we are going for is achieved.
I asked Steph some questions about her personal style, dressing Delilah (her character on A Million Little Things) and then a fast round of either/or questions a formal interviewer might not ask. A Million Little Things Season Three premieres TONIGHT 11/19 on ABC at 10pm EST. I can’t wait to watch.
Pre-Fitting Planning: (clothing + shoe pairings)
Behind the Scenes: (styling experimentation)
Behind the Scenes: (editorial styling with Jerri Graham Photography)
Behind the Scenes: (jewelry styling with Allison Daniel Designs)
Q + A:
LM: If you could use 5 words to describe your personal style, what would they be?
SS: I wanna feel like me (5 words). I’m drawn to timeless designs, pure cuts, an effortless feel, and a hint of rock ‘n roll. I’m also quite nostalgic and often fall for clothes that remind me of my childhood and people I love.
LM: What are your wardrobe staples?
SS: Jeans, t-shirts, blazers, boots and sneakers.
I love my ankle boots from Fiorintini and Baker, my Onitsuka Tiger sneakers (worn by both Bruce Lee and Uma Thurman in Kill Bill), and my Wallabees (less trendy but cool in my book).
LM: How would you compare your style to Delilah’s? Is there any character you have portrayed that you would love to have her wardrobe?
SS: Delilah’s style is effortlessly chic… more sophisticated than mine.
The incredible Patricia Field was the costume designer on The Devil Wears Prada and my fitting for Jacqueline Follet was extraordinary.
I would have loved to take everything home with me!
LM: What fashion designers would you love to work with?
SS: Saint Laurent, Maison Margiela, Rag & Bone
LM: Fast round questions…
SS: OK, answers….
Heels or Flats? Heels
Rock or Hip-Hop? Rock
Cat or Dog? Whiskey & Otis
Boots or Flip Flops? Boots
Leather or Lace? Lace
Text or Call? Call
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Wine or Beer? Beer & Wine
Neutrals or Colors? Black
Denim or Diamonds? Denim
Pizza or Pasta? Pasta
Pancakes or Eggs? Eggs
Shower or Bath? Shower
PJ’s or Bday suit? PJ’s
Sushi or Steak? Sushi
Facial or Massage? Massage
Small convertible or Big Truck? S.C.
Gardening or Decorating? Gardening
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Cooking in or Eating out? Eating out
Late or Early? Early
City or Country? Country
Thanks so much to Steph for being so open and honest when we’re styling/shooting and for answering all these questions. Jewelry on these looks by Allison Daniel Designs and behind the scenes pictures from styling to shooting mostly taken by moi!
(Official pictures not yet available taken by the amazing Jerri Graham!).