US celebrity stylist, Kanayo Ebi, has worked with many stars including Kate Winslet, Leona Lewis, Dawn Richards and is the resident stylist to Angela and Vanessa Simmons. She has also worked on brand campaigns for Coca Cola, Bikini hair extensions, Foofi, Pastry and is currently launching her own clothing line.
We had a chat with her to find out what’s in her wardrobe, learned the three things she can’t live without and got her views on Shoreditch’s famous fashion scene.
What are the perks of being a stylist?
I’d definitely say the freebies (laughs), and you get to go to the fashion shows and get your hands of pieces first. You get to visit showrooms and see the clothing coming out before anyone else too.
Also the travelling! Travelling to different places and environments for work, no two days are the same and you can’t beat.
What brings you to London?
I really just wanted to expand my reach and meet new people. I love the designers over here and I have the chance to meet them and see what they’re working on. I love the fashion scene here and I want to find something new and different I can take home with me.
I used to come here a lot when I was younger and the fashion has definitely influenced me style wise.
Who’s your favourite designer and why?
I’d say Ralph Lauren. He is all American and can be casual or high end. He plays with fabrics and colours and there is just something very classic about him.
What’s in your wardrobe?
Everything from high-street brands like Zara to more high-end stuff like Chloe, Balhmain and Ralph Lauren. Converse, Nike you name it I like to mix it up, it ranges.
I’m a sneaker girl and heel girl.
What are your thoughts on the Shoreditch fashion scene?
It’s very trendy and edgy. People just do their own thing and make things work for them. It excites me.
Who would you love to work with?
Kelis, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna. For men I’d like to work with Idris Elba, Wiz Kid.
Name three things you can’t live without…
A leather jacket, makeup and my phone! And a pair of Chuck Taylors…
So imagine you’re having a dinner party…who would you invite?
Debbie Harris from Blondie, Kelis, Gwen Stefani, Rick Owens, Kanye and Tom Ford probably. It would be an interesting dinner.
Let’s talk about opportunities, what’s the biggest one you think you have lost?
I don’t know I don’t think about it (laughs). I just think it something wasn’t meant to be it wasn’t meant to be you know? I think about how I can grow as a person so I don’t miss out next time but I don’t focus on losses.
What’s the biggest one you’ve had?
I’d say working with Kate Winslet. It was so early on in my career and I learned so much from that shoot. It really let me know that if I work hard I will be able to do great things.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on my own clothing line as well as setting up a showroom for emerging designers to showcase their work. I’m using my network to give them a platform.
I was also recently featured in Growing up Hip Hop and that was a great experience.
I’m definitely growing and doing this styling thing to the best of my ability.
What advice would you have for someone who wants to do what you do?
Stay true to who you are. Have patience and resilience. Trust your own talent.
What are your hopes for the future?
Travelling and expanding my reach. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing…as happily as I’m doing it.