What inspired you to launch Alex Longmore’s Style School?
I had been thinking about the idea for a long time. No other stylist had launched a school and I thought the time had come to really teach students what is needed to make it as a top stylist. Becoming a stylist is about learning from the pros; it’s all about becoming an apprentice – that’s how you learn the ropes – so I have formatted a course that does exactly that.
You’ve recently teamed up with Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure to encourage mums and future mums to hold ‘swishing parties’ (maternity and baby clothes swapping) to raise money for charity, Tommy’s. Can you tell us more?
Yes, I am honoured to be working with them. It’s all about getting Mums to swap their maternity clothes and newborn baby wear at their homes or work places and to hold swishing parties. I love the idea because it gets new Mums socialising and it’s great for the environment, as clothes are being re-used and money raised goes to a really good cause.
Who is currently sporting the worst fashion faux pas in the media?
Cheryl Cole isn’t doing a great job on the style front!
What item of clothing could you not live without?
Stripy t-shirts, my black All Saints leather jacket and my black Nike trainers.
Who was the most interesting celeb you’ve dressed and why?
So many, but Julie Walters as she is a living legend; very funny and looks fantastic.
Do you collect anything?
Shells from my holidays and trips and issues of French Vogue.
What is your proudest moment?
The last day of my courses at Style School – I love to see how confident my students have become. There are always tears and the atmosphere in the studio when they are completing their shoots is electric.
What’s the strangest fashion shoot you’ve had to style?
Going to a glacier in Austria in August to shoot skiwear for Grazia Magazine.
What is your must-have accessory at the moment?
Black biker boots from Jimmy Choo.
What’s the most important piece of advice you can give to young aspiring fashion stylists that come through the door of your Style School?
Don’t underestimate work experience, always take notes and listen to the brief. Don’t be afraid of hard work and fashion isn’t as glamorous as it seems.
What do you think will be the new trends this autumn/winter?
Black leather, red, purple, gothic, Country House chic, optical prints, 1940s, Oriental.
What do you consider to be your necessities in life?
My jack russell Charlie Mouse, Marianne Williamson, friends, family and sunshine.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Box sets – I’m addicted.
