Agnes from Paper Doll Personal Styling is a city girl at heart. So after a few years beachside living in New South Wales, she had to move to the stylish city of Melbourne for some inspiration. Only here for a few months, this lovely lady has already had a good taste of what Melbourne has to offer. With her out-going personality and great taste in fashion, Agnes is sure to do well here as a stylist. Her beautiful, fine features has landed her the role as Fabulous Femme’s model for our collection of Audrey Hepburn inspired shoots. There are already some photos up on our blog.
What is your favourite quote?
“I believe in pink” – a quote from Audrey Hepburn. Pink is such an up-lifting feminine colour, creating instant happiness. I believe every woman should have pink in their wardrobe. It has so many shades from dusty pink to fuchsia and there is one for everyone. I also love a touch of pink in interior decorating such as a bunch of pink flowers, a salmon pink cushion or a hot pink tea cup. These are little happy treasures of everyday life.
How did you get into what you are doing?
3 years ago I left Europe and Budapest where I worked as a head-hunter for 10 years (I graduated as an economist). I came to Australia to marry my Scottish husband and fell pregnant almost immediately. I knew I wanted to do something that makes me happy but also works when I have a small child. I did some styling back in Europe for corporate clients and I always had a passion for being well dressed, matched with a genuine commitment to help others feel good about themselves. So I started my own business PAPER DOLL Personal Styling. It is my dream job, something I love to do and I feel I am good at it.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
All women who follow their dreams and work hard to make them happen inspire me. There are so many talented ladies out there, either everyday women or the “famous” ones. I admire Sofia Coppola, Cate Blanchett and Audrey Hepburn for their talent, class, elegance and impeccable and recognizable style. I get a lot of inspiration from artists: Australian fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess has been my favourite for years now. Her elegant, sophisticated and slightly mysterious illustrations amaze me every day. Photographers who I meet through my work. They have a special eye to see beauty in a different way. As for style icons, besides the ones I already mentioned, I find French women very inspiring: Audrey Tautou, Ines de La Fressange, Clemence Poesy. The list is endless.
What motivates you to keep going?
I am a self-motivated person which really helps. Also my family and my daughter fill my life with joy and lots of tasks. And I have so many ideas in my head either for everyday outfits or for photo shoots: I want to make them all happen.
What is it that you love most about your job?
Making women feel good about themselves. Seeing them confident because they know what style, cut and colour suits them after a wardrobe consultation or a personal shopping trip. I am a great believer that dressing should be fun and this is what I am teaching women through my sessions. Little girls’ smiling faces when wearing the magical tutus at their birthday parties makes my heart sing too.
What has been the highlight so far?
I love styling women for photo sessions and seeing how happy they are with the results. It is very rewarding.
Every woman is beautiful. I just help them to choose the right pieces to look their best.
What was the worse fashion trend ever?
I never liked those foam platform shoes. They don’t look flattering on anyone.
What was the best trend to hit the fashion world?
The little black dress and denim jeans. Both are super versatile and timeless. They can take you from day to night.
What fashion faux pas makes you cringe when you see it out and about?
Leggings worn as pants. I consider leggings as tights not as pants. So my rule is: if you can wear something with tights you can wear it with leggings too.
What do you want to achieve in 5 years?
To become a well-known stylist in Melbourne. I have just moved here a couple of months ago from NSW, so I am still building up my clientele. I would love to style more ladies and children in this fabulous city. I also have a dream to learn photography.
Where is the most fabulous place you have been to?
Don’t make me pick only one! Coming from Europe, I have travelled to a lot of different countries. I know it sounds a bit cliche but Paris, Florence and Venice have to be my favourites. They are all full of beauty and inspirations in every way: art, history, food, style, fashion. Even the language is beautiful there. I also love Istanbul for its special East-meets-West atmosphere.
How long do you spend on hair and makeup daily?
Having a 2-year old, my morning routine is pretty quick. I have a long bob which is very easy to maintain: washing and blow-drying my hair is only about 15 minutes extra. I don’t wear much make up but I always wear mascara, blush and a touch of lip-gloss. My current obsession is pink lipstick.
What it your favourite mood lifter?
Coffee, coffee and coffee. Sitting in a cafe with a cappuccino and watching people walk by is a favourite activity of mine. I also love beautiful smells. A nice perfume or scented candles, a bunch of flowers and other pretty things. I am a girly girl and pretty easy to please.
How would you describe your (fashion) style?
Simple, sophisticated with a feminine touch. I like classic, tailored pieces and pay a lot of attention to details. A little bow, ruffles, a tiny bit of sequins. I wear classic black and white a lot. My other favourite neutral colour is navy. I have a lot of basics I can mix and match. My everyday go-to outfit is a pair of navy cigarette pants, a striped maritime top, ballerina flats and a trench coat. For evenings I either opt for a little black dress or black cigarette pants with a delicate silk blouse and high heels. I only buy good-quality handbags and shoes and wear natural fabrics like silk, cotton, cashmere and wool. I look at a part of my wardrobe as a collection I am building over the years and try to invest in pieces that are timeless, well-cut and good quality. Little black and white dresses, classic coats and lady-like jackets, feminine frocks, silk blouses and delicate scarves are all part of the collection I love and cherish. My wardrobe is not really about trends. I stick to what I think works for my body shape and lifestyle. My clothes must be flattering and comfortable.
Finish this sentence: To be happy, fabulous and successful, a woman should…
feel good in their own skin. Accept their imperfections and enhance their strengths. Confidence shows no matter what you do, what you wear or how old you are.
See more pictures of Agnes here – Audrey Style.