Sèven questions with Crystalle Cox: wisdom from Law Roach and Tom Holland's new style

Welcome back to the SèveN! In this edition we learn how Crystalle Cox has established herself as an A-list celebrity stylist, what she's learnt from her mentor and how she stays on top of her work.

Welcome to another exciting edition of Sève's Sèven. This time, we have the pleasure of featuring Crystalle Cox, a talented young stylist and rising star in the industry. Crystalle has a background in both editorial and celebrity styling: she has worked at both Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE UK, assisted world-renowned stylists like Law Roach, and recently taken on Tom Holland as a client of her own. Join us as we delve into Crystalle’s career milestones and lessons learned. Her insights may come in handy for aspiring and established stylists alike!

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1. What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion styling, and how did you get started in the industry?

   
   C.C.: Entering the fashion industry was a bit of a puzzle for me. Despite my love for fashion, which probably stemmed from the allure of magazines and fashion imagery, navigating the entry points seemed tough.
   I found a four-week placement opportunity at Harper's Bazaar on

   fashionworkie.com. Though I didn’t get that one, I was able to secure a four-week internship at another Hearst magazine. This opened doors, leading me to Porter Magazine and, eventually, back to Bazaar for a year-long managerial role.

   I then delved into a very “on-the-go” assisting a number of stylists, running around London and dealing with the day-to-day challenges of the industry. This was really the beginning!

   
   

Priyanka Chopra for Harper's Bazaar Arabia, styled by Law Roach, Assisted by Crystalle Cox

2. You then went on to assist Law Roach, one of the most well-known stylists in the world. Can you share how that came about, and what you learned from working with him?
   
   C.C.: A serendipitous contact led me to assist Law. Our work began over FaceTime during COVID. This extended from handling Priyanka Chopra's wardrobe in London, to now over 3 years working together.

   Law's approach is distinct and determined. Facing challenges during events, he never settles for a "no." Instead, it's a proactive "let's try", or finding suitable alternatives. His communication stands out: he prefers calls over emails, and builds strong relationships with PR professionals. Law values connections, establishes rapport because he understands the collaborative nature of our industry. Beyond immediate success, his focus is on building connections that last, which are vital for future support. In essence, I would say Law’s philosophy revolves around persistence, clear communication, and the cultivation of meaningful connections - a combination that significantly contributes to his success in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

3. Can you share your favorite experience working with Law Roach?

   C.C.: The standout moment was when Law, after all this time, finally made it to London. The setting was the press tour for Zendaya, and I distinctly remember the stunning ensemble Law put together - a chainmail top paired with a checkered skirt by Vivienne Westwood. The entire scene unfolded on the balcony of the hotel, a picturesque backdrop for the photoshoot. Every look we curated during that time was exceptional… There were a Nensi Dojaka and a Rick Owens looks that got the attention!

   It was my first time witnessing Law work in person. Seeing his creative genius in action, and the precision and thoughtfulness he brings to every detail, was truly inspiring. It wasn't just about the outfits; it was about understanding the process, the artistry, and the passion that he infuses into his work. This marked a pivotal moment in my career, where the virtual relationship we had built over the past year solidified into a tangible, shared experience, one that really exemplified for me the magic Law brings to the fashion industry.

   

   Zendaya in Vivienne Westwood, Nensi Dojaka, Rick Owens. Styled by Law Roach, assisted by Crystalle Cox

   
   

4. You now style Tom Holland who has been receiving considerable accolades for his style (congrats!). Can you tell us a bit about the process of collaborating with him and your vision for his style?

   C.C.: The transition to styling Tom Holland came with a touch of imposter syndrome for sure! Law's retirement marked a significant juncture for my career, and ultimately began a new chapter of styling Tom with Law's blessing. When styling Tom, I aim for a fresh perspective, avoiding the repetition of past styles. I try to infuse my own touch and diverge from the styles associated with Law.

   The beauty of working on Tom's looks lies is the variety of occasions to style - it can range from casual daytime attire for events like the Grand Prix to more elaborate looks for red carpet appearances. Also, when styling around a series like "The Crowded Room" that’s set in the '70s, there's a unique challenge and thrill in adapting the styling of the press tour to that time frame, immersing yourself in the era and capturing its essence. The opportunity to tailor the talent’s style to different contexts keeps the process dynamic and creatively fulfilling.
   
   Working with Tom is always smooth and relaxed. His clear preferences make the process really enjoyable. Sometimes the design team of a certain brand will send me a selection of sketches with different variations in color, style and details. I’ll present them to Tom and we all collaborate to finalize the look. For instance, there was a green custom Prada suit Tom wore in New York with an open collar. We aimed for a relaxed and timeless vibe, steering clear of a bow tie to achieve a chic appearance.
   

   Additionally, Prada assisted us in creating another custom look, a unique two-piece outfit. This piece, inspired by their runway designs but worn backward, resembled a kind of open jacket or a straight jacket with a top. The zip detail on the back added a distinctive touch. Fans loved the innovation, and the Prada collaboration turned out a success!

   

   

   Tom Holland wearing Ami Paris, Prada custom suite, Aimé Leon Dore and Brunello Cucinelli, Maison Valentino

   Working with Tom is smooth and relaxed. His clear preferences make the process really enjoyable… I’ll present [a selection] to Tom and we collaborate to finalize the look.

5. How do you manage your time and responsibilities between your work at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE UK, and styling for Tom Holland?
   
   C.C.: Balancing responsibilities between styling Tom and working for Harper's Bazaar, along with other freelance projects, has been surprisingly manageable. It's a combination of luck, good timing, and effective time management.

   Regarding time management, there's no specific magic trick, but I do try to stay practical. For instance, when working on projects with Law in different locations, making the most of platforms like Sève allows everyone involved to log in, provide input, and keep the collaboration live and dynamic. The nature of the industry, especially in celebrity styling, often involves constant messaging back and forth. Sève helps streamline this process, making communications more organized and efficient.

   

   Harper's Bazaar UK cover, Emily Ratajkowski for Elle UK, Fashion Assistant Crystalle Cox

   
   

6. Your career is taking you to incredible places, working with the top of the crop, and yet you seem incredibly down to earth. What's your secret to staying sane through it all?
   

   C.C.: One thing that helps is that I live in Essex, not in the busy hustle of London. I'm close to the sea, and it's a peaceful place where I can be normal. I see my friends, who are also pretty down-to-earth. I also have a hobby – dancing – and every Monday and Thursday, I make sure to spend time on that. It helps me take a break from work and the world of fashion. I think living near the sea makes a difference. It's calming and beautiful, and it helps me stay grounded. It's like recharging my batteries.
   

7. What advice would you give to aspiring stylists looking to break into the industry and establish their careers?

   
   C.C.: For those who want to get into the fashion industry, I know it's tough these days. When I started, internships were more common, but now they're not as easy to find. Still, my advice is to reach out to people. Even though we're in the middle of strikes now, once they're done, try to connect with others. You can send messages on Instagram or look for platforms that offer placement opportunities. Starting from the bottom and working your way up is important. It involves a lot of hard work, learning about different designers, and meeting deadlines.
   
   Also, being nice to people is crucial. It doesn't matter where you come from – whether you're wealthy or started from the bottom like me. Kindness goes a long way. Living near the sea, away from the busy city, has taught me the importance of staying humble and treating everyone with respect. You should be looking for creative fulfilment, not praise.

We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Crystalle!

Crystalle Cox is one of 900+ stylists managing their projects on Sève, to learn more about how Sève can make your styling life easier reach out to us on Instagram or email us at contact@seve.app.

Team Sève 💌