“I hate dressing myself” are the last four words you’d expect to come out of stylist-supremo Harry Lambert’s mouth.
The man behind some of the best dressed A-Listers out there, from Harry Styles’ internet-breaking Egonlab X Swarovski look at the GRAMMYs to Eddie Redmayne wearing Valentino at the Golden Globes, as well as The Crown-alumni Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor on his impressive client roster, Lambert knows how to create an entrance.
And his reach goes beyond the red carpet. Thanks to his gift for putting together beautiful, show-stopping looks that often include pieces by young designers, he’s changed the menswear landscape. Labels like S.S.Daley, Stefan Cooke and Eliou, among plenty of others with a similar sensibility, have sprung into the fashion spotlight thanks to his influence.
Originally from Norwich, his earliest experience of the industry was working at River Island, when they sometimes let him dress the mannequins - although sequin-embroidered jumpsuits and feather boas were off the table back then. Following that, he studied photography which led him to an internship at Vogue - a magazine for which he’d go on to style a cover for years later, making history with Harry Styles as the first solo male ever to grace the front of the US edition.
He’s one of the most influential stylists in the industry, and has a following of over 700,000 on Instagram. Right now, not only is he preparing looks for the BRITs, which we’re sure to see flooding our IG feeds on February 12, but is also in full swing working on three London Fashion Week shows with young designers. On top of that, he’s just curated a collection of pre-loved designer pieces for Absolut’s Swap Shop which happened on February 9.
We caught up with the trend-setter to chat all things fashion, beauty, and, of course, his favourite things.
What are you up to at the moment?
I just got back from the GRAMMYs in LA and I’ve just handed over my pre-loved selection for the Swap Shop, and I’m also getting ready for the BRITs this weekend and for styling shows at London Fashion Week next week. Oh, and we’re in the midst of moving studios and my boyfriend and I have just received the keys to our new house. So there’s lots going on, but it’s all good!
Why did you want to do the Absolut Swap Shop?
I was super excited when they asked because when I started getting into fashion with aspirations of owning fabulous pieces, but obviously without the financial means, I would do a lot of second-hand shopping for amazing designers. This just felt like such a great opportunity to give other youth the opportunity to own something really special.
What designers did you include?
I filled the shop with pieces from Ahluwalia, Stefan Cooke, S.S.Daley, Mowalola, Bianca Saunders, Roker, Lauren Perrin, just a real mix of just like talent, most of whom are London-based as well as Sinéad O’Dwyer, and then Marco Ribeiro, who’s based in Paris. Then I’ve also filled out with some pieces from Beyond Retro, that I see as go-to pieces. Really good vintage denim, camo, a mac or parker, a bomber jacket. They’re things that you’ll always want to own that are timeless.
I just started thinking, if I was just getting into fashion, swapping something I don’t want for a piece like a Stefan Cooke jumper would be like a dream thing to do.
What are your top tips for finding a second-hand gem?
I remember, back in the day, I used to go to Brick Lane and you could find so many amazing things. But as vintage becomes more and more popular, I guess there’s more to filter through. Online is really great these days for specifically honing in on what you want. It’s a lot of hunting to find those pieces that you want. You just have to make sure that you’re buying something that you love.
Do you have a favourite piece in your collection?
A pair of jeans from JW Anderson’s second show which are deconstructed Levi’s that have been cut up and re-sewn together with giant wool like stitches. There was an element which I loved in those early collections of do-it-yourself energy, which I thought was really inspiring. And I always keep hold of those jeans because there’s just something about them that feels really special.
What’s your favourite handbag in your collection?
Somehow, I’ve ended up becoming an ugly handbag collector. In the best way possible, I just love a statement ugly bag. There’s something very fun about having an outfit that doesn’t go at all with your bag. I was very kindly gifted a Gucci one last year that I love - it’s black patent with silver eyelet holes all over it. It’s definitely impractical in the rain, but it looks great.
Is there something you’ve bought recently that you love?
Well, I didn’t buy it, it was actually a gift from my boyfriend, and I was wearing it in the pictures from the Absolut photoshoot. It’s a pre-loved Nicolas Ghesquière Balenciaga little crystal choker. I forgot to pack it when I was in LA and I felt lost the whole trip. I was like, I’m basically naked.
How would you describe your personal style?
I hate dressing myself, it’s very hard. I normally wear a fun or oversized necklace, like a crystal one or an Eliou beaded one, with a graphic T-shirt that features some weird character or words, and then classic trousers. It’s a party on top, simple on the bottom. But yes, I find dressing myself the hardest.
With such a busy schedule, how do you switch off?
My guilty pleasure is watching YouTube videos about theme parks. Like the history of them, how they were made, what they’re making next. I actually have a few friends that work in fashion who weirdly enjoy those videos as well.
I think the reason is it’s the one place where I can go, put my phone away, really switch off and not think about anything else - there’s a sense of fantasy, silliness and fun. So those videos help me clear my mind. That, and putting on Britney Spears, which always makes me feel inspired.
What are your go-to beauty products?
In the last three years I’ve been trying to get more into skincare as I try to preserve any sense of youth. So I’ve been going to Shane Cooper for facials - I’ve got one tomorrow - just to try and give my skin a fighting chance. I also use a lot of his cleansers and moisturisers.
What’s your go-to fragrance?
I love Byredo Vanille Antique and Bal d’Afrique. I douse myself in them.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read is Why Did You Stay? by my friend Rebecca Humphries. She wrote a book about a very public breakup - her boyfriend cheated on her on Strictly Come Dancing. I read it all in one day.
What’s your favourite thing about styling fashion shows?
It’s one of my favourite things to do. I don’t like attending shows, I find it very stressful. But I love working on them. It’s so fun to work so closely with a designer, especially like Harris Reed and SS Daley. I talk about it with them from beginning to end, and they’ll send me pictures for advice - it’s a really fun process to be part of.
The only time I want to be at a show is when I can sneak out and watch the show we’ve just done. There’s just something really rewarding about that moment with everyone coming backstage to congratulate the designer. It’s very special.
