Simplicity is the most beautiful kind of elegance. We couldn’t agree more with that truth, and stylist Aimée Croysdill has made it the most important point behind her work and looks.

Aimée is now the stylist of talents like Nicola Coughlan, Natalie Dormer, Michaela Cole, Sally Hawkins, and way more: while in Venice, she took care of Laura Haddock’s looks, and that’s where we met her, between a sparkling dress and a perfectly organized styling kit. We chatted with Aimée about her creative process, the styling relationship she has with Laura, and the importance of “old” but always important tools such as a needle and thread.

Fashion is back in all its glory, and we can’t wait to see what looks Aimée will take care of to enhance the “red carpet’s magic” that makes us dream every single time.

How did your passion for fashion was born?

My mum always made us clothes as kids, we would watch her sewing and creating that it was second nature in our house. She taught me how to sew at a really young age, I still can’t knit despite her teaching me over and over again. My dad always had a huge interest in quality and style. His shoes were often hand made in Jermyn Street and he had lots of hand me down from his grandfather (see next question) that it was all in the DNA of our house hold.

Did the fact that your great-grandfather was the first womenswear tailor on Savile Row influence you somehow?

I only really properly learnt about my grandfather later in life but it definitely is in the family genes this love of fashion and garment making.

When and how did you understand that you wanted to become a stylist?

When I started assisting a stylist duo, it all kind of happened by chance but I didn’t fully know what a stylist was until I was in and amongst it. We didn’t have social media or Instagram then so the behind the scenes jobs in fashion weren’t as publicised as they are now. I definitely knew that I wanted to do something in fashion from a young age though, just what that entailed I didn’t know until I found myself in it and loving it.

“My mum always made us clothes as kids, we would watch her sewing and creating that it was second nature in our house.”

What can you tell us about your creative process?

I really love to get to know the personality of a client so that I can help materialise their vision. Hopefully you can see that in my work, all my clients have very different style.

Going back to your great-grandfather’s job, is tailoring an important aspect for you?

It is, I work with this incredible tailor called Bernie who completes the looks with her eye and skill. She makes everything look like it’s been made for the client and that’s very important for red carpet, it can transform a look.

What are the must-haves in your styling kit?

A needle and thread. There are so many brilliant new tools but really and truly the old school needle and thread is the most important one. I’m grateful my mum taught me how to sew as it’s been invaluable for my career.

Where do you mostly find inspiration when it comes to creating mood boards and looks?

I find inspiration from travelling, people watching and Instagram. Living in london means you get to see a whole host of styles and personality, it’s an inspiring place to live.

“A needle and thread. There are so many brilliant new tools but really and truly the old school needle and thread is the most important one.”

You are also the stylist of Laura Haddock: what were the idea and inspiration behind her looks on the red carpet of this edition of the Venice Film Festival?

Laura has a really established look and personal style so I’m always inspired by her, her beauty and grace. We’re close so we often send each other references or pick out people we see on the street who we love the style of. Actually I still remember this girl we saw in Milan a few years ago and we’re still using her as a reference in fittings!

I think red carpet is a very hectic moment for you when you have to dress your client. How do you handle the moment?

I go quite quiet and switch of all my senses so my eyes are fully engaged in every small detail, making sure I haven’t missed a thing.

Where do you start from when assembling a look?

Speaking to the designers and seeing who’s able to lend for that moment. Then from there the vision can start to come to life but it’s not until you’re in the fitting that things come to life and you bounce off the client and their energy.

What about details and accessories instead?

I tend to be a ‘less is more’ person so accesories should never over shadow, they should always be the icing on the cake.

“I tend to be a ‘less is more’ person so accesories should never over shadow.”

How has your relationship with Laura evolved during these years of collaboration, fashion-wise? 

It’s evolved naturally and continues to do so with the running thread of Laura’s femininity which has a simple and cool elegance to it.

One word to identify Laura and ber style.

Elegance.

“Elegance.”

What’s the main challenge of styling, and what’s the greatest satisfaction instead?

The main challenge is getting your hands on the looks/pieces you want to use. As we’re using samples and quite often there’s only one of those in the world it makes it hard to logistically get hold of some pieces.

Do you have a look that you are particularly proud of among those that you made over your career?

I really love the Valentino couture gown I dressed Sally Hawkins in for the Oscars in 2014. We had an exclusive with Valentino which meant we really got to chose whatever we wanted from that seasons couture show, something that is very rare.

Have you ever had an “epic fail” while doing styling?

I’m sure I do but my mind blanks them out! Honestly it’s true.

What’s your styling secret?

It’s no secret but I always remind myself ‘less is more’ because the most iconic looks have always been the most subtle and effortless in my eyes.

What’s your fashion superpower?

Making people feel good, I hope! That’s the most important part of my job.

What about your future projects and stylings?

There’s lots coming up but first I’m going to have my second baby, I haven’t got long now! I’m especially looking forward to the new year as there’s two big press tours coming up. I can’t wait to see more and more red carpet’s magic after a lack of it over the last year and a half.

Photos by Johnny Carrano.

Thanks to The Wall Group.

Follow Aimee here.