Sleek Magazine editorial, photo by Mark Kean, styled by Katy Lassen

Katy is a freelance stylist and consultant based in London. Originally from the Lake District, Katy started her career assisting at Conde Nast titles Vogue, Glamour and GQ before joining the launch of biannual title GQ Style as Junior Fashion Editor. Now a freelance stylist she contributes to magazines such as Sleek, Tiger, Exit, Nylon and I Love Fake. Katy has consulted for several young London designers, luxury and high-street brands. She is represented by Saint Luke Artists in London and 2DM in Milan.

Tiger Magazine editorial, photo by Thomas Lohr, styled by Katy Lassen

Could you tell us something about your education and background?
All of my family are creatives – painting, interior design, photography and I wanted to do something different. I went to university to do Media Studies and French with an eye on becoming a writer. I don’t know what happened but nature prevailed and I became a creative like the rest of them!

What does the word style mean to you?
It is something you are born with that has nothing to do with money. It’s a gift.

How do you approach a commissioned shooting? What are your sources?
The first thing I do is look at the books and pictures that I own, reference images that I have stored on my computer – fashion, photography, art,  film and painting too. I take a lot of inspiration from images of stylish people from 1920s/1980s. I try to find my inspiration outside of current fashion imagery and then link my ideas to the current catwalk collections.

Sleek Magazine editorial, photo by Jonathan Hallam, styled by Katy Lassen

Do you have a favorite kind of location?
I am a sucker for an opulent or richly decorated interior. I like clutter.

What do you think about fashion blogs? What are you favorite ones?
I am undecided. I have one that I try and update but mainly just with images that inspire me. I prefer image based blogs where you can really get a feeling for someone’s taste. I have just discovered sighswhispers.blogspot.co.uk and I am hooked.

Did you ever style any project outside the fashion world?
A few. We all have to from time to time, its part of the job description!

Did you ever travel to a place that definitely changed you? Why?
Growing up in the Lake District has given me a certain perspective of life that I don’t think you get in the city. When I go back and walk in the fields and the hills it is a reminder how big the world is and how small and insignificant our fashion lives seem. It’s a healthy fix!

Dossier Magazine editorial, photo by Jonathan Hallam, styled by Katy Lassen

Exit Magazine, photo by Greta Ilieva, styled by Katy Lassen

Katy Lassen

Which was the best collaborative experience you had? Why?
Every new shoot seems to be the best. I work with photographers who inspire and excite me and our ongoing collaboration and development is the thing that inspires me the most.

Who is the woman you’d like to see featured/interviewed here?
Photographer Greta Ilieva.

www.katylassen.com