{FASHION}
THE
MODEL
CITIZEN By Joseph Young Photographed by Taye Hansberry
It’s not secret that models tend to have a style of their own when their not in front of a camera or strutting down a runway. Much of the time it’s their street style which attracts those, who look to blogs and magazines for inspiration, to a certain face in fashion. Model/actress Tamara Whatley is no exception to the rule. She’s developed a look all her own, albeit with the help of some talented friends, while working as a professional model in New York and L.A.
LS: If you could define your style in three words what would it be? TW: Fashion forward, chic, simple elegance LS: Where are you originally from and has your style shifted/changed overtime with all any/all the traveling that you do? TW: I am originally from Atlanta , GA. A southern bell...My style has definitely shifted and changed over time, due to exposure in the fashion industry; I dress timely and age appropriate; and have easy pieces that travel well as well as are comfortable. For example, I’m no longer a big fan of showing my mid-drift; not that it was my look, but there was a time when I didn’t give it any thought. LS: How did you develop your look? TW: Being in the fashion/entertainment industry, I think once true personality should always shine through. I’m pretty laid-back and love fashion, so it’s represented in my style. I am also much aware of what works for my body type. LS: Fashion today is spilt up into so many different markets. How do you manage them? Does your style allow you to mix and match looks from varying places, designers and influences? TW: Absolutely, I’m always mixing, matching looks. I love a bit of edge with softness. My favorite eras are the 70’s and 80’s. That’s the great thing about fashion these days; it’s more about individual style then having to follow certain trends. If rock and roll is your look…ROCK it!
LS: Who are your personal fashion icons and who influences your style the most? TW: I love icons with great sense of style. Kate Moss just knows what works together and does it so effortlessly; I love Mary J Blige and her sense of which she is comes through her style; in general, I love seeing anybody who is completely comfortable in what they are wearing, it’s like the clothes are an extension of their personality and they are aware of it! I love the sensibility and beauty of designers Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfield, Alexander Wang, and Derek Lam, just to name a few. LS: How do you go about planning your fall wardrobe, what should it include and what do you try and stay away from? TW: Either living in LA or New York , I always make sure the clothes I buy are very multi-seasonal and can be easily layered and/or simple accessories (hats, tights, shoes) fall/winterize the clothes I have. In the fall/winter, I love doing fitted long sleeves under lose tanks, that I normally sport in the summer.
LS: Are you a shoe girl or a purse girl? TW: Hmmmm, I don’t know. I really like both. I will say my purses seem to get a lot more attention than my shoes. LS: How has your modeling career influenced or affected your style? Has it helped it grow or do you find yourself shying away from the looks you model for other people? TW: My modeling career has definitely affected my style. I am fortunate to be around so many people who have a true sense of who they are through their fashion, and am totally inspired all the time. It also helps me to keep re-inventing what is already in my closet, as well as adding key pieces to my wardrobe that are timeless. LS: You mentioned that you have friends in fashion as designers and stylists, how has this influenced your personal style and what types of tips/advice do you get from them? TW: It actually dawned on me as we spoke, yes, the majority of my friends are designers, stylists, photographers, in general people who are quite creative and stylish. They always help me out when it comes to fashion. First of all, many
let me borrow their fabulous clothes for special occasions, shoots, etc. They all have such a great eye for details, quality, and style. And shopping with them is the best! There could be an item, I would have passed on the rack, and they may say “try this on, or this will look great on you” and voila...they’re right! Some of my best pieces of clothes, I got while shopping with friends. LS: When you go to castings how do you manage to marry your own personal style with that of your required role? Is it a 50/50 kind of thing or is it purely spur of the moment mixing and matching? TW: When I go to castings, usually I’m given a description of what the client is looking for; but if not 100% of the time a tank and jeans will do the trick. It’s simple and can be read so many different ways on camera. Of course my tank my have a really cool detail on it like feathers or ruffles, and my jeans a bit of a flair.