lucia.

When you first meet Lucia, it’s hard to decide what is most striking; her dramatic dark fringe or her distinctive personal style. Thoughtful and considered, she pairs heavily embellished Argentinean accessories with flawless runway pieces and adds a touch of vintage for good measure.

A former designer and producer turned stylist, Lucia articulates style ideas into visual conversations and is about to launch her business identity, Be Sublime. On a rainy afternoon we poured through her wardrobe and spoke of life, love, and Louis Vuitton.

How did your career as a stylist begin?

I was working as a fashion designer in Buenos Aires when I was asked to style a photo shoot for a children’s television show. I had the time of my life on set and when I was offered the role of assistant producer I couldn’t refuse. I worked as the on set stylist for two years before moving to Barcelona where I completed a master in fashion consultancy and styling.

You have worked on countless runway parades, editorials and photo shoots. What does a typical day’s work involve?

My work varies depending on the project but preparation is the most time-consuming aspect of my role. When I am given a brief I will usually mock up a storyboard with my ideas, look to trends for inspiration and consider how I can translate the style. Once I have decided upon a look, I race around town to pick up clothing, shoes and accessories all the while liaising with the creative team (the designers, models, photographer, make-up artist, and hair stylist) to ensure the project is coming along smoothly.

Do you pay attention to trends?

Always, but that doesn’t mean that my clients and I follow them all. Trends are a fabulous source of inspiration but to be stylish you need to dress for your body, dress for yourself.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style depends on my mood but I prefer darkly-romantic hues, lots of black. I’ve fallen for so much that is current in fashion; rock n roll meets chic meets the new 80’s… I love worn and torn denim paired playfully with statement rings.

What are your favourite items in your closet?

My latest favourite is a Louis Vuitton dress from the AW10 collection, given to me by one of my clients as a Thank You present… hot off the runway, it was love at first sight. Slick black fabric drapes like oil and an asymmetrical cut creates a razor sharp flawlessness. I pair it with delicate rosary beads, I have endless strands of rosary beads that I have collected on my travels. I also adore a distressed Guess denim jacket that I have had for over a decade. A few years ago I made it into a vest, tearing off the sleeves and cinching it with safety pins to give it a new silhouette. It makes for the perfect layer when I feel my outfit needs a little toughening up.

What has you awake at all hours?

I’m inspired by the tiniest things; a photograph, a trip, a conversation, a piece of fabric… but it all started with my mother. I remember her beautiful collection of clothing and accessories from the 60’s and 70’s. When she was my age, young people were a force to be reckoned with and had a powerful impact on the fashion industry. For the first time in history, there was an independent spirit in fashion that wasn’t based on the conventions of the previous generation. My mother wasn’t afraid to take risks; she married my dad in 1963 and wore a short wedding dress when miniskirts were this revolutionary trend. Fearlessness in fashion is the punctuation of personal freedom.