Vogue's Elissa Santisi Shares the "It" Accessories of the Season
Legendary fashion stylist Elissa Santisi is known for her strikingly inventive layouts, an uncanny ability to spot—in some cases, launch—an "it" shoe or bag, and for an awe-inspiring talent for drawing your eye to gorgeous fashion accessories, even when styled among equally stunning apparel. Elissa Santisi started at Elle magazine, moved to Harper's Bazaar and then to American Vogue, where she has been Editor at Large for the past three years. Fashion stylist Elissa Santisi collaborates with boldface name photographers including Terry Richardson, Steven Klein, Steven Meisel, David Sims, Inez and Vinoodh, and has a long-standing fashion collaboration with Raymond Meier.
For the past few seasons she’s also worked on the runway fashion presentations for Derek Lam, who for Spring/Summer 2011 is designing an exclusive fashion collection on eBay.
The Inside Source: For the past few years you've been a contributing fashion editor at Vogue magazine. You've traveled the globe attending fashion shoots and runway fashion shows. Is there a favorite memory of a place you've been, or a show that you've seen?
Elissa Santisi: I had the opportunity to work with Helmut Newton once and the experience was unforgettable.
My most memorable fashion show was the Spring/Summer 2004 Alexander McQueen dance marathon show based on the 1970’s film “They Shoot Horses Don’t They?” It was incredibly theatrical, had fantastic choreography, and it was very emotionally moving.
Recently, the Spring/Summer 2011 Tom Ford women’s show felt to me like a real game-changer. After years of fashion shows being immediately broadcast and live streamed, this intimate show that shut out the world seemed ultra-glamorous without taking itself too seriously.
The Inside Source: You have a terrific working working relationship and long-standing fashion collaboration with the fashion photographer Raymond Meier. How did you two meet? Why do you think you've had such success working with Raymond Meier?
Elissa Santisi: I met Raymond while working at Harpers Bazaar. We share a similar sensibility, a similar sense of humor and irony. There is a nice ease in our working relationship. The special familiarity makes our shoots creative and productive.
The Inside Source: Every season, the fashion pack claims an "it" bag or an "it" shoe. What are the current must have fashion trends?
Elissa Santisi: For Spring 11, there is a great sense of opposites. The masculine shoe with a raised platform will be a must have. There is a great brown Prada lace-up, a chic Balenciaga biker boot, a Derek Lam flat.
On the other hand, the high Parisian glamour of YSL and Givenchy also looked great. The python shoes at YSL and the leopard print shoulder bag at Givenchy were both great.
As for jewelry, there is a simple knot shaped bracelet at Celine. Everyone will want to own it.
Elissa Santisi's must-have fashion accessories for Spring 2011: Prada lace-up (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); Balenciaga bikier boot (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); Derek Lam flat (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)
The Inside Source: What are some of your favorite fashion trends and accessory classics? Items that no one should be without?
Elissa Santisi: My favorite watch will always be a Cartier Tank Français. The quilted Chanel bag (especially the one I found in denim) with the chain strap will always be a classic. An Hermes H bag will always look great, especially in its new bright colors. The classic YSL heel called the ‘Tribute’ is a fantastic shoe—t looks especially chic in white.
The Inside Source: Have you ever made a favorite eBay purchase?
Elissa Santisi: Yes! When I first discovered eBay, I won a rare equestrian-style Hermes bangle bracelet. I wear it constantly. I also love eBay for replacing a favorite item that is no longer produced. I have a favorite pair of Balenciaga trousers from a few seasons back, and I just found a new pair—it’s such a great resource.
The Inside Source: You work with the fashion designer Derek Lam who is creating an exclusive collection for eBay. Any inside scoop on what we might expect to see?
Elissa Santisi: The collection is totally underway, and will be shown in February during New York Fashion Week. It’s a collection of great dresses, classic and flattering shapes, all your favorite styles. The best part of the show is that the online viewers will be immediately be able to click on their favorites, helping to decide which styles will go into final production.
Elissa Santisi's favorite looks from Derek Lam Spring 2011 (Photos by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)
The Inside Source: Vintage accessories are such a great eBay purchase, with great deals to be found. Have any tips for fabulous forgotten designer brands or fashion trends that might be back again this season?
Elissa Santisi: Finding a deal for a special item seems to be getting harder and harder. Lesser known brands or companies that are no longer around is a great way to go. Keep a look out for brands like Mark Cross, Bonnie Cashin, '90s Helmut Lang, 80’s Perry Ellis (particularly the Marc Jacobs years), Roberta di Camerino accessories, vintage Il Bisonte.
Elissa Santisi's eBay Wish List
Other Stylist Secretss
- Flipping Out with Chaz Dean on Jeff Lewis, Hair, and the Number 13
- "Hart of Dixie"—From City Chic to Southern Belle
- Annabel Tollman Talks Trends; Reveals Secret Search Terms
- Spring 2012 Fashion Week: What the Editors Are Wearing
- Into The Gloss Blogger Emily Weiss on the Beauty Trend Everyone's Misting About
- Modern Makeup Mogul Mally
I am DYING over the Derek Lam for eBay collection. What a wonderful idea. I can't wait to see (and shop) this collection. I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting...