Stylist June Ambrose Talks Nineties Fashion and Jay-Z
We love great stylists with great stories, which is why we sat down with legend June Ambrose to discuss dressing nineties icons (and everyone in between) from Missy Elliot and Jay Z to R. Kelly and P Diddy. It’s hard not to swoon in the presence of an icon like Ambrose, and like most of our favorite fashion greats, she’s of course a foodie at heart. With a new HSN line and a never-ending slew of quotes, Ambrose stole our potato-head hearts…but we weren’t surprised.
From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?
Pasta for breakfast, salad for lunch and a piece of grilled fish and vegetables for dinner. Healthy snacking in between, of course.
Tell us a bit about your new HSN collection…
The collection, June by June Ambrose, includes footwear, apparel, outerwear and bags! I first launched with footwear at the network, so I am truly exited to be able to give my customer a total style by June experience. Each piece has attitude and punctuation. It will make your style look effortless.
People are saying the nineties are back; Do you agree?
Yes, the nineties was my coming out as a designer and celebrity stylist. Some of my most iconic work was done during this time. It was all about going rogue.
What you miss most about styling in the nineties…
Crazy costume designing.
Do you believe less is more, or more is more?
I believe in less is more if you are getting more out of less with the look!
What inspires you on a day-to-day basis?
My children and life! It’s so worth living.
How do you practice beauty from the inside out?
I keep my spirit intact. I treat others the way I want to be treated. I meditate. I share my love and my light!
Your morning and nightly beauty routines…
My morning routine involves cold spoons from the freezer. I use them to reduce the swelling under by eyes. A spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir, exfoliating green tea complex from my dermatologist, SPF and then make up! in the evening, cleansing is key. After removing make up with cleansing cloths, I wash and steam my face, then use my glycolic pads to avoid clogging the skin. Then I use an eye cream and a light serum.
A tweet to describe your personal style (in 140 characters)…
I’m unpredictable. I take on fashion fearlessly. I love feeling like a super hero with style!
The most memorable thing P. Diddy said to you…
Never let them see you cry; never let us break you!
Best memory working with Jay-Z…
Oh I’ve has so many! His Carnegie Hall performance was pretty magical and the cover of Vanity Fair was an iconic triumph.
Your most bizarre styling experience…
When I made a light-up suit powered by a car battery for The Fugees.
How have music videos changed over the past two decades?
The budgets I would say…They used to be four million, now they cost fifty thousand and are mostly viewed online.
Advice to women getting up, looking in the mirror and getting dressed in the morning…
See the person you want to become; aspire to be your alter ego.
Words to dress by…
If it does not fit you must acquit.
3 words to describe the style decade we’re in right now…
Retro, preppy and glam.
What are your favorite cities for food? What restaurants do you love in each?
In New York, The Musket Room. In London, Brasserie Chavot.
In Dubai, Traiteur at the Park Hyatt. In Shanghai, Mr. & Mrs. Bund.
In the same vein as ‘what is the new black,’ what is ‘the new potato’ right now?
Quinoa.
*June Ambrose, photographed at The Musket Room in New York, NY by Danielle Kosann. June wears the Ambrose “Harlow” Peep-Toe Wedge from her HSN Collection.
