There’s a secret that fashion editors don’t want you to know — they’re not the best dressed. Though they may have wardrobes brimming with expensive fabrics and luxury labels, not to mention front-row seats at fashion shows unveiling the new season’s next big thing, they are also guilty of sticking to a tried-and-tested uniform of staples. There’s a reason black is forever the new black — because fashion editors can’t bear to wear anything else. Think cashmere, tailoring and logo-free It bags. It’s a formula that’s chic, low-key and risk averse — and frankly rather dull.
Conversely, it is the least-experienced members of every team (those with a ruthless eye for the next viral hit) who worship at the altar of fashion and know the last place on earth to score those sold-out Alaïa pumps. With the luxury glow-up of The Devil Wears Prada’s Andrea Sachs as their inspiration, the fashion assistant is the one on the team who will stop at nothing to get the wardrobe their heart desires. Ask anyone who has ever encountered the cut-throat nature of a glossy magazine’s fashion cupboard (think endless rows of Chanel pumps and rails stuffed with haute couture) and they’ll tell you that there, among the designer dresses that editors are calling in for their editorial shoots, waits an assistant who is plotting what lengths they might have to go to to liberate one of the coveted “pieces” for the weekend. You will also find plenty who are happy to part with four-figure sums (begged, borrowed, bribed, paid for on someone else’s credit card) to get their hands on the good stuff.
Typically, the brain of a clued-up fashion assistant is the place to mine if you’re looking for under-the-radar brands or which pair of trainers to buy before everyone else does. A wily bunch whatever their budget (in an industry of low-paid internships, it will surprise no one to hear that not all fashion assistants are created financially equal), they know their way around a resale site and there is no one better poised to tell you when the next designer sample sale might be taking place. So if you want to know what’s in style next season, don’t ask a fashion editor — ask their assistant.
Chi Muchauraya, 22
Editorial intern at the Sunday Times Style, from Stoke-on-Trent
Chi Muchauraya gets her nails done and wears Adidas Tokyo trainers
GREY HUTTON FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
What are you wearing?
The top is by Mango — it was £12 in the sale — and the skirt is from Hofmann Copenhagen via Vinted. I did hesitate with the colour combo but I’ve yet to master being the silent, mysterious type, so I may as well let my clothes be as loud as me for the day. My mum gave me some old Adidas Tokyo trainers before I started my internship so I’d have something nice to wear. I’ve always loved a hoop earring — recently I downsized a bit. Also, I’m not dressed without my nails being done.
What’s your style?
My friends would say that my vibe is classy streetwear. I like sports references too, such as a football or rugby shirt, styled in a way that’s not too obvious, like adding a little tweed. I tend to go for baggier clothing, which is a 180 from the supertight clothing I wore when I was 18. I think my style and my body have changed a lot in the past four years — when I left for uni I started from scratch. Since beginning this job my taste is changing again — it’s becoming more grown-up, perhaps a bit less colour. This is my first time in an office environment, so I’m still trying to figure out what to wear to work whilestill feeling like me.
Where do you shop?
I rarely go into actual shops — unless I’m desperate — and do most of my shopping on Vinted or Depop. Although it can be a hassle to look through, when I do find that one-off thing, I love it so much more and it’s usually way more affordable than buying new. A lot of what I buy is vintage brands that I’ve never even heard of and probably don’t exist any more, but that’s not intentional as most of the time I don’t check the label. But I feel like old stuff is made so well.
Most expensive thing you’ve bought?
When I moved to London I was broke, on a student budget. My mum gave me a pair of her old Ferragamo shoes, so those are the most expensive thing I own. I don’t know if this counts, but I paid £400 for a tattoo on my forearm that I consider a permanent fashion accessory and outfit enhancer.
Best style hack?
I love a good hack. Safety pins are the best creation on this planet. I have a couple of baggy shirts that I’ll pin in a certain way to change the styling, add a little ruching or give them a better fit. I’ve made a couple of things too, like a denim skirt out of four different pairs of jeans, and I knitted a little co-ord two-piece for my summer holiday — I learnt to knit specifically for that set.
Fashion inspiration?
New York in the Nineties was cool, and I get a lot of fashion inspo from old films and the TV show Pose (absolute fabulousness) really drives my coat obsession through the roof. Anything with Teyana Taylor in (I think music videos in general are such a great source). Of course The Devil Wears Prada. Both Hilary and Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (depending on what vibe I’m feeling). Also magazines are pretty much my go-to: I need at least two to three print issues a month and I will always find a gem in there. My mum has incredible taste too. She’d always be the belle of the ball in the primary- school playground. I’ve envied her shoe wardrobe ever since I was little. Now we’re finally the same size, but she has expensive taste and I’m a clumsy girl so I’m too scared of ruining them!
Fashion ick?
A performative chain necklace.
Moud Alkhemeiri, 28
Art direction assistant, from the UAE
Moud Alkhemeiri
GREY HUTTON FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
What are you wearing?
An Alaïa bodysuit top, Cos jeans and patent leather Saint Laurent boots, which are my go-to shoes. I don’t really believe in budgets — if I want to get something, I try to get it no matter what. I always carry two bags — a bag within a bag, for day and night. My main bag is the Margaux from The Row — it was actually a gift from my mother, who got tired of me stealing her bags. The small bag is always packed and ready (lip balm, hand sanitiser, mints, perfume — scent is very important to me — perhaps a hand cream, a mirror and my wallet and ID). The bigger bag holds my laptop, chargers, AirPods, hairbrush, snacks, electric fan and at least two pairs of sunglasses. I always carry a silk scarf, which I use to tie the handles of the two bags together, but it also doubles as a head cover if you’re having a bad hair day or even as a top, depending on the situation.
Where do you shop?
I don’t shop online. Ever. Reading a description just doesn’t do anything for me. I have days where I shop alone, but I also have a couple of friends who are designated for shopping. I thrift in small vintage shops in France and am always cautious to buy things that will last — my best finds were a pair of Nineties Mugler leather trousers and an unstructured Eighties Dolce blazer. I have a lovely seamstress in Marylebone who I run to every time I want to customise something to fit my needs. She recently turned an old pair of Levi’s jeans into Bermuda shorts.
How do you dress for work versus off-duty?
I’d rather be a bit overdressed than underdressed. Of course, it depends on the event and dress code — if I was working a couture show I would go for a tailored suit with sheer chiffon. I never wear flat shoes for work. A block-heel boot gives me stability and confidence — I get fewer noes and more yeses in a power shoe. I think the only time that I would wear a flat is when I’m on vacation or by the beach. I can’t do trainers, sorry. Though I’ve recently been tempted to try a flip-flop.
Fashion item you couldn’t live without?
I have some beautiful blazers that belonged to my father. They’re custom tailored to him and I would never get them altered, so they don’t fit me very well, but I just love looking at them. My wardrobe changes a lot between seasons, but one thing that always stays with me is my jewellery. One wrist is only gold jewellery, the other is all silver.
Lydiah Holder, 24
Design assistant, from London
Lydiah Holder
GREY HUTTON FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
What are you wearing?
The check two-piece is from Asos via Vinted. My style is quite modest so I love the silhouette of a puff sleeve and long A-line skirt in summer. The bodice is elasticated because I enjoy being comfortable and don’t want my clothes to be too restrictive. I like to be practical with shoes — these are from M&S. In my job you never know when you might have to run somewhere so an open-toe is out. My jewellery is mementos of milestones in my life. One ring was a graduation gift to myself that I bought from TK Maxx (a hidden gem for high-quality jewellery), another I got to commemorate my time volunteering in Morocco. This necklace is one of my favourites. It was gifted as a leaving present from my internship at Wales Bonner and all the beads were handmade in Ghana.
Where do you shop?
I could spend hours scrolling on Vestiaire and Vinted, hunting for pieces that I feel best reflect my personality. I’m quite petite, so I often find good knitwear that previous owners have shrunk in the wash by mistake.
Best styling hack?
I learnt to crochet during Covid and I made a tote bag to replace my uni backpack out of thick strips of old T-shirts instead of traditional yarn for a chunkier knit. I tailor a lot of clothes too, though sometimes I will use earrings or a brooch to cinch.
How do you dress up?
I always try to look elegant, and I go heavy on the jewellery to add a bit of sparkle. My main concern is outerwear — because I live a bit further out of London I’m always going home late, so I like to know I’m not going to be cold, but I feel most jackets ruin the aesthetic. My mum has a fur coat I often borrow.
Fashion inspiration?
I find great power in individuality. Having grown up being in a lot of spaces where I was the minority as the only black girl, I don’t like to conform. I stick with being me because that’s the only way I can be. I think I translate that through a lot of different aspects of my life, but when it comes to my wardrobe it’s about how something makes me feel.
Georgia Edwards, 24
Fashion assistant at 10 magazine, 10 Men and 10+, from the East Midlands
Georgia Edwards
GREY HUTTON FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
What are you wearing?
My uncle is [the fashion designer] Antonio Berardi and I’m lucky that my mum has so many archive pieces. The burgundy top is a vintage shirt from his 1995 collection and I love how unique it is — I’ve never seen anyone else wearing the same shirt.
These Zara jeans have been my go-to for ten years. I think denim is so universal you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get good quality. I get them tailored at the waist — it costs £15 at my local seamstress and it really elevates the high street level. I love to accessorise with something high end or vintage, like a silk scarf. I bought these Gucci slingbacks last year. They’re really easy to walk in and with this job you never know if you’re going for lunch or on set or meeting a photographer, so it’s always good to look like you’ve made a bit more effort.
Most expensive thing you’ve bought?
I saved up during the pandemic working as a takeaway delivery driver so I could buy my first Chanel bag — a 19 white leather chain wallet. It was a lot of stress and mileage, but it was worth it. Looking back, it was a mistake to choose white because it’s so stained, but all my uni bags were black so I wanted something different.
• Read more fashion advice and style inspiration from our experts
Where do you shop?
My mother’s closet. She has so many amazing vintage pieces, from Galliano to Prada. I love that everything has a story and a meaning behind it, which makes it so much more special to wear. We share everything — my mum, aunt and sisters. Even shoes because we’re all exactly the same size. I’m obsessed with sample sales too — that’s where I’ve bought all my most mega accessories. Most of them I hear about by word of mouth, but I also sign up to get alerts from the sample sale platform Arlettie. I was in the queue for the Prada sale at 6am.
Fashion inspiration?
My style icon is a mix of Hailey Bieber and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. My nonna [her Sicilian grandmother] always used to say, “Look your best, you never know who you’ll run into or where the day might take you,” and that’s something that has stuck with me. She had such timeless style. Even if she wasn’t leaving the house she’d still dress up in a classic twinset, a skirt and kitten heels, and she’d always finish the look with pearl earrings and a gold charm necklace she’d collected over the years. I get a lot of my inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram and old issues of Vogue Italia and Vogue France.
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