PARKA Talk: Stylist Toni Caroline

We met up with Toni Caroline, a London based stylist and art director whose clients include Paul Smith, Jack Wills, Wonderland and of course Parka London.

We met Toni in her North London home and work studio, a big old mill building with large windows. Her flat is just above an art gallery- you can tell you're at a creative's house. Toni started her career as a Creative Assistant but soon ended up styling in-house for fashion brands. Now working freelance her diary gets filled up with everything from editorials to lookbook shoots.

Where did you grow up, always lived in a big city?

I grew up in a tiny village in Devon, but always knew that I'd end up in a big city. After college I moved to Southampton to study fashion journalism before graduating and coming to London!

Did you always know you wanted to become a stylist?

It happened pretty organically - I actually wanted to write, but I also used to run a personal style blog and in the end, the styling took over the writing!

What would you say is the best part of your job?

The best part of being a stylist is that I get to meet and work with so many amazing people from all around the world - I'm meeting new people every week and no work day is ever the same! Fashion and the industry is always changing.

How do you find the fashion scene in London, must be a great place to works as a stylist?

London is an amazing place to work when you're in a creative field. There are so many incredible, talented designers, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and models here... It truly is a magical city.

London all the way or would you consider moving to work somewhere else?

I would love to work in New York for a while; I've never actually been but I hear its very fast paced and work-oriented.... sounds perfect for a work-a-holic!

Do you usually work with a specific aesthetic in mind when styling or do you treat each project differently?

It really depends on the brief or client but my main rule that I try to stick to is to keep things simple. I don't like over complicated shapes or silhouettes so believe that the majority of the time less really is more!

Being a stylist- does this mean you usually plan your own outfits in advance or is your life completely separate to your job?

I wish I was one of those people who planned my outfits the night before! I actually find dressing myself a lot harder than dressing other people; at first, I thought this strange, but then perhaps it's because I can emotionally detach myself from the clothing when working. Believe it or not, my job isn't the most glamorous... I spend lots of time running around London with bags full of clothing or on my knees tying shoelaces, so I have to dress practically. This will usually involve a pair of high waisted jeans worn with a belt, a t-shirt and a pair of Dr Martens or trainers.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I'm not working I enjoy cooking, drinking, watching films and exploring new cities.

Your favourite London spot?

Clissold Park in the summer or Original Sin for a cosy cocktail in the winter.

What do you think we should think about dressing for autumn/ winter 2017?

I'm really into the "midi-skirt and sweater" look at the moment, and I think Seventies vibes are always a good idea! I love roll necks and high waistlines as I find them both super cool and flattering.

Your favourite Parka London item this season and why?

My favourite Parka this season is definitely the Lola duster coat; I love the length and it just hangs so beautifully! I also think the Isabel faux fur coat in Midnight blue is really fun and such a lovely colour.

Toni styled our latest AW17 lookbook and you can check out all of her work @www.tonicaroline.co.uk