Exclusive Interview with Elysze Held: One-of-a-kind Fashion Expert
Profile: Legendary Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant. Expert in Designer Appearances, Editorials & Trunk Shows. Heralded as “Miami’s Own Fashion Expert”
MFS MAGAZINE: As the founder of “Style Out of The City,” you have worked in many aspects of our fashion industry, including personal styling, image consulting, closet editing, editorials, designer appearances, trunk shows, red carpets (our favorite), and even weddings. You have also been referred to by The Ritz Carlton Hotels as the “Couture Concierge” and the “Wardrobe Curator” by renowned Interior Designers. What are you most proud of? What has stood out the most in your career?
Elysze Held: I am the epitome of the saying “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!” In my career, I have always been hyper-focused on the job at hand, whether it be styling a fashion editorial; shopping for, and then fitting a client; building a trousseau for a bride; preparing for a celebrity press junket; pulling looks for an On-Camera television personality or producing a fashion show (NYFW). It is all in my job, using the same principle of having a Great Work Ethic. Having a solid work ethic is like having Style: you either have it or you don’t! I have “been there, done that, and I am still doing it” because of this.
MFS: You were named “Miami’s #1 Stylist” by the Miami Modern Luxury Magazine Reader’s Poll in 2016 and have amassed impressive fashion expertise in our glamorous city. Every time we see you, you are involved in very important projects with very influential people. How has your leadership in this industry evolved in the past couple of years?
EH: I am involved in our community, and have gravitated to even more philanthropic endeavors in the community: how can I help? I have donated a few gift certificates of “A Day with Stylist Elysze Held, Shopping, or re-doing your Closet,” to a few key charitable organizations’ Silent Auctions in Miami, i.e., Kristi House; Chapman; Miami City Ballet. I am on the Advisory Board of Miami Symphony Orchestra, and I am a member of Bass Museum, where I was chosen as one of the judges this year for their renowned “Night at The Museum”. I am also involved with the Selfless Love Foundation of Palm Beach, an extraordinary organization that raises funds for foster care and adoptions. Giving back moves us all forward!
MFS: Tell us about the process when a client requests a changeover or new style. How do you assist them in achieving this goal without losing yourself in the process?
EH: I am first and foremost a Style Consultant. I had never worked as a salesperson in the industry, unlike many (or all) of the stylists today—I listen to the client–what do you need? How do you see yourself? Better yet, how do you want to see yourself? I approach the client with what is best for them, not what I have to show them!
Expert Advices
MFS: Is there a memorable event that changed your perspective of style and fashion grandeur?
EH: I have thousands of stories… and actually no negative experiences, so I must be doing something right! (laughing).
MFS: You must have an incredible sense of female power to promote self-improvement among women with such great success, and so many aspiring talents look up to you for inspiration. How gratifying is it to be able to help women feel empowered and fearless by improving their style?
EH: I Love it! Changing the way, they look at themselves, and then when that happens, it changes the way they look at the world. I truly love working with private clients the best—and BTW: I have quite a few male clients also.
MFS: We love and adore every outfit you post on Instagram. Your style is flawless, and you wear everything with such confidence. What advice do you have for women who want to maintain their confidence in an industry that is so focused on appearances?
EH: Flatter Your Fabulous! That’s my advice -wear what looks best on you, not what is trendy or what the next person has. But I always stress Comfort–make sure you can BREATHE in your clothes–especially for your “Red Carpets Moments”. If you have to wear a Spanx, then that is not the right piece for you–especially if it is a custom evening. Dance! When I lecture or give a talk on fashion, people always ask: “What are the Ten Rules in Fashion To Follow.” I always respond: “Your ten rules are different from the ten rules of the person sitting next to you!” Pay attention to your own body and your level of style and comfort.
Her Passion for Wearing Black
MFS: As a style icon in South Florida, how do you translate your love of fashion on the red carpet?
EH: I love to dress well, and I much prefer to be overdressed than underdressed.
MFS: What has been your favorite fashion risk ever?
EH: I was one of “10 Miami people chosen by Miami Design District” in 2018 to participate in their Fall advertising campaign. The production company booked for it had brought pieces from the local stores. I brought My Own and wore my white feathered Ungaro Couture coat and trademark Celine oversized sunglasses with a pair of custom Silvia Tcherassi flared black pants. The shoot was in Miami Design District at literally 95 degrees, but I stayed focused and when the photographer said he wanted “move movement” I cut my pants on the sides so they would fan out—the rest is history, I was chosen as the kick-off to the campaign, and was featured in full-page advertisements in Cultured Magazine, Vogue, Modern Luxury and on billboards on I-95 and the corner of 40th in MDD!
MFS: We see you love wearing black. Tell us the story behind your passion for wearing black.
EH: I started in the theatre industry. I was a costuming student and a dresser at San Francisco Conservatory Theater–we all wore black. For me, it is a practical choice— but I will say that when I am with my dear pal Iris Apfel, I do add a bit of color, only in accessories!
MFS: What do you wear when you are not working?
EH: Black! Wearing black is just how I do it. it’s not simply a “work choice,” I like what I like, no question and, I focus on my colorful personality, lol!
Fashion Icons, Inspirations and Empowerment
MFS: You are a fashion icon for many women that will happily trade wardrove with you. Is there anyone you would trade clothes with?
EH: But remember what looks great on me is my personal style, so it might not work for anyone else!
MFS: Is there anyone in the industry who also inspires you?
EH: In my industry, Iris Apfel, Ken Downing, and Grace Coddington inspire me.
MFS: As our ‘Miami’s fashion expert,’ who has dressed CEOs, supermodels, celebrities, and socialites, what is next for “Style Out of The City “?
EH: Next? Well, again… been there… done that—and the best part? Still Doin’ it!!
MFS: This issue is about “Women Empowerment,” what makes Elysze Held feel empowered?
EH: I feel empowered when I am at my best—whether it would be with family, friends, clients, or colleagues. In this era of egos in the world, being gracious is the most empowering!
More information about Elysze Held, please visit: Styleoutofthecity.com
