Premiering In 2019… An Expert View On Fashion Trends With Dreams’ Contributing Fashion Editor And The Owner Of GTD Image Consulting
By Heather Elkin | Clothing By Mark Zunino | Photography by Steve Ragland | MUA: Erica Bessinger
From luxury real estate to hot cars, Angelenos enjoy the finer things in life. And when it comes to designer fashion and street style, the City of Angels does not disappoint! There’s no shortage of places for retail therapy in our backyard fashion mecca. We can go posh on Rodeo, soak it all in at The Point, and get eclectic on Abbot Kinney. There’s something for everyone wanting to make a fashion statement!
Noteworthy style gets noticed and has the ability to make us react both physically and emotionally. Ever caught yourself rubbernecking a must-have-right-now piece? Getting lost in an Instagram post? Mouthing “OMG!” as you walk through a boutique? Let’s face it, we all have an acute appreciation for fashion… because clothes are the ultimate form of self-expression!
So, it only made sense for DREAMS to enlist Gayle Theodora Drake, the gold standard stylist for LA’s affluent, to pen a fashion column premiering in 2019. With a background in modeling, a booming image consulting business, and her lifetime lust for fashion, Gayle has become a trusted source for the fashion and wardrobe needs of high-profile women and men in the greater Los Angeles area. She will present her expert advice on high-fashion brands, designers to watch, style trends, where to shop, and more.
Get to know more about Gayle and her exceptional fashion sense in our introductory interview.
When did your love of fashion begin?
As a little girl who grew up with homemade and hand-me-down clothes, I spent every minute of every day admiring other people’s clothes and fantasizing over a closet I could only create in my dreams! I became addicted to fashion.
Who are your style icons?
Oh gosh! This list could go on for days, but I am particularly fond of Sophia Loren, Ann-Margret, Iman, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence and Gigi Hadid. And let’s not forget about the gents… James Dean, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Zac Efron are a few of my faves!
Describe your style in three words.
Evolving. Elegant. Emerging.
Where do you find style inspiration?
Absolutely everywhere! Fashion runways, Instagram, award shows, street style, blogs, movies, people watching, travel, and magazines.
Who are you following on Instagram?
Off the top of my head… Christine Andrew of Hello Fashion, Alexa Chung, Arielle Noa Charnas of Something Navy, Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific, Jamie Chung, Olivia Palermo, Vogue Styles, Streetstyle Daily, and Women’s Fashion Voyage.
Favorite designers for clothes?
Mark Zunino, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Balmain, and Valentino. Jewelry? Cartier, Coomi, Bulgari, and Lagos. Shoes? Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Aquazzura. Bags? Chanel, YSL, Hermès, Gucci, Valentino, and Stella McCarthy.
Best pieces to spend your money on?
Invest in classic, timeless pieces that are tried and true. And for a splurge… indulge yourself with at least one vintage item that captures your heart!
Best places for luxury consignment fashion?
Poshmark, TheRealReal, and local consignment shops.
Three must-have pieces for Spring 2019?
80s demin, a top or dress with feathers (I swoon!), and a feminine suit in a neutral color.
Best brands to mix with high fashion?
Topshop, Zara, Forever 21, and H&M.
Biker shorts: yay or nay?
Yay. I say ride the wave while it lasts, but don’t invest in the trend.
Kate Middleton or Megan Markle?
Kate’s style is classic and elegant, whereas Megan’s style is modern and bold. Both have great style sense, each in their own right!
Mini or maxi?
If you’ve got the legs, walk the walk and do the mini! Maxis look great on everyone… but, if you are petite, be sure to avoid horizontal patterns or oversized graphics.
Fashion or comfort?
I always go with fashion because you only live once! Save comfort for the comfort of your own home.
To learn more about Gayle Theodora Drake and GTD Image Consulting, visit: gayletheodoradrake.com, call: 310.612.8095, or follow her on Instagram: @gayletheodoradrake.
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