To follow Laurie Trott’s career in fashion is to understand how a talented individual can gracefully navigate the ebbs and flows of the ever-changing media industry with grace, and of course, plenty of style.
Beginning as an assistant to one of the world’s best known stylists, to directing the photo shoots for Elle Girl, Elle and Lucky Magazines, Trott has honed her eye and keen sense for editing on various sets for glossy books, and currently brings a high fashion editorial filter to the on screen lifestyle setting of Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, Goop.
Trott styles the product put out by Goop, plus all of the site’s editorial stories and shoots. And though Paltrow is indeed known for her impeccable taste, it’s the stylist’s understated and timeless chic aesthetic that urges you to want to wear just about everything that pops up on the page.
When it comes to jewelry, she appreciates craftsmanship above all else (as evidenced in this braided gold Bulgari cuff she is coveting) and prefers the same minimal vibe seen in her choice of clothing.
Bulgari Cuff Bangle in 18k
Whether a dramatic cuff or statement earring, Trott treats jewelry as a true punctuation, with a bit of edge and plenty of cool personality.
Here, she recounts the rise of her editorial career and advises us on how to style jewelry like a true fashion insider.
What drew you to fashion and to making it your career?
For as long as I can remember, I loved the idea of dressing up and creating characters through clothes. Strangely, though, I never played dress up with dolls. From the time I was very young, I was also mesmerized by fashion magazines and the editorial spreads. I saved all of them. I didn’t really understand what a fashion editor did, up until the time I finished college, but I was obsessed with fashion and fashion magazines and telling stories through clothes.
My first job was as a marketing assistant at Prada, which was a really small company back then. I was lucky because I got to see how closely the public relations department worked with magazine editors and I knew that I absolutely must do what those editors were doing.
What would you consider your “big break” and what do you consider your career defining moment thus far?
I don’t think there has been one career defining moment, but it’s been a steady build throughout the years. I guess my big ‘break’ was when I landed a job as Alex White’s assistant at W Magazine. Before that, I used to look at her fashion editorials and think, ‘I want to work for this stylist’. Being at W Magazine exposed me to a big part of the industry and opened a lot of doors.
How do you describe your personal style?
It’s very tomboy, with a ruffle or bit of lace here and there. Old Levis, a chunky knit and sneakers, for when I don’t have to dress up. Right now I can’t stop wearing these gold Gucci loafer slides I bought recently. They go with absolutely everything. I noticed Alessandro Michele (Gucci creative director) and I have an affinity for the same go-to outfit: fisherman sweater and slouchy jeans.
What trends are you especially excited about for spring and summer?
I am really excited about the idea of freestyle mix and match earrings. A big one here, a stud there. Suddenly a set seems so cliche. I also really like that it takes the possibility of jewelry being fussy and too formal and knocks it down so it makes sense with jeans and a t shirt.
For actual fashion, I’m looking forward to what’s coming in on Goop: tailored shorts and summery knit tops from Rosetta Getty. I’m also really looking forward to all these tops and dresses with bits of lace.
Photo: @laurietrott
Have you always had an affinity for jewelry? What is your aesthetic when it comes to jewelry?
I’ve always loved jewelry but I rarely wear it. When I do wear a big piece, it would be a dramatic earring or cuff. I appreciate jewelry for the craftsmanship and the amount of work that goes into the back story (the concept) and the idea of finding an amazing stone and working around it. On the flip side, when it comes to adorning myself, I love minimalist jewelry. A big sleek hoop or thick gold band.
What are a few of your favorite pieces or the one piece you especially covet and why?
Right now, there is a big gold chain link necklace from Bulgari, circa 1960, that I’m obsessed with. And this [Bulgari braided gold] cuff bracelet. I also love a perfect emerald cut diamond. That’s what I’d love to have in my jewelry box.
Who are your favorite jewelry designers?
JAR and Cartier for those absolutely over the top pieces. Classic Bulgari gold chains and rings. My friend Liv Ballard, who creates these amazing baller pieces that have so much thought behind them. I’m also really into what Charlotte Chesnais and Sophie Buhai have been doing which are these minimalist, modern shapes that feel so effortless.
What is your approach to buying or selecting jewelry? Do you love a certain stone, era or feeling?
Most of it finds me, really. I gravitate towards small simple pieces, like a signet ring or a single diamond on a chain. It’s less an era or stone, more about how it feels when I put it on. If I can’t feel that it’s there but it makes everything look better, then I know it’s right.
