MEET THE STYLIST: SETH HOWARD
A Conversation with Stylist Seth Howard
Raised in rural Kentucky, Seth graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Fashion Design. His formal education in design contributes greatly to his keen sense of detail. He has enjoyed full-time positions with Men's Vogue, Out Magazine, Gilt Groupe, and Esquire. Seth's work can be found in many other publications around the globe including Marie Claire, Nylon, People, Surface, and CLIENT just to name a few. He pioneered the landscape of editorial and commerce with his involvement as Style Editor in the successful launch of Gilt Man, and later under the same title for a joint venture, CLAD, between Esquire magazine and JC Penney. He also was a consultant for Harper's Bazaar on the 2012 launch of their e-commerce experience, The Bazaar. Seth's clients cover the spectrum, ranging from e-commerce brands to celebrity dressing to editorial clients, and everything in between.
SS: What is your favorite wardrobe item?
Seth: One of my favorite items is a simple, navy blue cardigan. It belonged to my grandfather, although I'm not sure he actually ever wore it. It's old, and made of scratchy wool, but it's a staple during the winter months.
SS: What is your most memorable 'panic moment'?
Seth: Being in Paris for a Louis Vuitton editorial shoot when we realized no one had bothered to secure a venue.
SS: How did you recover from it gracefully?
Seth: I called a friend in NYC who worked for Moet, who was amazing and got us into their private chateau in Champagne.
SS: What is your favorite fashion era?
Seth: I don't really have a specific era - although the costumes of Elizabethan England were quite remarkable. Overall, I appreciate the eras when dressing was an event, and when people took more time and pride in putting themselves together.
SS: What was your 'big break'?
Seth: Have I had one? I'm not sure I've ever had a moment where I've thought to myself, "Ok, I've arrived." I'm just always looking at what's next and what I can do to learn something new and have a new experience that will contribute to my career. However, my first show for New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center was a pretty big moment.
SS: Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Seth: Sarah Jessica Parker. I wouldn't raid it, but I'd just like to get lost in it for an hour or two.
SS: Who are your favorite designers?
Seth: I really love Tomas Maier - both his personal work and the work he does for Bottega Veneta. Brunello Cucinelli is also another favorite for me. And I think what Bernardo Rojo is doing at Joseph Abboud is pretty great.
You can follow Seth on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with him and his stylish endeavors.