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Celebrity stylist Daniel Michelle always knew she wanted to work in fashion. She enjoys writing and thinks she will work at a fashion magazine writing about the brands and designers she loves. While interning, Michelle was brought out of the fashion closet to assist one of the magazine’s stylists on a photo shoot. The rest? Yes, that’s history.
“That shifted my vision from wanting to write about it to actually having a more tangible experience with it,” Michelle said. “At that moment, that’s when I thought, I want to become a stylist. That’s when I started moving.”
For the latest episode of Who Wore What With Hillary KerrMichelle sits down with Who What Wear editor-in-chief Kat Collings to discuss her transition from unpaid intern to styling the likes of Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, how she took charge new role as creative director of Joe’s Jeans, and more.
To see excerpts from their conversation, scroll below.
I’d love to hear a little about how you first became interested in fashion and how that led to your style.
I am an intern. I paid my fee. Actually, it was probably an unpaid internship.
I want to work in fashion. I really don’t care about design. That’s not my focus. It’s about appreciating fashion, recognizing fashion, writing about fashion.
I really want to think of fashion as an art form and I want to write about it. I like writing.
I thought what could be better than working at a magazine and I would write about fashion – that was my future.
When I interned there, I was the first one there, the last one there. Always ready to go. Up there. I think they realized that.
One day, one of the stylists came. I remember we were sitting in the closet. They said, “She. She’s coming with me.” I don’t know where I’m going. She took me with her to the studio. They are having their own editorial photo shoot.
I’m helping her. In that moment, I saw the live photo shoot taking place. I see her making these decisions and dressing the model.
I said, “This is the profession of dressing people, dressing people, being creative with clothes, using clothes as art?”
That shifted my vision from wanting to write about it to actually having a more tangible experience with it.
At that time, that’s when I thought, I want to become a stylist. That’s when I started moving.
I’m curious since spring has just begun—and summer will soon be here—are there any brands, pieces, or styles that you’re drawn to this season?
Back in the punk days, belts were everything.
My waist feels like it’s coming back. They’ve been back for a while, but the fact that there are belts that have such a presence, I’m excited about that. I also like that they created such a shape, don’t you?
For me and I know others, you always want to create that illusion—that hourglass figure—so the belt is something that can really pull it off.
During fashion week, I wear a lot of blazers and jackets with belts on top.
Not only am I comfortable, I don’t feel exposed, I don’t feel like I’m wearing tight clothes, but I also feel like I’m getting back in shape.
I think belts are an amazing finishing tool and a great shaping trick.
Khaite
Black leather Benny belt with silver studs
I love kitten heels. I went through a phase where all my shoes were kitten heels, and then I think we entered this whole ballet flat era, and I feel like kitten heels are about to happen. return. I hope it gets a little stronger, but I’m optimistic that it will come.
Oversized sunglasses are coming back, which is exciting because we’ve been in this small phase forever.
I think the big bags are coming. I mean, they’ve been around for a while, but I think it’s interesting.
Listen: It’s always a cycle, so never throw away anything you truly love.
Gucci
Square frame double G sunglasses
You were also announced as the creative director of Joe’s Jeans and I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve been approached for a role like this based on your taste and style perspective. Friend. I’m curious why Joe’s Jeans is right for you?
I had to do something that I was really inspired by and excited about, and on my shortlist—the five-year plan—becoming a creative director and vision manager was something I always really wanted make a brand.
On that short list is a denim company. If you told me like “Be Dani for Halloween,” it would be jeans and a cardigan or a blazer. That’s me, you know? Jeans are perfect for me. The jeans are perfect.
When Joe’s opportunity came, it felt right. It felt like it was a brand that was ready to evolve and create something new, and my vision was to really take the core pieces and simplify it. Get the perfect pieces.
My perfect t-shirt, tank top, button-down shirt, jacket, coat and leather jacket, along with the perfect pair of jeans.
We have a big announcement coming up about how the brand is evolving and I’m so excited and grateful to be a part of it.
Joe’s jeans
Daria tank
Joe’s jeans
Top Zia Button
Is there a particular Joe’s Jeans piece you’re coveting at the moment or something that would be great for spring?
The new jean we’re really working on is the Margot. Those are the best jeans.
It’s funny because in our office there were four people in this meeting. Everyone is different in size and everyone’s height is different.
We all wear these jeans and it looks good on everyone, which is very important to me.
This is not just a model put it in. These are real women, real bodies, different heights: 5’2″, 5’6″, 5’9″. You must be able to wear jeans and [have] it fits.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Next, let’s check our interview with Mandy Lee, aka @oldloserinbrooklyn.
