Elizabeth Saltzman
For New York-born, London-based stylist to the stars Elizabeth Saltzman, success means making her clients feel confident and relaxed on the red carpet rather than getting on a best-dressed list, although they regularly do. Elizabeth’s sharp fashion sense, laser eye for detail and congenial attitude have won over celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Saoirse Ronan, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer and Uma Thurman, who rely on her not only to look but also to feel their best. What makes Elizabeth stand out as a stylist is her focus on authenticity and storytelling, the later a testament to her thirty years work experience in magazines. Starting at US Vogue in the 1980s where she worked as a fashion editor, she joined Vanity Fair in 1994 becoming the magazine’s fashion director a year later and where she still serves as a contributing editor. And that’s not all, Elizabeth has also been styling fashion shows for designers like Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Prada, as well as working on advertising campaigns for brand like Jimmy Choo, Goop, Wella Professionals, and Hugo Boss. We recently caught up with Elizabeth to ask her about and her style icons, her habit for gifting trees and her lockdown experience.
Who is your style icon?
I have many icons, but if I could put them all in a blender and mix it up, the result would include Diana Ross, Jackie Kennedy, Sammy Davis Jr., Angela Davis, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin, just to name a few. My preferred time of icons is between the 60’s and 70’s.
Item of clothing/accessory that you won’t part with?
Pre-Covid my go-to was a black velvet suit by Bella Freud or Tom Ford, worn with a white satin shirt by G. Label. I tend to buy less but excellent quality, so I wear my clothes for years on end as I am not a fan of waste. Post-Covid is less formal and much easier; I spent lockdown and the last few months at the beach, away from my normal ‘things’ and I am finding it pretty refreshing not having lots of material possessions. Though I am not going to lie, I still hunger for beautiful quality pieces.
Staples that you can't live without?
Fragrance and more fragrance! I care about fragrance more than anything else. I think it is animal instinct when you recognise someone by their smell. I have been wearing the same fragrance Fracas since I was 13, my mother introduced me to it. I have added in a mix of oils from Kai and Jo Malone. In terms of staple clothing it would have to be my Roger Vivier Trekky Viv sandals that I have been wearing non-stop, and also my Zeus+Dione Aronia bag, which is the only one I brought with me when I travelled to the US during lockdown.
Your go-to routine for wellbeing?
I go for wonderfully long walks in the morning, hours before anyone in my house is even up. I am also a big fan of jumping into the Atlantic Ocean, no matter how cold or how stormy it is, and let me tell you, it was cold in March! The ocean does wonders for the body and soul. I used to go skinny-dipping in the morning, but sadly none of that for me anymore!
Morning beauty routine?
My day always starts with a cold shower. No matter where I am—the beach or the city—I have an ice cold, energising shower. I am fortunate to have friends in the beauty industry who have gifted me some extraordinary products, so after my shower, I apply luxurious creams that have made their way onto my bathroom shelves. I am terrible at beauty routines, so it takes a fabulous friend like Dr Costas Papageorgiou to tell me what I need to do and by his name I guess you can tell he is Greek! I am very grateful for all the products that get sent to me like 111Skin, Augustinus Bader or Dr. Barbara Strum. Though the thing I care most about is body brushing and teeth flossing!
Where are you dreaming of traveling to?
For sure it is back to Maui - but let’s be clear, it is the local side not the tourist side. I have been going there for almost 25 years. Dreaming of places further afar, it would be Papua New Guinea, Ghana and the Philippines to see friends and discover the culture.
Favourite place on earth?
In the waves, in the ocean! My favourite spots are Baby Beach in Maui, Saline Beach in St Barths and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica. I am open to other suggestions, no jelly fish please… Someone get me to Greece and show me all the good spots!
Favourite restaurant anywhere?
It would have to be the River Café in Hammersmith, London. I have known Ruthie Rogers forever and she never disappoints.
Best part of the Covid lockdown?
The best part of lockdown has to be spending time with my children, my mom and our extended family. I have also had the luxury of going to bed early and doing lots of reading - two activities that I had much less time for pre-pandemic.
Favourite place on earth?
In the waves, in the ocean! My favourite spots are Baby Beach in Maui, Saline Beach in St Barths and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica. I am open to other suggestions, no jelly fish please… Someone get me to Greece and show me all the good spots!
Favourite restaurant anywhere?
It would have to be the River Café in Hammersmith, London. I have known Ruthie Rogers forever and she never disappoints.
Best part of the Covid lockdown?
The best part of lockdown has to be spending time with my children, my mom and our extended family. I have also had the luxury of going to bed early and doing lots of reading - two activities that I had much less time for pre-pandemic.
Last book you read?
At the moment, I am currently educating myself reading all of James Baldwin’s books, starting with The Fire Next Time.
Your favourite book?
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy which was my favourite Christmas gift. The illustrations are beautiful, the message is pure, and it works for all ages, from 5 to 105, which is why I give it as a gift to everyone.
Most prized possession?
It would have to be my father’s signet pinky ring; all throughout my childhood I would play with the ring and I even taped it on his finger when he was ill, as I never wanted him to lose it. When he passed away I received a letter addressed to me with the ring inside.
