Power dressing: Eliana in autumn’s must-have suit
Find yourself a suit that fits you perfectly, and it will never fail you.
THE MUSE
It’s all about making things really, really well, says
Eliana Gil Rodriguez. This mantra is consistent in everything she
does. In an Instagram-filtered world where everyone is a curator of
art, fashion and beauty – but few are really good at it – Eliana Gil
Rodriguez excels. The creative director/designer/model (you don’t
really have to be just one thing anymore, she reflects, and admits:
”It’s kind of stressful") is about to launch her own clothing
line, featuring, of course, very carefully curated pieces.
”There are so many clothes in the world, and it’s hard to find a hole
to fill [as a brand]. I just want to make things really well. There
are a lot of good ideas that aren’t executed very well.”
If it fits you well, a power suit will make you feel as powerful in ten years from now as it does today.
ELIANA GIL RODRIGUEZ
Execution runs like a thread through this season’s
H&M Premium Essentials, a capsule collection of wardrobe
must-haves designed to last a lifetime. We have photographed five
women who all are our muse of the season, each of them wearing an
essential piece we can’t live without in AW17. When it came to Eliana
Gil Rodriguez, the styling choice was easy. A high-quality power suit
for a modern style icon.
”A really good suit is timeless,” she says. ”If it fits you well, a power suit will make you feel as powerful in ten years from now as it does today.”
DO YOU WANT YOUR CLOTHES TO MAKE YOU FEEL A CERTAIN WAY?
”I think that living in Los Angeles has taught me how to dress in a
more cinematic way. The main character in your life is you. And how is
that person going to dress, to take on life’s challenges? Clothes can
really do that for you, put you in a place mentally that you weren’t
in before. I mean, who wouldn’t take you seriously in a power suit and
a red lip?”
SO HOW DO YOU MOSTLY WANT TO FEEL?
”I often see some kind
of ’80s power businesswoman in my mind. But I guess it’s mostly about
confidence. [My style] can be really kind and soft, but it’s never
about being meek or pretty. It’s about strength.”
HOW DOES BEAUTY PLAY INTO THAT?
”Throughout my life I’ve always
been a very natural girl, on the earthy side of things. I always think
people look their best without makeup or with very little makeup. I’m
still like that, but more and more, I am starting to embrace a ‘look’.
Maybe it’s the same weird businesswoman in me, now wanting this super
powerful, slick look? I like to play with subtle things, like a red
lip, or sleek, glossy hair.”
DO YOU HAVE A BEAUTY ROUTINE?
”I like to experiment with
products and find what works. But something that really works – and it
has nothing to do with products – is massaging your face. Anything
that boosts your circulation just makes you look alive and way better.”
”I think it’s important to not take [beauty] too seriously. Beauty
is an industry, with a lot of people that have a lot to gain. I think
the key to being at peace is to not participate in the constant
consumerism. To buy things that you actually need and that work for
you, instead of buying a ton of crap.”
Designing a suit is like solving a puzzle
DESIGNER CHATARINA FORSETH
THE SUIT
”Designing a suit is like solving a puzzle,”
says designer Chatarina Forseth. ”You build it from the inside,
perfecting the details.” She and the H&M team created the perfect
suit for AW17 (and for years to come!) – a straight, slightly boxy
silhouette with a subtly cropped and flared trouser.
”The straight cut is what makes it extra modern. We wanted the details to be classic – double-breasted, a welt pocket, a single vent. And even though we wanted the construction to feel well made, we didn’t want it to feel stiff. You should be comfortable in a good suit.” So how to style it? Simplicity is key, says Chatarina Forseth. ”Wear a simple shirt or a fine knit underneath and you’re good to go.”
In a series on this season’s Premium Essentials – wardrobe must-haves meant to last a lifetime – we have photographed five women who all are our muse of the season, each of them wearing an essential piece we can’t live without in AW17. Click here to see actress and screenwriter Coco Baudelle in this season’s dream coat and here for French model Camille Roche in the most perfect white shirt.
The suit Eliana is wearing is part of the Premium Essentials
Capsule collection, launching exclusively online October 5.
ELIANA GIL RODRIGUEZ
WHAT: Creative Director, model
WHERE: Los Angeles
INSTAGRAM: @elianagilrodriguez
THE TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHER: Alexandra Nataf | Bridge Artists
STYLIST: Ilona Hamer | Bridge Artists
HAIR: Conrad Dornan | Bridge Artists
MAKEUP: Chiho Omae | Frank Reps