Alicia Lawhon

Alicia Lawhon is a fashion designer (Reclaimed in LA) and stylist who lives and works in Los angeles. She is one of the most creative people I've ever met.
 

Describe personal style
Present, relaxed, & indulgent.


Who are your favorite designers?
Dries Van Noten
YSL for shoes
Fendi for handbags
I love Brunello Cucinelli's work ethic as he produces locally in Italy where he's from, and in turn gives back to his community.


Style Icons:
Joan Ashby (Hal Ashby’s wife) - we became close friends in the 90's. She had a way about her that was simultaneously effortless and stunning, earthy and elegant, with scarlet nails and lips and a platinum bob. She was a force!
Nick Cave. We dated in the early 80’s. He has a uniform that works.
Patti Smith



Are there any key pieces you find yourself wearing constantly?
Yes. The new chiffon Reclaimed in LA tees
My Gray Ant high waisted skinny jeans.
YSL blks heels.
Chanel Blk classic ballet flats.
Small Fendi with long strap handbag.
Leather & wood clutch by Munoz Vrandecic
Melissa Joy Manning ring, that I wear with another gold band with a carat in the center.
Beth Orduna wedding ring.
And my new favorite: My Zoe Crosher ring. It is the first jewelry piece this talented photographer has made. Its raw, and beautiful. White magic at it best!


What is your most recent purchase?
A vintage sliver jacket. I am a magnet of all shinny things.



Do you have any stories about amazing deals you've gotten on awesome pieces?
Yes! I recently purchased a Bottega Veneta bag for $4 & a ysl 70’s tux for $20 that I reclaimed for my friend Simon Storey. And for my husband, I found a butter like Giorgio Armani leather jacket in a pale gray for $5. Just amazing.


Do you keep your old clothes or do you keep your closet small and organized?
I have more than others and less than some, holding onto key designer pieces, especially pieces that flatter me. I must have over 50 dresses by Tree! Plus a small archival Alicia Lawhon collection. Letting go of a Helmut Lang sheer top I bought in the 90’s when Helmut was still designing is something I cannot seem to do - I get sentimental. If I don’t wear it. I promise to pass it on. And yes. It is organized.



Can you give us smart shopping advice?
When shopping in LA, hit Church on Santa Monica Blvd. Epic in Echo Park. Barneys NY. & Opening Ceremony
Shop with a list. Shop with purpose.
Bring cash.
Make sure you organize, color-code & inventory your closet and add or replace. Do not duplicate what you already have - we have a habit of purchasing the same items over and over.
Classic is always best.
Keep in step with items that flatter you, not trends. This seasons wide leg pants are not ideal for small- curvy ones. A great solution is to have a narrow thigh, and have the fullness on the bottom pant leg and couple it with high heels. Brights are not for everyone. But we can accent, with, say, a bright lipstick, Fuchsia shoes, handbags, belts. Pink is a very important color this season, perhaps a good sign that the economy is getting better? Throughout history pink has been the key color that opens the door. And last but most importantly, please stick to personal style.



Which beauty products do you recommend?
Dr. Bronner’s magic peppermint shampoo
Aveda damage remedy conditioner
Dr. Hauschka toned day cream
All Persephenie products. Love the custom scented oils and Nanu Lei bath salts
Desert Essence Jojoba oil
Hugo Naturals lotion
Chanel lipstick


5 things you can’t live without:
Art, Music, Love, Nature, and my Stella McCartney sunglasses.