(Fashion) In this exclusive interview for Maison Ë, the 55-year-old mother of two reflects on her storied career, sharing insights into the dramatic changes she’s observed and the unforgettable moments that have defined her path. She unveils the inspirations behind her elegant personal style, from iconic fashion shows to unique experiences, including her enduring love of trench coats and her admiration for actress Lauren Hutton. Beyond the glamorous realm of fashion, Arabella now finds joy and fulfillment in the tranquil world of ceramics, where she channels her creativity into an entirely new medium and continues to inspire others with her passion and creativity.

MAison Ë Can you share more about your journey in the fashion industry, from your early days as a stylist and fashion editor?

Arabella greenhill I’ve had a long career, 35 years in fashion. Can you imagine when I started at Vogue in the 90s, we were still typing copy on typewriters with carbon paper and taking it to a carny office? It feels like a story from the dark ages. I’ve witnessed so much change; it has been an incredible journey.

M.Ë How did it all start?

A.G. My mom used to get us magazines every week when we were little. I must have been around eight, loving little horse magazines, and then I got into teenage magazines. The music magazine Smash Hits was absolutely the coolest. That’s when I decided I wanted to work in media. I wasn’t much of a writer, so I went to art school and did a foundation course at Wimbledon, thinking I would get a fashion textile degree. But while I was there, I got scouted to become a model. Instead of starting university—to the horror of my parents—I went off modeling. Obviously, traveling around the world was a lot more exciting than sitting at university.

In the late 80s, through modeling in all the major fashion capitals, I saw a whole load of new careers, opportunities, and lifestyles. I met photographers, assistants, and stylists. So many more jobs than I even knew about. In 1990, I moved to New York for four years, interning and assisting top stylists and photographers. I met incredible people, including supermodels like Christy Turlington. For me, it was the most amazing education and it really taught me an incredible work ethic. After returning to the UK, I worked at Vogue, Tatler, Marie Claire, InStyle, and Stylist magazine.

M.Ë How has your work as a stylist and fashion director changed over the years?

A.G. It has changed a lot.  I don’t really want to learn about digital and affiliates … I love being creative and creating beautiful things. That takes time. We used to fly to New York for a shoot, spend two days in the studio for an eight-page spread and experiment with clothes and styling. Now, everything is faster and more pre-planned. I prepare a detailed mood board for hair, makeup, and wardrobe, and we shoot 14 pages in a day.

But everything about the job changed. Street style has evolved. It used to be captured by a few iconic photographers like Bill Cunningham, but now there are more photographers outside than inside the shows. People often dress for street-style photo ops rather than for the shows. Initially, street style reflected personal style and creativity, blending high fashion with everyday pieces. Now it sometimes feels staged. The shift from being behind the camera to being in front of it has changed the fashion crowd. Magazines used to take priority in the front row, but now e-commerce and influencers have taken over. Editors were really important at one point, now they are third row. I feel incredibly lucky to have lived through those golden days. 

M.Ë What’s one of the most memorable projects or photoshoots you’ve worked on, one of your all-time favorite fashion moments?

A.G. I’ve had so many great moments, but one that stands out is a cover shoot with Lauren Hutton in 2017 in New York for Stylist magazine. They called me on a Friday and asked if I could go to New York on Monday to shoot Lauren Hutton. She was amazing to work with—such an iconic and incredible woman, and so much fun. The photos with photographer Pamela Hanson are still my favorites. For my 50th birthday, my friend Tom Gorman, the Photography Director at Stylist, got Pamela to give me a print of Lauren’s portrait, along with a birthday letter from Lauren herself. I was totally blown away. I framed it and keep it in my living room.

Attending fashion shows has given me many memorable experiences, especially the Alexander McQueen shows. The earliest McQueen show I attended was in 1994 when he was just starting out. One of the greatest shows was in 2004, inspired by the 1969 Sydney Pollack movie They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, featuring dancers instead of models. It was an iconic moment, as the crowd rose in a standing ovation. I can still hear the applause echoing through time. Visiting the McQueen exhibitions in New York and London brought back those memories, filling me with pride that I witnessed such great fashion moments. Many Chanel shows were also breathtaking, especially the unforgettable one where Karl Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais in Paris into a supermarket in 2014. A fancy one at that!

M.Ë How has your personal style evolved over the years, and what were some key experiences or influences that shaped it?

A.G. During fashion weeks, attending over 100 shows in 30 days, I had to find different outfits every day, really making my wardrobe work. I don’t have that life anymore. I’m 55 now, have children, and a global awareness of fashion consumption has influenced how I dress. As you get older, you become more confident in your style. Fabrics are important, and I’m happy with a timeless, classic look. For me, it’s all about the little tweaks, like how I wear my shirt—collar up or loose and open—that make it trendy for me.

M.Ë How do you balance following current trends with maintaining a signature style?

A.G. I want to look stylish, chic, and comfortable. I don’t want my clothes to overshadow me. You can have the same capsule wardrobe—cashmere sweaters, shirts, T-shirts, jeans—but it’s how you put it together and wear it that makes it modern and chic. The shape of the jeans, how tight they are, and their color make a difference. I prefer mid-blue or darker blue denim at my age because it looks more polished. I generally go for more muted color palettes, with my red hair being the pop of color. Since COVID, I haven’t worn heels. I’m much happier in flats.

M.Ë What is on your shopping list for autumn 2024?

A.G. I’ve built up a nice wardrobe over the years. So when I buy something now, which is very rare, I think, “Can I wear this 30 times?” I want quality, lasting fabrics that feel good. I love jeans from Citizens of Humanity and have a slight obsession with Ancient Greek Sandals. I probably have about 30 pairs in various styles. I love a sandal, even though I live in the wrong country for it. Some cute ballet flats from Gianvito Rossi or Chanel espadrilles are favorites as well.

M.Ë No-goes: is there anything you would never wear?

A.G. In fashion, I’ve learned to never say never. I’ve sworn off certain styles in the past, only for them to come back to bite me. But I’m quite sure that the days of wearing crop tops are probably over for me, and I doubt I’ll be wearing jeggings anytime soon. But trends always have a way of resurfacing with a new twist. I’ve seen many trends come and go, and sometimes my children ask if I still have certain clothes. I don’t feel the need to relive the 90s. I loved it the first time around.

M.Ë What do you wear when you are invited to a fashion show?

A.G. When attending a fashion show, especially as a guest, I think it’s courteous to carry a bag or accessory that complements the event. If you’re not wearing that brand, opt for something discreet and unbranded. For instance, if invited to a Dior show, I wouldn’t wear an Hermès bag. Instead, I might choose a bag from a small, independent Scandinavian label that doesn’t scream another competitive brand.

M.Ë What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the fashion industry and how did you overcome it?

A.G. A significant challenge happening right now is the decline of magazine readership. My children, for example, aren’t interested in reading print. They are 21 and 18 years old and don’t pick up a magazine or newspaper, even though I’ve obviously been trying to force them from a very early age. The industry is changing, and adapting to this shift is crucial.

M.Ë What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?

A.G. Explore all avenues of styling—e-commerce, editorials, music videos, films. Assist as many people as possible to learn how they work, style, collaborate with different teams, pack a suitcase, put a mood board together or even pin a pair of trousers. Work hard, as the hours are long. Build a network because the juniors you start with will grow with you. Be efficient, punctual, organized and have really good packing skills … And get physically strong enough to carry heavy suitcases!

M.Ë Who has significantly inspired your style and work?

A.G. Tiina Laakkonen at Vogue has been a huge inspiration and mentor. Her incredible chicness and extensive knowledge have greatly influenced me. When it comes to celebrities, I’m obsessed with Julianne Moore. She’s the one person I would love to shoot with, and then I could just retire. I think she’s the one who encouraged me to wear red. As a redhead, I always thought it was too much, but the shades she chooses are fabulous. If Julianne can wear red, I can wear red. However, most of my inspiration comes from museums, galleries, photo exhibitions and art books.

M.Ë How do you balance practicality and style, especially in a city like London with its unpredictable weather?

A.G. I start my outfits by choosing the shoes based on the weather and my schedule for the day. From there, I build the rest up.

M.Ë You are known to always wear a scarf. Is there a story behind this signature accessory?

A.G. I think it started when I lived in New York with the air conditioning. I really hate feeling cold, and when you’re sitting at your desk all day, it was comforting to have something you could easily chuck in your bag, pull out and feel warm. It’s kind of like a security blanket. I have three of those cashmere scarves from the Stephen Sprouse x Louis Vuitton collaboration. They are huge and have leopard prints. They accompany me on every plane trip.

M.Ë Love for trench coats: what fascinates you about this piece of clothing and how do you incorporate it into your daily outfits?

A.G. Jeans and trench coats are staples in my wardrobe. A trench coat instantly elevates an outfit, even if it’s just jeans and a T-shirt. It offers versatility, whether belted, unbelted, or layered over different pieces. There are so many ways to style them, making them essential.

M.Ë What is the trendiest trench coat shape at the moment?

A.G. Right now, I love a very straight and oversized trench from Jigsaw. My old Burberry trench is more fitted and also a favorite. The shape depends on what you’re wearing underneath. There’s one on my wish list from The Row that I adore.

M.Ë How do you see the future of fashion evolving?

A.G. Predicting the future is tough. Who knew that COVID would hit and literally change everything … I just know that clay is my calling now.

M.Ë Pottery Design: can you tell us about your current work as a pottery designer and how your creativity is expressed in this new area?

A.G. I’m very passionate about ceramics. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a new pursuit that brings me peace and fulfillment. I love the tranquility of working with ceramics and the freedom to bring my vision to life on my terms. The textures, forms and colors, and the process of putting it all together resonate deeply with me. Everything I’ve learned over my 35 years in fashion, all the skills as a stylist, translates into my ceramics. I truly enjoy the process of reinventing myself and learning anew.
I’m currently enrolled in a two-year ceramics diploma course at City Lit, and it’s incredibly interesting. We are not only learning the craft but also delving into the history of ceramics, contemporary ceramicists and the history of art and its influences. My peers are a diverse group of women, ranging in age from 27 to nearly 70, all united by a love of clay and creativity. There are only 17 of us, with backgrounds in fashion, publishing, printmaking and IT. It is great fun!

M.Ë Do you see yourself moving away from fashion completely into pottery?

A.G. I’ll always love fashion and magazines, but for now, my focus has shifted. I’ve swapped my Vogue subscription for Ceramic Review.