My Métier Profile Series with Fashion Director, Liz McClean

What do you do and why is it your passion?

I am the Fashion Director for So It Goes magazine and a stylist. I love collaborating with a bunch of talented weirdos and creating stories with them.

What is the process for creating your work? 

A lot of day dreaming that then leads up to photo shoots with friends. 

How do you get inspired?

Paying attention to everything and just staying curious.

How did you get started in your career? What has been your journey to finding your own place and stamp on your industry?

I was studying fashion design in NYC and was scouted by a modeling agency. On the first shoot I was on a woman arrived with clothes and said she was the stylist. I did not know that was a career. I soon realized I did not enjoy modeling and focused on fashion design. A photo major came up to me one day and asked if I would be in her final project. I agreed but asked if I could style myself. At the end of the shoot she said she knew a stylist who was looking for an assistant. This stylist hired me and the first shoot we did was with the late great Richard Avedon. I decided that day that styling and working as a fashion editor was what I wanted to do. 

How often are you travelling? What routine or tricks have you created for being on the road so often?

I travel for work quite frequently. I am always trying to be the most efficient luggage packer I can be. I usually fall short. Your bag is going to help me realize my dream of being like George Clooney in Up In The Air during the luggage packing scene.

What is your favorite thing about traveling? 

Everything. The people, food, architecture, culture, languages, arts….it’s all usually really inspiring. Sometimes it can be annoying. More often than not, it’s completely fascinating.

What does luxury mean to you?

Things that last. Can be love, friendship, a great photograph, a bag you have forever.

What are the things we will always find inside your bag (the non-obvious please!)

2-3 Juul’s because I lose or misplace them constantly. Need a lot of back-up. Wallet, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, mints, oils, whatever book I am reading, rose quartz crystal, Palo Santo, keys, sometimes my tarot deck. Just the typical stuff.