KIMMY RATICAN
A Conversation with Kimmy Ratican: Fashion Writer & Stylist
Kimmy Erin Ratican, an LA native, has a fresh take on fashion and steely eye for detail has been sought by stars such as Josh Kelley, Katherine Heigl, AnnaSophia Robb, Olivia Munn, and Lauren Conrad, to name a few. Kimmy has also spent time in New York City as an editor, focused on fashion, beauty and lifestyle for teens for Alloy.com, gURL.com and Teen.com. When she’s not styling starlets, musicians, brides-to-be, and industry VIPs, Kimmy currently contributes her fashion and beauty expertise to her own site as well as ThePleat.com, OnTheInsideMag.com, and The Hollywood Reporter. In September 2011, Kimmy Erin launched her own YouTube Channel in conjunction with Maker Studios where she shares weekly fashion tips and answers users questions.
Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe item
Kimmy: Sorry PETA, in advance, but my absolutely FAVORITE wardrobe item is my laser cut rabbit fur jacket from Sandro, a line from Paris. It's this sensational taupe color with bluish grey and red undertones, so it goes with everything. I was drawn to it immediately on my first day of shopping in Paris. I tried it on and knew I had to have it, but since it was my first day (of many) of shopping, I resisted the purchase to make absolutely sure that I wouldn't be dropping my wad so early in the game. Of course, the jacket sold, and it was a mad hunt and a visit to every Sandro in Paris before I begged the sales clerk in my broken French to do whatever it took to get me one. One magically appeared at 5pm the night before I left. When it's meant to be, it's really meant to be.
What's your most memorable 'panic moment'?
Kimmy: I'm a fabulous represser. But most of my panic moments have to do with shipping issues (ahem, FedEx, UPS, DHL) so I always have amazing back up's for everything.
How did you recover from it gracefully?
Kimmy: Dis the original option and make the back-up seem far superior. A glass of wine doesn't hurt either.
What is your favorite era for fashion?
Kimmy: There are elements of eras I love, but I don't know if there's one specific era that draws me. But I think it was the Dior/Chanel movements in the mid-50s that most move me. That masculine/feminine play is what drives my personal style.
What was your big break?
Kimmy: I've had so many awesome career moments! I think my first internship at 16 for WWD's Children's Business Magazine was the most inspiring and amazing break of my life and set the tone for what I wanted the rest of my life to look like.
Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Kimmy: Kit Scarbo's and Jen Rade's! They're ALWAYS so fabulously boyish and sexy. Also, Stacey Feldman, owner of Stacey Todd in LA. Just imagine what must be in there... Of course, I'd have to stop eating to fit in anything in any of their wardrobes.
Who are your favorite designers?
Kimmy: Couture collections from Dior, Chanel, Valentino and Elie Saab and pret a porter collections from Lanvin, Dries van Noten, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Derek Lam, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs.
Thanks Kimmy! To stay up to date on Kimmy, be sure to follow her on twitter @kimmyerin. Her website is KimmyErin.com, and her YouTube channel is MissKimmyErin.