MEET THE STYLIST: ERYKA CLAYTON

A Conversation with Fashion Editor and Creative Director, sales Eryka Clayton

Eryka Clayton has been successfully working in the Fashion industry since the mid-nineties as a fashion show director, editor, and stylist. Her career has taken her from New York to Miami, London, Paris and most recently to Los Angeles. As one of the original team behind Ego Magazine, Eryka was instrumental in creating its widespread following and critical recognition. Before long, new creative challenges beckoned and Eryka became a founding partner and Editor in Chief of Signature Magazine, a fashion forward lifestyle publication centered around the cultural hotbed of Los Angeles. There was no part of Signature that did not benefit from Erkya’s extensive skill set, as she produced photographic features for fashion and celebrity features and covers, picked out the hottest new style trends, all while expertly guiding and shaping the creative vision of the publication. After exceptional praise and working with some of the most talented creatives on both the East and West Coast of America, Eryka is once again looking at new creative horizons. Currently based in Los Angeles, she serves as the Editor and Fashion Director of The Collective Magazine, works with LA’s finest designers, styles LA Fashion Weekend and hunts perfect pieces for personal clients. Fun Fact: In her spare time, Eryka can be found in her pointe shoes, feeding her passion for ballet!

1) What is your favorite wardrobe item?

Eryka: My favorite wardrobe item is my perfectly broken in G-Star Jeans.

2) What is your most memorable "panic moment"?

Eryka: Most memorable ‘panic moment’ is being out at the Salten Sea for a one-day shoot for the Fall Fashion Issue of The Collective Magazine and getting locked out of our home base house on seemingly the hottest day of the year. The team consisted of a Photographer in from Rome, a 14 yr old model and her mother, Tony Duran’s latest male model discovery and the top Creative Director in Milan.

3) How did you recover from it gracefully?

Eryka: Graceful recovery? Ha! Three hours after arriving and one failed spiderman attempt by our male model, we finally got into the house because two locals broke us in. They claimed to know the owner and they did get “grandma’s” permission first. It was something out of a backwards horror film. Thank god we all got along and could laugh about it. Even though we were 3 hours behind, we got in, turned on the A/C and got the models into fittings, hair and make-up. The shoot ended up landing us the cover, so, no harm done.

4) What is your favorite fashion era?

Eryka: My favorite era in fashion would have to be the 1960’s. Who doesn’t love a revolution? From Mod to Chanel, every woman starting making a statement with fashion in the 1960’s.

5) What was your big break?

Eryka: My big break actually came while I was on a job as a model in NY for a fashion show. I was in awe of the show director and I had an ah-ha moment. I realized I wanted to be her “when I grew up”. So I asked her if I could shadow her for a while so I could learn about what she did. To my surprise, she said yes. I apprenticed with her for 4 years. She taught me how to find my voice with fashion, and to always say please and thank you no matter whom you’re talking to. A lesson every parent teaches but it may be the most important one.

6) Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Eryka: I would love to raid Keira Knightley’s wardrobe. She’s always graceful, sophisticated and just sexy enough.

7) Who are your favorite designers?

Eryka: How do I choose? Oscar De La Renta, Elie Saab, Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta, Hermès, Chloé, Christian Dior and Valentino.

You can follow Eryka on her website www.ErykaClayton.com or on twitter @ErykaC