MEET OUR MUSE: JENNY WALTON
September 5, 2019
For FW19, we hand-selected a group of inspiring and diverse "Muses" to share their unique take on personal style and our newest collection: Alchemy. Next up in the series, we caught up with Jenny Walton - digital darling, talented illustrator and leading Fashion Director at The Sartorialist (led by Jenny's fiancé, photographer Scott Schuman). In between balancing all of these roles with an Audrey Hepburn-esque grace, Jenny chatted with us about creative inspiration, old Hollywood and her best street style advice.
( For more - follow Jenny on Instagram @jennymwalton)
Q: As a New Yorker, originally from New Jersey, who frequently travels the world - where do you feel most at home? Where do you feel most inspired?
A: I feel most at home in New York. I've lived here for over ten years now and I like how comfortable the city makes me feel. I feel most inspired when I travel and then I come home and funnel all of that inspiration into something creative. Whether it be a design, an illustration, etc.
Q: Your authentic love of vintage makes you feel like such a kindred spirit to Lulu Frost. What is it about the past that captivates you? How do you try to capture that feeling and apply it to modern life?
A: Yes! We are so similar in so many ways! I think that's where my first attraction to the brand came from. I actually didn't realize that the first pair of Lulu Frost earrings I bought on Moda Operandi were made using vintage pieces and that the earrings were actually one-of-a-kind. But I usually prefer vintage or antique jewelry to modern so of course even when I think I've found something modern, it's actually re-worked vintage!
I don't know exactly what it is about the past that captivates me so. I do think age makes an item feel more special, I really like added patina. I also think there is a sort of vetting process that happens with antique or vintage things. If it's made it this far - if different people have preserved it for 10, 50, 100 years, there must be something special about it, right? So it's like it's already stood the test of time. I try to capture that feeling simply by looking out for and taking care of vintage pieces that I find that I love.
Q: Our FW19 'Alchemy' collection is all about transformation. With a wedding ahead and lots of exciting career prospects, what are you most looking forward to during this period of transformation in your own life?
A: I'm most looking forward to getting back into design. I love fashion illustration but to me it's more of a step in the process of designing something. That's when it's really exciting.
Q: From acting as Fashion Director of The Sartorialist to your illustrations and social media presence, you seem to have many creative outlets in a day. Where do you turn when you need fresh inspiration?
A: If I'm able to I try to travel. If I'm not able to, I try to take time to do some online research for inspiration. Whether that be Pinterest, Instagram or just the good old fashion web.
Q: How has your personal style transformed over the years and what are some of the major influences that sparked those changes?
A: For me, I'm very influenced by film so I think it's usually seeing an old movie for the first time and kind of falling in love with that character. That helps push my style forward.
Q: What are the elements of great street style to you? Is there a particular formula or approach you use when you know you're likely to be photographed on the street?
A: Scott likes to say that a good photograph has three components. It's a third the person, a third the setting and a third the light. So my advice would be to look good and stand on a pretty street in nice lighting and you should be good to go!
Q: Tell us about the jewelry pieces you wear everyday:
A: I always wear my vintage engagement ring from Pennisi in Milan of course (my favorite antique jewelry store). And lately I've also been wearing a good rotation of Lulu Frost (I love the cute elephant and rabbit charms as earrings) and I've also been wearing a vintage daisy bracelet that has been very inspiring to me.
Q: Have you always been drawn to jewelry? Or is it something that you've gravitated more towards in recent years?
A: I've always ALWAYS been drawn to jewelry but in a very simplistic way. I think you don't need much to make a great impact.
Q: Is there a style tip you'd share with us that's been passed down to you from your mother or grandmother?
A: I used to tease my mother for dressing all in the same color but now I do the same too! I would say my advice would be to not be afraid of color and to have fun shopping for not just silhouettes that work well for you but also for great color combinations.
Q: Complete the sentence: When I wear Lulu Frost I feel...
A: Unique, interesting and beautiful.
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