Introducing..

MAMAN'S STYLE INSIDER: SARAH STUART

With almost two decades of experience across television, editorial, campaigns and red carpets, Auckland-based stylist Sarah Stuart knows the power of a great outfit.

Get to know Sarah

Sarah Stuart is an Auckland-based fashion stylist with almost 20 years of experience working across television, editorial, commercial campaigns and red carpets. Her career has taken her from styling TVCs, television shows and magazine shoots to commercial campaigns and fashion events, both in New Zealand and overseas. She has also had the opportunity to attend Fashion Weeks in Paris, New York and London, along with being a NZFW ambassador over a number of years while collaborating with incredible creatives and brands along the way.

"What I love most about fashion is its ability to tell a story. The right outfit can completely shift how someone feels and how they show up in the world. After all these years, I still love that moment when someone puts something on and you can see their confidence change."

How would you describe your personal style?

I get asked this a lot and always struggle with this question because my style changes depending on my mood. My wardrobe definitely accommodates a few different versions of me!

I love referencing different eras of fashion and borrowing from history. For me an outfit always needs a point of interest for example: beautiful texture, an unexpected silhouette or something that makes you look twice.

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If we opened your wardrobe right now, what would we see far too much of?

Pieces with a story. A vintage find, a beautifully made jacket, an unusual fabric or something that feels like it has lived a life before it arrived in my wardrobe.

You’d definitely find an unreasonable number of coats, shoes and statement accessories. My wardrobe has never really understood the concept of “just the essentials”.

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What’s currently sitting at the top of your wish list?

The Vermont chocolate leather jacket is definitely on my wish list it’s one of those pieces that only gets better with age.

I’m also loving the Dionne crystal tort sunglasses by Luv Lou for a little drama, Anine Bing hugh jeans (the best butt lift in denim!), the Sand Tropical Scarf shirt from Farm Rio with its incredible graphic print, anything from Essentiel Antwerp ( especially the Jiwi shirt) and the Clare V pearl sardine necklace because every outfit needs a little unexpected detail….Actually the BA&SH Cisco Jacket in Brown is at the top of the list, I think of the dreamy 70s with this colour way.

Where do you look for inspiration when styling yourself or your clients?

Everywhere. Fashion Weeks and runway collections are always inspiring, but so are old films, costume design, art, interiors, travel and people watching.

I’m constantly absorbing details - a colour combination, a texture, an unexpected reference or the way different eras of fashion come back around. I think the best styling comes from curiosity and having an open mind.

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Where would be your dream styling or shopping trip location?

London will always have my heart. Having lived there, I love the way it brings together so many cultures, creativity and individual styles. It’s a city where history, subcultures, high fashion and personal expression all exist side by side - there’s always inspiration around every corner.

Tokyo is somewhere I’m desperate to experience - I honestly feel like I’m one of the only people in fashion who hasn’t made it there yet! I’m fascinated by the way Japanese fashion balances incredible craftsmanship with individuality, from traditional techniques to designers like Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake.

Paris will always be special too. Attending showrooms and Paris Fashion Week in 2024 was an incredible experience, and I love the effortlessly chic, the craftsmanship and fashion history that runs through the city.

What’s a trend you are loving right now?

I love how we are seeing a shift where people are dressing with personality, mixing vintage with designer, clashing textures, ignoring the “rules” leaning into maximalism, clever layering, unexpected print and colour combinations, texture, and using pieces in different ways. Fashion got a little too algorithmic for a while and so contemporary that there was zero personality.

The most stylish people are usually the ones who look like they’re having fun with fashion and dressing for themselves.

What’s your favourite way to discover new brands?

I love discovering brands organically - through travel, other creatives, fashion events, independent boutiques and those unexpected finds that send you down a rabbit hole.

Often a job or brief will lead me somewhere completely unexpected, introducing me to new brands, new connections and pieces I may never have discovered otherwise.