AYANA RIVIÈRE,

Trinidadian Costume

Designer and Stylist

Style Observer (SO): What is your educational background in fashion or related fields?

Ayana Rivière (AR): Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice

SO: How did you become a celebrity stylist?

AR: I was tagging along on a shoot for Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire in Portland and brought some dresses I designed. The lead singer asked to wear a red ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ printed dress. Those images were featured in Rolling Stone. It was GO after that.

SO: What does a typical day working with a celebrity client look like?

AR: Depending on the client. Some are uber-professionals where the day can go according to the plans made with their team. Or the client is NOT and the day can be chaos and/or an adventure from start to finish. Either way, my goal stays the same, make the client look and feel like the stars they are.

SO: What’s caught your fancy on the bar cocktail menu?

AR: The Estate Daiquiri!

SO: Assistant costume designer JA on the Bob Marley: One Love movie, (amount other film credits), video director for Lila Iké, and both designer and stylist credits for the likes of Protoje, Popcaan, and Damian Marley… you’ve done a quite a lot. What has been your biggest accomplishment? And what’s on the horizon for Ayana?

AR: My biggest accomplishments have been longevity and bringing other creatives along for the ride. I look forward to widening my creative span. I’m always pushing to do something new.

SO: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

AR: I maintain a focus on comfort, visual appeal and timelessness.

SO: Who are your current style icons, and why?

AR: The people I love to see right now are Tems and Pedro Pascal.

SO: Were you able to style anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

AR: Anyone who is willing to pay for my services.

SO: What are your handbag essentials?

AR:I love a heart-shaped bag. My favourite would be my Coperni Heart Tote. And I love the JW Anderson Market Bag for every day.

SO: Name a few fashion staples that are guaranteed a spot in your wardrobe all year long?

AR: Japanese oversized denim, and all kinds of mesh.

SO: A vampy lip has become somewhat of a signature for you. What are some of your go-to lip products?

AR: Two that I ALWAYS have are Gucci Satin Lipstick in Crystal Black and Laneige Glowy Balm.

SO: And the secret to your flawless skin?

AR: Chemical exfoliation.

SO: What are your go-to stores or brands?

AR: Acne Studios, R13, Collina Strada, Aimé Leon Dore, J.W. Anderson

SO: A perfect day shopping includes…

AR: Strolling from store to store on a warm day, in a beautiful city, sipping a lavender boba tea and buying everything that catches my eye along the way.

SO:Which wardrobe items should one invest in, and which can they buy on a budget?

AR: Invest in bags, for sure. Everything else can be on a budget. With the right sensibility you can make low-end look expensive.

SO: Which celebrity closet do you wish you could raid?

AR: Rihanna, and A$AP Rocky’s while I’m there!

SO: Tiffany & Co or Cartier?

AR: Tiffany!

SO: Heels or flats?

AR: BOTH.

SO: What’s your go-to summer fragrance?

AR: Currently loving Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. It’s so good when layered with other scents too.

SO: What would Ayana say to her younger self?

AR: Always listen to your gut.

SO: Finally, what’s your philosophy?

AR: Live deliberately.

Estate Daiquiri, Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Rum, simple syrup, and lime juice. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Mixologist Sheldon Spencer pours a freshly made Estate Daiquiri for Ayana Rivière. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

A current fave? Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet.

Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick — 700 Crystal Black.

The Coperni Heart Tote is as charming as it is functional.

IYKYK. the neckcam spotlights Rivière’s signature Tiffany & Co Return To Tiffany Heart Tag Chain Link Choker.(Photo: Gavin Jones)

Shoecam: Prada Brushed Leather Mules (Photo: Gavin Jones)