An interview with Louise Roe: A girl with amazing style

British-born Louise Roe started out her career presenting BBC’s documentary Addicted to Boob Jobs and long-standing style series The Clothes Show, before moving to LA. The successful TV presenter and fashion journalist now fronts both the US and UK versions of her makeover show Plain Jane (on CW network and MTV). 

An extremely successful journalist, Louise has written for publications including Elle, Vogue.com, In Style, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan magazines. I got the chance to interview Louise to find out more about this talented girl and get advice about how to enter the challenging world of fashion! Thank you Louise, for all the great info, it’s brilliant for people like me who want to progress in fashion journalism.

First of all, what drew you into the world of Fashion? 

Initially, the prospect of interviewing people and writing about it. Going behind the scenes of fashion week and creating articles for magazines.

Did you have a mentor when you first started out? 

Yes! Tasmina Perry who is now a very successful author, hired me for my first job as an assistant at In Style.

Run us through a typical day for you? 

There’s never a typical one, which is why I love the job. When we’re filming Plain Jane (like we are now), I’m up by 5am, cup of tea with hair and make-up, then we film on location – which can be anywhere from London to Paris or New York – and finally crash into bed by about 10 or 11pm, after the wrap.

After witnessing so many changes in the industry over the years, where do you see fashion going? 

The web has made a very exclusive world far more accessible and in many ways, humorous and creative still. I would LOVE to see a return to the fashionable body type of those fit and healthy 90s’ supermodels – like Cindy Crawford and Elle MacPherson – they looked strong and sexy. They had actual thighs and butts!

What wardrobe pieces should every girl have in their closet this season? 

Something pistachio and something peach. Sorbets are the new pastels.

I’m a big fan of Plain Jane, what moments on the show have really made an impact on you? 

The physical challenge is always pretty momentous; a girl called Sarah went wing-walking on a World War II airplane in the last series, which made me extremely nervous!

Who is your style icon and what is your favourite era in fashion? 

The 70s, hands-down. So elegant and sexy in an understated way. Lauren Hutton is my number one. I saw her at LAX airport the other week and I nearly had a heart attack.

Where is the best city in the world to shop and do you have a favourite one-stop shop?

Ooh, that’s tough! For high street it would have to be London. For quirky, eclectic buys, it is Paris. Dover Street Market is an experience, not just a shopping destination.
 
 Would you like to offer any advice to people wanting to go into fashion?

Expect to work for free at first, be as proactive as possible to stand out from the competition, and don’t give up. The perks and highs outweigh the tea-making and photocopying tenfold. I just wrote a piece on my tips on my website if you want to link to it.

Finally, what does the future hold for you – any exciting plans, developments?

Well, I’m shooting the third series of Plain Jane at the moment and that will aired in September. My latest range of shoes and jewellery will hit Stylistpick.com at the end of June, and I’m off to host MTV International’s coverage of the Movie Awards in LA on the 5^th of June.

Louise Elsom
Photo: Courtesy of Louise Ro

Find out more about Louise on her website here.