Local Designer to Style Cheryl Strayed for the Oscars

Monday, February 16, 2015

Briauna Skye McKizzie, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Scarlet

Since her business began, Scarlet has been a stylist for a variety of clients from all backgrounds, and she often helps people develop their style by using clothing and jewelry made from Portland based artists. Photo Credit: Scarlet Chamberlin's Blog (Image Cropped).

Scarlet Chamberlin, a well-known and gifted stylist in Portland, will have her work featured at the Academy Awards this Sunday.

Scarlet is the personal stylist of Cheryl Strayed who will be attending the Oscars this year for her work on the critically acclaimed film, "Wild," based off of Strayed’s memoir of the same title.

Scarlet opened her business as a personal stylist in 2010 and has since cultivated a reputation not only in Portland but also throughout the United States.

The daughter of a buyer, Scarlet’s fascination with style began as a child while she watched her mother influencing people’s lives and illuminating the fact that fashion has the ability to tell a story.

From there, Scarlet went on to create custom jewelry and eventually became interested in helping people tell their personal stories through their style and connecting individuals with local stylists and designers.

She recently told GoLocalPDX that she thinks of herself as “an ambassador for local and small businesses and designers.”

Scarlet’s passion for her work and desire to help others became palpable during a recent conversation with GoLocalPDX a few days ago.

Read below to get just a taste of the conversation:

On your website, you mention that fashion and style are important because what we wear is our second skin and so it tells our stories. Do you help your clients find their stories or do they come to you already with a story to tell?

Both. They might already have a strong sense of style established. They hire me to help refine them. They’re looking to me to help them find another direction. Then, I have people who say they are ready to completely reinvent themselves. Or, I have people who say they don’t know anything about fashion and to tell them what do…I like working with everyone from along the spectrum.

Why has it become easier to find all kinds of designers that cater to so many different types of women?

There are more independent designers with interests in niches. Also, people care about well-made items, quality items. And Portland has a variety of designers and boutiques with similar interests. People here want to buy things that will last. They are interested in building capsule wardrobes that function for all aspects of their lives. When we don't find the right thing locally, I shop online or at boutiques in other cities I frequent, but I'm starting to have to do that less.

What trends do you expect to see on the red carpet this month?

We will see metallics, muted tones, reveals, sparkle and texture. Gorgeous statement jewelry made of semi precious gems as well as diamonds. I'd like to see more women make a statement by wearing comfortable shoes on the red carpet because that would help us all out!

What about the guys?

Classic tuxes for guys. They have it a bit easier than the ladies because they have fewer options than women. I’m hoping Brian Lindstrom, Cheryl's husband, will be sporting a PINO tie at the Oscars.

What will Cheryl Strayed be wearing?

Cheryl will be wearing a gown by Michelle DeCourcy, a designer based in Portland, and one-of-a-kind jewelry by Judy Geib from Twist. These items found locally will fit in perfectly on the red carpet and suit Cheryl's inner and outer beauty.

An appointment can be made with Scarlet by contacting her by email at scarlet{at}scarletchamberlin.com.

Homepage Photo Credit: Scarlet Chamberlin's Facebook (Image Cropped).