From creating Rihanna's, Kim Kardashian West's and Lorde's most iconic outfits to cementing London's best dressed It-girl scene, super-stylist and creative director Avigail Collins is known for creating celebrities exciting new looks. But Avigail's wardrobing skills extend even further: See her own streetwear-inspired line, Silver Spoon Attire, which was founded in 2013 alongside her husband (and fellow sought-after stylist) Damian Collins. The stylist's high-profile music clients and global street style following make up a pretty impressive fan club. If anyone can spot the next big thing, it's Avigail, which is why we're thrilled to have her at Who What Wear UK to bring you a monthly column about what's hot now.
This month, following a long and crazy styling schedule of red carpets all over the globe from The Grammys in Los Angeles to The Brit Awards in London, I'm offering you the hacks I genuinely use behind the scenes. Although they are a standard part of the kit when I'm working with A-listers for high-profile moments, they're just as relevant when it comes to real-life event-dressing for all of us. With wedding season around the corner, there's never been a better time to know these nine tricks…
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #1: Foot Petals
Even the most hardened high-heel wearers can feel a new (or old but relatively disused) pair of sandals or courts pinch and rub after a short amount of time. With this season's move toward strappy sandals and single soles, it's never been a wiser time to invest in a little prep work. Foot Petals are the brand I go to for everything from the Blisstick that reduces rubbing and irritation to the classic foot pads.
I could say don't wear the uncomfortable shoes, but I know you won't listen to me anyway…
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #2: Heist Tights
The Who What Wear team has already informed you of the wonders of Heist's technologically advanced hosiery, but I want to reiterate the point. They fit far better than your average pair of tights because they're less likely to fall down, have a better quality finish and are great in both nude and black. As they don't have a garter, they're fab for a full leggy look.
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #3: Seamless Knickers
All garments will look their best when you're wearing the right underwear, but with particularly clingy, formfitting or see-through clothes, you definitely want to have a perfect pair of seamless knickers. Not only are they comfortable, but they'll also stay streamlined and in place. I always bulk-buy them on Amazon!
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #4: ANTI-STATIC SPRAY
Satins (whether made of synthetic fabrics or silk) have a tendency to go static quite easily. And with that slinky look being particularly on-trend right now, an anti-static spray is the failsafe way to keep that annoying sticky feeling at bay and ensure that your chosen piece is hanging correctly. My favourite is just £5 and I always get it from John Lewis.
Related: I Have Big Boobs and I Always Wear These 4 Top Styles
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #5: Boob Tape
Boob tape is better than it used to be and actually quite useful for all sorts of emergency fixes. I use it to lift boobs in silhouettes that aren't keeping them in place, keep low dresses firmly in position without risking exposure and take up seams at the last minute.
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #6: WOLFORD SHAPEWEAR
I've told you before about how much I rate the quality and effect and Wolford's shapewear, but honestly, it is so fantastic and well worth the investment. Cheaper alternatives won't be comfortable or look as good, and they certainly won't last for wear after wear. I know plenty of celebs that swear by their pieces—from the shorts to the slips. Some items are even cool and simple enough to wear as garments on their own.
Of course, when it comes to shapewear, you have to use (or not use) what you feel okay with. I don't encourage it to feel slimmer or to have someone trussed up and uncomfortable for one night. It's all about whether a certain garment requires that kind of underpinning to look its best.
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #7: DEODORANT REMOVER
Yep, these super-handy sponges remove stains left by your deodorant spray so you'll never have those awkward white patches again.
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #8: STRAPLESS BRA
It's well worth putting the time and effort into finding a strapless bra that works for you and your boobs. So often they can fall down or feel too tight, unnecessarily reshaping your natural form. If you can find a style that's really versatile for different necklines, that's the ideal ticket. However, if you want to be really fancy and absolutely nail that strapless dress, then take a tip from me and look to get your strapless bra sewn into the dress.
RED CARPET FASHION HACK #9: LINT ROLLER
Lint rollers are the secret weapon of any fashion girl! From de-fluffing your fuzzy knit or faux-fur coat to being the easiest way to make a black garment look its freshest (seriously—LBDs really attract dust!), this small purchase goes a long way. My top tip? Buy a mini one to carry around with you.
Next up, the dress shape Avigail thinks suits everyone.
