LAUREN RAE LEVY, STYLIST & BRAND CONSULTANT

Photos by Dani Mac

Lauren and I met at a NYFW party she was hosting last year and I was instantly drawn to her inimitable style and eminent business savvy. It's rare that you encounter a wild-minded creative who is also extremely structured and pragmatic, and it's this confluence of opposing behaviors that's made Lauren Rae Levy a branding rockstar. I was so excited to get to know more about this stylish babe (who is as obsessed with vintage clothing as I am) and finally got to stop by her beyond chic LRL Group studio for an interview. Get to know all about Lauren's NYC life in her CULT Chats feature below>>

WHY NEW YORK CITY?

Growing up 15 minutes from the George Washington Bridge in Bergen County, New Jersey, I would say that 2-4 days of my week were spent in NYC. I fell in love with the city's magic at a young age. Growing up, I always thought I would move to NYC after university as it was the city in which one could pursue a career in musical theatre. I did move here after university, but somehow my path changed and it instead became a haven to organically further my career in fashion.

THE CITY NEVER SLEEPS...WHAT TIME DID YOU GET TO BED LAST NIGHT?

4AM. Was out in Paris celebrating the start of my Birthday with my French family and friends.

PLAY HOST FOR US... WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE US FOR

COFFEE - Mudd

DINNER - If you want the greatest sushi ever of ever, Sushi Yasuda. If you're feelin like beast feast and want to go all out, Blue Smoke BBQ. If you're vibing with the group dining experience, Ilili is phenomenal. If you want authentic Chinese as if you were in mainland China, Phoenix Garden (get the peking duck both ways and thank me later). Lastly, if you want upscale fun American dishes and to people watch while dining, try Delicatessen and tell Michael (owner/chef) that I sent you!

COCKTAILS - Mulberry Project

PARTYING - The Box - always an "experience"

WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

The Rolling Stones radio on Pandora - love me some rock n roll vibes.

FAVORITE PROJECT SO FAR?

Styling the Leica launch for their S-Series technology at Milk Studios with Peter Som's collection was def one of my favorite moments... Milk Studios is an incredible place to work, and I got to work with one of my best friends and fav photographers on the project, Morgan Miller. When you work with people you love on a project you love, it's almost impossible for the magic not to happen. We sure made magic those two days... and laughed and smiled through the whole process.

ANY CREATIVES YOU WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH?

I don't have one particular artist in mind... most of my friends are creatives and I try to work with them as much as possible on the reg. However, one person who is a friend that I've never "worked" with but would love to is Calvin Klein. He's not only brilliant, but one of the kindest souls I've ever met.

DREAM DINNER PARTY -- WHICH 7 GUESTS WOULD YOU INVITE?

Cole Porter, Howard Hughes, John Lennon, Steve Jobs, Coco Chanel, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Parker Posey

WHERE DO YOU SHOP?

What Goes Around Comes Around is pretty much the only retailer I shop with regularly (I'm 22 years deep in loyalty there). My signature look is anything with a vintage rock concert tee - I can make it black tie or homeless chic.

DO YOU HAVE A MUSE?

I've never had a MUSE, most likely cause I don't read any magazines or blogs to "follow" anyone. My muse is my surroundings... when I travel I like to look at the locals for inspiration. Also, costume history is extremely fascinating to me which goes hand in hand with my Theatre Degree.

FAVORITE SPOT IN THE CITY?

My apartment. It is my happy place, filled with happy memories.

NYC FOREVER?

I've been going back and forth between NYC and LA for 3.5 years now and finally made a move and got a place out there last December. I am an east side girl in NYC, and a west side girl in Cali. Malibu is my happy place.

MOTTO YOU LIVE BY?

Your confidence is your best accessory. If you're not going to wear it, stay the fuck home.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW AND WHERE CAN WE SEE IT?

I have a new collection of eyewear called EuroOptix (IG: @EuroOptix) which will be on QVC very soon! Aside from that we've just launched a Music Division of LRL Group where we will be working with Artists to align them with brands which suit their brand, build and nurture these relationships, and ideally solidify sponsorship relations.