Loretta Chin makes multi-tasking look oh-so good. The freelance stylist for print, film, and television is also a fashion writer, Vice-President of CAFTCAD (Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts and Design) and the Editor-in-Chief of BeSpoke, the biannual CAFTCAD magazine.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m a freelance stylist working in film and television, fashion writer, Brand Ambassador for Cutler & Gross, and Vice-President of CAFTCAD (Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts and Design). Wow, that’s a mouthful! I love fashion, and let’s just say… I acquire. Right now, I’m gearing up to work on a new reality show, too.
What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
As a stylist, the biggest challenges are time management and dealing with incredibly shrinking budgets. You learn to become pretty creative, and it can be exhausting at times, but the reward is the sense of accomplishment you feel when you’ve problem solved and the ‘mission impossible’ gets done. My newest challenge is Editor-in-Chief of BeSpoke, the biannual CAFTCAD magazine. As a freelance writer who has written for King West Magazine, The Grid, Flare, and The Toronto Star, it’s interesting being on the other side.
What are three things you can’t live without?
A fab blow-out, travel, and dancing.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…I’ve seen it evolve into a dynamic and inclusive city that’s great to walk.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
I don’t have a favourite restaurant but lots of go-tos: Bar Isabel for the tapas; Luckee for the dim sum; and Byblos for Mediterranean cuisine. But I can just as easily be found having a goat patty in the market or a burger at The Burger’s Priest.
What’s one of your favourite go-to designers/brands or accessories lines?
Since I never know who I want to be in the morning, I have too many to name. I wear a combination of women’s and menswear depending on what I’m doing (if it’s a set day then plenty of menswear or my go-to boiler suit). I do favour designers like Jason Wu, Rick Owens, Antonio Beradi, Philip Lim (men’s and women’s), Haider Ackermann, and Miu Miu. I like brands like L’Agence, Acne, Maje, and BLK Denim.
What products are always in your beauty bag?
Laura Mercier anything, from foundation to lipstick. And Lancome Doll Lash Mascara and Kiehl’s sunscreen.
What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
Although I love colour in clothes, shoes, and accessories, I seem to be doing quite a few black and white stories. I enjoy sportswear and street style mash-ups, camo and a great pair of kicks. I pass on trends that don’t work for me, no matter how much I like them. I like hi-lo and find it far more interesting than head-to-toe designer, and I find menswear in Toronto really stepping up.
What’s your favourite spa or service?
I love a good facial. As with everything, you have to have a good foundation to start with – only then you can build. Sadly, the woman I’ve been going to has retired so I’m looking for a new aesthetician.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
People who know me can use my number. Yes, I still take calls. Otherwise, my website, lorettachin.com; letta@lorettachin.com; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram.
Wouldn’t you love to have Loretta’s jobs? Comment below or tweet us @ViewtheVibe!