tastemakers

Stylist Elin Svahn Would Like the Kardashians to Keep It Classy

Elin Svahn, with her blunt bangs and drapey, black ensembles, is a fixture among New York City’s downtown fashion set. Svahn has worked alongside Karl Templer, veteran stylist and now the creative director at Interview magazine, for going on four years. Now, after a push from Templer himself, the Swede is branching out on her own, collaborating with fellow rising fashion names, such as photographers Sebastian Kim and Steven Pan. Svahn has, thus far, lent her skills to dressing some of the most sought-after celebrities, including Elle Fanning and, most recently, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in this month’s Interview, along with scoring jobs for Harper’s Bazaar fashion editor Melanie Ward and designer Olivier Theyskens. We spoke with Svahn as she and Templer were prepping for Valentino’s spring 2012 runway show about photo shoot inspirations, her love for Kristen McMenamy, and, if she had the chance, how she would outfit the Kardashian sisters.

How did your working relationship with Karl Templer begin?
About four years ago, I got recommended by a few people and he asked me to come to New York. So I flew over [from Sweden] just to try out and help on photo shoots. During that month, I worked with him for Italian Vogue and W. And then, he asked me to come back to work with him full-time.

Any trends you’re ready to see retired?
Well, you should never say never.

Stylist Elin Svahn Would Like the Kardashians to Keep It Classy