Closet Envy: Celeb Stylist June Ambrose

June Ambrose by Alexandra Phanor-Faury It’s nearly impossible to have a discussion about the relationship between music and style without mentioning one of the mavericks of celebrity styling, June Ambrose. Ambrose, as we’re sure many of you already know, is an iconic stylist who has been instrumental in creating the looks of some of the music world’s biggest stars like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, P. Diddy and Jay-Z. It was the ingenious Ambrose that came up with the idea of putting then new artist Missy Elliot in a blown up garbage bag in the video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”. That’s just one of Ambrose's many looks she created for her clients that will forever be etched into music video history. You would think assisting celebrities in developing their image, dressing them for every occasion from press conferences to world tours, giving out style tips on her numerous TV appearances and running Mod Squad- her successful branding firm- wouldn’t allow any time for the premier stylist, and mother of two, to devote to her own personal style. Nevertheless, for a fashion addict and clotheshorse like Ambrose, taking pride in how she presents herself is as important to her as making sure her clients’ sartorial needs are met. In fact, her personal style has garnered her as much attention and rave as her impressive resume. Getting first dibs on designer collections and new trends for clients keeps Ambrose’s own personal closet full of stand-out pieces. Firmly rooted in the classics like wide-legged trousers, pencil skirts, silk shirts, black turtlenecks, sheaths, LBDs and fur, Ambrose’s lust-worthy wardrobe includes designs by YSL, Chanel, Hermes, Diane von Furstenberg and Chloe. Being one of the architects of pop-culture style and imaging, Ambrose is privy to a slew of trends, but her studied approach to fashion keeps her from jumping on everything that she comes across through her work. Ambrose’s fashion choices are not driven by what’s in but rather what fits her mood and personality. She has a good grasp on what she likes to wear, what looks good on her and how to inject trends into her superbly curated closet without coming off like a fashion victim. Her high-wattage ensembles are kept fresh by layering sophisticated separates, paying attention to texture, choosing pieces in interesting shapes and always using lots of accessories to smartly elevate any outfit. Big sunglasses, beanies, statement necklaces, embellished belts, killer platform shoes and her signature Birkin bag are Ambrose’s go-to accessories to complete her confident looks. Despite her bevy of high-end pieces, we love that Ambrose doesn’t turn her nose up at affordable mass market stores like Gap, JC Penney and Target where she can be found shopping (tweeting) about recent cheap and chic finds that will bring much personal flair to her high looks. We’ve been intrigued with Ambrose’s style repertoire for years. Judging from what we’ve seen , it’s a safe bet that Ambrose’s closet is fire!