The quirkiness and ultra-eclectic vibe of SMoCA does not stop within its galleries. Its perfectly poised marketing and PR manager, Lesley Oliver, has a style that mirrors the museum. Lesley, can often be found parading around in some vintage ensemble- sweetheart-necklines, black lace and capes (in the winter) are some of her wardrobe staples. Lesley Oliver is a local cultural maverick and there are few who are as passionate about the arts and general well being of Arizona than her. Softly spoken and boldly dressed, Lesley finds delight in the vintage gems of Robert Black and stands behind a quote from Emily Post: “The woman who is chic is always a little different. Not different in being behind fashion, but always slightly apart from it."
I speak with Lesley Oliver on her thoughts on style.
How would you describe your style?
My style is anything eclectic under the sun that strikes my mood. I'm married to vintage clashed with the soft flirtation of gothic/industrial; sometimes wanting to date avant garde; but swooning over the irreverent with romanticism and the dramatic.
If you had to wear one item of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Well, if it’s ONLY ONE ITEM, I choose the 'little black dress' (of course). Something that can be heavily accessorized a million different ways since I can only choose ONE THING to wear. Yikes.
If you could steal one person's wardrobe, whose would it be?
Zoettica Ebb (see www.biorequiem.com). Actually, I wouldn’t mind LOOKING like her too.
What is the crown-jewel of your closet?
I lost a lot of my vintage 'crown jewels' in a recent hasty move. For the moment, it is a taffeta brown/black plaid dress from Robert Black’s vintage boutique.
If any, what advice would you give to others about fashion?
I can’t say it any better than Emily Post: "The woman who is chic is always a little different. Not different in
being behind fashion, but always slightly apart from it."
What article of clothing are you lusting for at the moment?
Too many of them come from Marc Jacob’s recent collection. Another one is a vintage piece that I ended up giving to my best friend for her birthday because she liked it so much.
What are six items of clothing no one should be without?
I cannot truly answer this question because it stipulates that 'no one' should be without them. I cannot really speak for everyone, not even in the slightest. My six item 'needs' are another person’s Halloween section at the thrift store.
What is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to fashion?
Wear things that do not suit their body type or personality/style simply because it is trendy.
What trend(s) do you love at the moment?
I love that people are beginning to get AWAY from skinny jeans!
In history, fictional or non, what individual has the best style?
Again, I can only choose just one? I can’t do it.
Must have beauty product?
Anything by La Mer
Favorite local boutique, shop, store?
Need I mention Robert Black again, just for giggles?
