GREATEST: Harry Lambert
A conversation with the London-based stylist behind the campaign for ARCADE, the new MCQ Icon.
September 2020 saw the launch of MCQ, an innovative fashion label under the house of Alexander McQueen. With a unique drop model developed around collections called Icons, an entire MYMCQ ecosystem constructed around blockchain and an ever-changing line up of collaborators, MCQ is putting community at its core. For ARCADE—the Icon succeeding GENESIS II—MCQ tapped into Harry Lambert, a British fashion stylist and senior fashion editor-at-large of 10 Magazine. In addition to an impressive list of editorials projects, Lambert is also known for his collaboration with renown singer-songwriter Harry Styles, American-British designer Harris Reed and is currently working alongside rising star Emma Corrin who will portray Princess Diana in the upcoming season of The Crown.
For MCQ, Harry challenged space and time, styling the ARCADE campaign in Shanghai from his flat in London to develop a fresh take on rave culture, a theme also found in this Icon. ARCADE is indeed packed with classic rave silhouettes, reinterpreted through a retro-futuristic lens full of generous volumes and adorned with bold graphics. Fabrics also play an important role in this Icon with playful elements reminiscent of nightlife such as removable velcro patches or iridescent nylon activated by strobe light and flashes. We asked Lambert about his practice as a stylist and all things MCQ.
The responsibilities of a stylist today encompass much more than simply styling looks, an example being how you're involved on a multifaceted level with editorials, television, film and even consultancy. Have you been tapped in a similar position with MCQ and its ARCADE Icon, and were there any new challenges for you with the project?
A big challenge was the Covid outbreak which meant I couldn’t be at the shoot in person, I prepped the looks in London by exploring the casts’ Instagram identities in order to build looks that I thought would complement their personality. Then my job was to trust my instinct and trust the amazing team in Tokyo.
Styling isn’t just putting on clothes, it is building a narrative, directing, building teams and concepts, it has a far reach. It is important to trust and communicate with the creatives you work with and I feel that is why this MCQ project is so successful.
Styling isn’t just putting on clothes, it is building a narrative, directing, building teams and concepts, it has a far reach.
Harry Lambert
Could you let us know about your initial connection with MCQ as a brand and what drew you to the project when it was first pitched?
The concept of documenting your item of clothing feels fresh and looks to the future. The focus on creatives and creativity for the brand is inspiring, MCQ really wanting to support young talents is something exciting. It’s also fun to know people are wearing an item of clothing with your name on.
Talking about styling in a more traditional sense, what do you enjoy the most about it all?
I love the pre-production of a shoot, working on the creative narrative of an editorial, being able to work with other creatives to make this story come to life. Editorial shoots and campaigns are where you can have lots of fun.
It’s also great to work on red carpets, there is something intimate and rewarding about the reveal to the public of a red carpet outfit.
You have a history of working with emerging talents and most recently you've started working with Emma Corin who will portrait Princess Diana in the upcoming season of The Crown. What is the process of working with emerging talents?
Working with talents like Emma Corrin or young emerging designers like Harris Reed is such a joy. You get to become a small part of their growth and try to help them in their journey. The process varies from introducing them to other creatives and brands to putting together lookbook shoots or press shots.
Working with talents like Emma Corrin or young emerging designers like Harris Reed is such a joy. You get to become a small part of their growth and try to help them in their journey.
Harry Lambert
The fashion industry is undergoing a lot of changes lately, how has that impacted your role and how does it inspire you?
What is inspiring is the noise youth are creating, whether it be politically or creatively. The fashion world feels like it is listening more to younger creatives and embracing their voices. I try to support young designers or talents through my projects and it is really rewarding to be part of their journey. My role is to listen more to what’s happening around me, and try to educate myself.
Interview: Eric Hervillard
Photography: courtesy of MCQ