By Ingrid Schmidt
Stylist Erica Cloud, courtesy of @ecduzit.
Superstar stylist Erica Cloud kicked off her career in Los Angeles as an assistant to A-list stylist Karla Welch, whom she worked alongside for nearly a decade. “I helped her build her business—she’ll say that, too—and it was the best type of boot camp,” says Cloud. “It set me up for success.” Cloud’s first solo client was Mandy Moore, who stunned in a plunging navy Naeem Khan gown at the 2017 Golden Globes—her comeback moment as a best actress nominee for This Is Us. These days, Cloud dresses everyone from Hollywood “It” guy Walton Goggins to Winona Ryder, Awkwafina, Abby Elliott, Robert Downey Jr., and Eugene Levy.
Here, Cloud shares her packing tips, work uniforms, and what’s fresh for the Spring season.
You have such a fun and varied client roster. Winona Ryder is quite into fashion, right?
For sure. She’s got the most incredible collection and knowledge. Her Rolodex of information is phenomenal. We can get into the nitty gritty and nerd out. She just gets it. They all have their genres: Walton [Goggins] is continually telling me about new artists and interior design elements. Robert [Downey Jr.] is such a good promoter of the latest and greatest up-and-coming artists and designers.
What are you eyeing for Spring?
I loved pretty much everything at Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Bottega Veneta, where Louise Trotter is a genius. The Saint Laurent show at Fontaine du Trocadéro was incredible. I mean, I need one of those Saint Laurent windbreakers! I was born in the ‘80s, so it hits on a certain level. I love how they paired it with the little silky short and sheer nylons, sporty and sexy, how Hailey Bieber wore it. I loved the show’s color and movement and textures. When the models walked, it was like seeing a parachute rise. It was cool to see the translation to gowns, like the one Zoë Kravitz wore to the Academy [Museum] Gala. I put Robert in a Saint Laurent tux for the 2024 Oscars when he won, and that’s one of my favorite looks of all time: It’s very classic, with an edge.
You’re always on the go. Any packing hacks?
I make my outfits, take full-length selfies in the mirror of each one, and copy them into Keynote; the photos copy as stickers. Then I pack them as outfits (daytime and nighttime looks). It saves time and space. I do the same for clients, with labels for each event, by date. What’s embarrassing is that I am an over-packer. I look for suitcases with extended middles. I know people don’t want to hear that. But I’m of the school that I don’t want to regret that I didn’t bring something. Where I edit is coats and boots; I bring a loafer, a heel, cowboy boots, The Row zipper boots, and a Prada mule, so all genres are covered. Slip in a couple of lightweight jackets or a heavy overcoat, folded between both sides of the suitcase.
How about accessories tricks for travel?
My trick is packing my carry-on roller with shoes and accessories, as it saves on weight. I take two belts: a gray suede one from Phoebe Philo and a black one by The Row with a silver-and-gold buckle, so it will match anything. You wrap them in a duster bag and layer in a couple of clutches. Another tip is a roll sunglasses case so you can take five pairs. Then I carry a large Loewe Flamenco tote that’s easy to stash other accessories in, and my daily Prada nylon handbag, with my wallet and passport inside. Plus, a travel blanket, because it’s always cold on flights.
Do you have a work uniform?
I’m a creature of habit. I rotate vintage Levi’s, Mother’s black Hustler cropped, flared jeans, and a baggy trouser from The Row with a T-shirt and blazer. I often wear a fun sporty jacket from Prada or Saint Laurent. I have a fisherman’s style and a men’s bomber. I need functional clothing that looks pulled together because 90 percent of our job is import-export—moving garments to and fro. Lately I’ve been obsessed with wearing my old Celine necklace that has a large organic pearl with inset stones on a chain and leather string strap. Slap that on with a T-shirt and it looks like you tried. I can’t work in heels, so sometimes I’m in a loafer with a cute little sock poking out, or I’ll throw on cowboy boots and suddenly it’s a vibe in the Princess Diana way. Do a wide-leg jean with the boots if a slimmer jean feels scary; add a blazer and a baseball cap, if you’re bold.
