A native Manhattanite—just like our founder Andrea Lieberman—Lilli Millhiser is a seasoned editorial and celebrity stylist who also provided the styling direction for A.L.C.’s Fall 2024 collection. Her aesthetic is both intellectual and effortless, often referencing her art history education and interests, and it’s her celebration of the self-expression fashion affords that belies her talent. Here, we discuss where she finds inspiration, how she stumbled into this career, and her favorite A.L.C. styles from this collection.
A.L.C.: If you could label one look in history that a prominent figure wore as iconic, which would it be?
Lilli: Oh wow, that’s hard to pick just one. Gwyneth Paltrow in that green Donna Karen skirt and top in Great Expectations. Martha Plimpton and River Phoenix at the 1989 Oscars.
A.L.C.: What’s the most surprising/unique thing you to do to get into a creative mindset?
Lilli: I don’t try. Once my kiddo has gone to bed, I become one with my couch and catch up on whatever show or movie my husband and I are watching. Without expecting it, something usually sparks my imagination. If I’m really stuck, taking myself out of my comfort zone works and looking at something I wouldn’t first gravitate towards usually shows things in a new light.
A.L.C.: What will your fall uniform be centered around and why?
Lilli: My days are spent on set, running around prepping a job, going to meetings and appointments or hanging with my kiddo, so ease and comfort while looking chic are important to me. Trousers, loose knits and an oversized coat will be central to my everyday.
A.L.C.: What was your favorite category of the fall collection and why?
Lilli: I really loved all the leather pieces - very wearable and practical.
A.L.C.: What’s the most versatile trend for fall that you’re excited by?
Lilli: Casual elegance.
A.L.C.: What is an easy way to try the sheer trend this season?
Lilli: Pair it with something more demure and/or opaque to balance it out.
A.L.C.: Was there a specific moment that, or person who, ignited your passion for styling?
Lilli: When I quit my job in fashion PR, my old bosses at BPCM (Ali Taekman and Carrie Phillips) said “You’re going into styling right?” and it had honestly never occurred to me. They put me in touch with an LA based stylist who needed an assistant in NY, which eventually led me to Kate Young. Styling isn't a job I knew existed until I started doing it and I probably wouldn’t have thought do to it or had the courage to do it without Carrie and Ali pushing me in that direction. I’m very glad it came to me though—I’ve always been extremely picky about clothes and this job comes very naturally.
A.L.C.: What are the top 5 places you look to for inspiration?
Lilli: I find art, photobooks and exhibitions as well as podcasts and Substack are great resources. I also appreciate the power of movies and simple people watching.
A.L.C.: What is your favorite TV show or movie about the fashion industry and why?
Lilli: The New Look on Apple was wonderful—not the usual way a fashion story is told.
A.L.C.: Can you share an experience that challenged you as a stylist and how you navigated it?
Lilli: I had an editorial portrait in another state a while ago and it seemed like everything was trying to sabotage it. The talent’s personal stylist (someone well known) called the publication and told them I had called her and told her I didn’t want to do it (not true). A blizzard almost didn’t allow me out of NYC. Managing all the wardrobe luggage solo through the airport was no easy task. The same blizzard made it hard to get to set. What the publication wanted and what the talent wanted did not align. I just never lost my cool and was very happy to get home.
A.L.C.: What was the moment you were most proud of as a stylist?
Lilli: Any time a client tells me they’re super happy with something or when a model tells me they want to wear what they have on in real life. I was with a personal styling client about a year ago, someone I’ve known for quite a while but had never worked with in that capacity, and she turned to me several times and said “You’re really good at this, Lilli. Really, thank you.” Made my day. I don’t do a huge amount of personal styling and I most love a beautiful photo at the end of the day, but it’s very satisfying helping someone feel amazing in their clothes.
