BTS with ABBY WILE
Behind the Style
Abby Wile is a Brooklyn-based Fashion Designer, ~taste-maker~, and a longtime BFF of the BARO team. Abby joined us to talk about what it’s like to design a collection, how she finds her style inspiration, her unironic love of the rodeo, and talk us through some of the pieces available in her BARO closet.
August 8, 2023
Where are you based?
Currently residing in Brooklyn by way of Houston, Texas.
Being from Texas, does that mean you’re contractually obligated to love the rodeo?
I actually do love the rodeo haha, I went back for it this year and it was amazing.
What’s the go-to rodeo fit?
Well, cowboy boots are obviously a must, something you can get dirty because you’re going on a million carnival rides and stepping in horse shit. Then just jean shorts and a top or a little dress, nothing too crazy.
What’re you doing up in New York?
I’m a fashion designer for Apparis.
How’d you get started working in the industry?
I got my BFA in fashion design from Syracuse University and throughout college had a bunch of different internships at places like Badgley Mischka, Parker, and The Row (s/o freefashioninternships.com). After that I worked for Victoria Bartlett for a while who was like a mentor to me and who taught me the ropes before I eventually landed the job designing at Apparis.
Sketches and renderings of Abby’s senior collection at Syracuse University
What’s your process look like when you’re designing a collection?
I actually use Pinterest a lot. It sounds cheesy, but they have a ton of great detail photos. You can get a really clear picture of a beautiful seam on a Jil Sander piece or an up close look at a zipper detail. I also look at a lot of vintage archives or on WGSN. WGSN can give you a great sense of which trends are going to have longevity or where they came from so you know where to invest your dollars. When you’re designing a collection a year out, you need to know if a trend is going to be dead by the time people are buying it. For example, moto jackets. Everyone’s been wearing oversized moto jackets for the past couple of seasons but based on the trend arc, you can see that next year it’s going to peak and then it's going to dwindle, so maybe we make 3 versions of a moto jacket this season instead of just 1.
Abby's moodboards, final sketches, and tech-packs from a recent collection.
What are some runway shows you always go back to?
I love old Margiela runway because the proportions and details are interesting, and the way they use combinations of fabrics. Vintage Prada is good for color and anything Schiaparelli. I also love Todd Oldham. Half of Fran Drescher’s wardrobe on The Nanny was Todd Oldham and I love that it’s crazy and out there but so chic.
How would you describe your personal style?
Someone once told me that I dressed like a guy in the 90s who just discovered Fiona Apple sitting in a coffee shop. I kind of loved that, I think that day I was wearing a vintage tweed blazer with a button up. I would also say early aughts, minimal, grungy, boy meets chic. I love wearing menswear pieces or denim—I know wearing jeans isn’t the most chic, but I feel the most comfortable and myself in them. My go-to outfit is my boyfriend’s baggy vintage Levi’s, a white tank top from the Hanes boys’ section, and a tailored blazer or a sweater. If I’m going to work I’ll do a ballet flat, if I’m going out I’ll do a heel. I like to build off a base and play with some feminine elements like a pair of vintage gold statement earrings or a big silver stainless steel chain necklace.
What’s your favorite item in your closet and/or something you’ll never get rid of?
My Tabi boots, which is annoying but I just fucking love them. I’ve always wanted to own them and they’re just an iconic piece of fashion that you learn about in fashion school. Plus they’re pretty damn comfortable. I want the white flats so bad. It just adds a little flare to your outfit even if it's basic.
If you could have access to anyone’s closet, who would it be?
I know Bella Hadid is a go-to answer, but I really think she has the best wardrobe because it feels like they’re her actual clothes and not something picked out for her by a stylist. I love how she can wear a big oversized menswear piece one day and something sleek and tailored the next. I also think she has the best vintage pieces ever. She has those types of pieces you dream about wearing because they’re really special.
What is inspiring you right now, in fashion or otherwise?
Vintage men’s outerwear, late 80’s silhouettes, and women who own their sexuality. I also love all of the Gen Z style in New York, they wear the weirdest shit and make it fun and cute. It’s like the stuff I wanted to wear when I was younger but was too scared because I wanted to be this cool, hot teenager.
What’s a fashion trend you hope is dead and gone forever?
The Jeffrey Campbell “Lita” shoe.
If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life what would it be?
Acne Studios because you get a little bit of everything. I always love their pieces because they may not be the fanciest thing in the world, but the details are so good. They have interesting trims and the silhouettes are amazing. They’re also not in your face so it doesn’t look like a brand new piece of clothing, it looks like the perfect piece you’ve always had.
What are a couple of your favorite pieces in your BARO closet?
A burgundy Simon Miller mesh dress, an emerald green bias cut slip gown, a one shoulder Norma Kamali LBD, and a bright green short strap dress. The Norma Kamali is super flattering and a great base that can be styled however you want—perfect for a wedding. The Simon Miller is just such a fun color and the double layering detail is really flattering and just makes you feel good.
Norma Kamali Dress
Available on BARO
Green Silk Midi Dress
Available on BARO
Simon Miller Midi Dress
Available on BARO
Pleated Leather Skirt
Available on BARO
A Line Black Dress
Available on BARO
Silk Midi Dress
Available on BARO
Okay before we wrap up, we have a few rapid fire questions for you....
Favorite bar in New York?
Nightmoves.
Favorite place to shop in New York?
Seven Wonders is great, they have a bunch of different vendors who rent space.
Favorite Drink?
Hendricks martini dirty.
Most recent clothing or accessory purchase?
I haven’t shopped in so long, but I think it would either be a silver metal necklace I got on Depop that I wear with everything or a JW Anderson tank top that knots and has a different color in the front and back.
Abby you're the best! Where can people find you?
Thank you for having me! Check out my closet on BARO @abbyw and find me on Instagram at @Wabzzzz