Alia Simone’s work is seen across red carpets, film premieres, and high-profile magazine covers. In this exclusive interview, London Summers and Alia Simone, the rising celebrity wardrobe stylist of global icon Eddie Murphy talk about her career, styling Eddie for his wedding ceremony and his Essence Magazine cover.
Exclusive Interview by London Summers
London Summers: Alia, it’s a pleasure to connect with you! You’ve been making your mark in the fashion world and styling the legendary Eddie Murphy, what was your first styling experience with him like?
Alia Simone: Hi London, it is so nice to connect with you and the HypeHair family! I’ve been a long standing fan of the magazine and I’m extremely honored to be featured. Styling Eddie Murphy for the last 5 years has been nothing short of a dream. It’s a full circle moment because of the connection my dad had with comedians and entertainers. We would watch all of Mr. Murphy’s classic films like Life, The Nutty Professor and Shrek together. We would laugh for hours and hours. My dad passed away when I was 9 years old and somehow, I feel that this work opportunity has connected me so much to those memories that my father and I shared.
My first experience with Mr. Murphy was on the set of Coming 2 America. I was the assistant to the Costume Designer and I had no idea what was in-store for me. I was chosen to style him for press that he needed to do for his movie “Dolomite is my name” in between filming for Coming 2 America. I was so nervous that I wasn’t going to get things right. I was used to styling people that I knew personally, not a comedic super-star. However, I conjured up all of the faith that I had in me and decided to dive in head first!
LS: You styled Eddie Murphy, for his wedding, an event that made headlines around the world. What was that moment like for you personally and professionally?
AS: Styling Mr. Murphy for his wedding was an incredible experience to say the least. We had just finished working on press in New York and I was told after we landed back in LA that I would have 2 weeks to get his wedding look together. The concept was laid out plain for me, to gather every white suit that would fit a king. I contacted designers worldwide to find the best suit for him, something that represents his cool and calm demeanor, but also made him feel completely dapper on his big day. At the final fitting, we decided on a suit from one of my favorite design houses, Brioni. This was a bespoke selection that matched his energy and personal style. The best part of it was that his wife, Paige, approved with flying colors. That was extremely important to me! I considered this moment a personal “level up” in my professional life. Personally, after seeing those photos from People Magazine, I congratulated myself and took in the proud moment.
LS: Can you tell us what was the inspiration for Eddie’s wedding look, from the color palette to the tailoring? What story did you want his style to tell on that day?
AS: That day, I wanted to tell the remarkable story of the King who found his forever Queen. I entered into a headspace of my own and tapped into my childlike imagination. I dreamt of myself on a Caribbean sand beach, I imagined myself sitting in the sand and looking off into the distance, catching the scene of a beautiful wedding in-front of me… The bride in all white, walking down the flower petaled aisle to meet to her King. I used this vision to thrust my creativity forward to build the looks that aligned with what I saw in my vision. We ended up finding the perfect look within the options that I laid before Mr. Murphy and we were all more than happy with the results of the look.
LS: Eddie Murphy and Bella Murphy looked amazing in the Essence Magazine “Hollywood Royalty” cover, it was a defining moment celebrating legacy and Black excellence. What was the creative direction behind those iconic looks?
AS: The creative direction behind the looks for the “Hollywood Royalty” Essence cover came from my idea of personifying “Black Excellence” This was such a big moment for Bella as this cover was debuting her as not just another Hollywood celebrity child. But an actress and an artist on her own. She played alongside her father, The King of Comedy in the sequel of a classic film, Coming 2 America, this was her first time having such an important role. For this cover, it was important to me for her to look like her father as she had been literally following in his footsteps. I dressed her in a black power suit to represent that she wasn’t a little kid anymore, but a Hollywood actress and a maturing young lady. Mr. Murphy was styled in a Dolce and Gabana double-breasted blazer with Jacquard lapel. I loved the way the cover turned out because it was exactly what I was hoping for.
LS: How would you describe your personal styling aesthetic, and what makes your creative approach stand out in Hollywood’s fast-paced fashion scene?
AS: My personal style varies from day to day. It’s so funny because there are times when I can be spotted in baggy jeans, a fitted Yankees hat and a crop top, and there are times when I’m ready to throw on heels and a cocktail dress just for lunch with my friends. I often pull inspiration from music, art and street-wear. My style can transition depending on my mood, the weather and even my hairstyle. I believe that personal style should not be put in a box and that everyone should explore their freedom to express their style in every way!
LS: When did you first fall in love with fashion, and what moment made you realize you wanted to turn that passion into a career as a stylist for the stars?
AS: I first discovered my love for the arts when I was a little girl. My mother, who taught me how to sew by hand, had a stack of fabric that I loved to dive into and touch and feel. I started sneaking into the stash of fabric with scissors and decided to cut up small pieces so that I could design my doll clothes. I started chopping little by little everyday and (without having the means to sew yet). I began gluing the chopped bits onto the doll’s body. I remember feeling a sense of power in that moment. I felt like nothing could stop me because I was making my own ideas come to life. A few years later, I asked for a mannequin for Christmas and to my surprise that year, a 6 foot tall, black, life-sized mannequin, complete with eyelashes and a stand came in the mail. I was so overjoyed, it pushed me to tears. This is when I knew I wanted to pursue fashion forever.
LS: Walk us through your process when styling a client for a major event from concept to final fitting. How do you balance the client’s personality with your creative vision?
AS: My process for styling a client for a major event is different depending on the client. I like to research the event, watch the movie trailers, interview the client and ask them about how they see themselves. I like to dive deep into their world and find out how they would like to show up. From there, I play with options in my mind. I build a lookbook and invite unconventional things into the mood board to introduce a feeling that can be attached to the look. Clients find it refreshing to visualize the vibe and direction before the pulling and shopping ensues. Once they sign off on the direction, I go forward on contacting the fashion houses to make it all come together. Finally, I plan the fitting complete with clothes, shoes and accessories. Once we settle on the look(s), we fit with the tailor and make it all come together.
LS: As a stylist, image is everything and that includes hair. What’s your go-to hairstyle that makes you feel confident and powerful, whether you’re behind the scenes or stepping out in front of the camera?
AS: My go-to hair style as a stylist is a sew in with curls. I recently dyed my hair an auburn, ginger color for the fall/winter and I have been getting so many compliments. I like planning for early mornings and throwing in heatless curlers overnight help me to stay prepared for early morning call-times. The curls also last all throughout the day so that I can look put together while I run to and from set!
LS: You’re quickly becoming a recognizable name in the world of celebrity fashion. How do you navigate building your own brand ‘The Classy Millionaire’ while helping others shine in front of the camera?
AS: I have had to learn how to plan every last minute of my world lately. I’m a full time stylist, a makeup artist, a volunteer at my church and I run my own business The Classy Millionaire. I am a busy woman to say the least. However, I would not trade my busy life for the world. I use my time management and my passion for building my own brand to make time for my CEO life. I have built a major clientele for the brand in the greater Los Angeles Area and cannot wait to impact all major cities with these looks for every season. The vision of the Classy Millionaire is to empower women with styles that can land them the deal, keep them as the center of attention in the boardroom and light up the room for their most important event. Our mission is to style all people who want to make a statement, to clothe them in grace and give them the confidence they deserve.