Ana Sotillo: the new name to know in the world of styling
In the vibrant world of fashion, where every detail can become a masterpiece, Ana Sotillo stands out as one of the most fascinating and promising characters in the contemporary styling scene.
With a journey that has seen her move from a small Spanish town to becoming a reference stylist in Madrid, Ana has been able to combine passion and talent in surprising ways. Her story is that of a woman who has transformed her childhood curiosity into an art and a career, facing challenges and seizing opportunities with boundless creativity. In this exclusive interview, we will explore Ana's sources of inspiration, her pre-work rituals, and the trends that define her work, revealing how she has reinterpreted the concept of style. Get ready to discover the secrets of a stylist who is helping to reshape fashion aesthetics and making her mark in the fashion world.
1. How did you start your career in the world of fashion and styling?
Since I was little, I was very curious about the fashion world, but I lived in Seville, where there isn't much of an industry. When I was 19, I moved to Madrid and started working as a model while studying. Working as a model, I discovered and understood what a stylist was. At that time, I only knew about fashion designers, photographers, and makeup artists. Seeing the industry from the outside, it's hard to understand how it all works and the many departments involved in producing a project. I fell in love with the role of the stylist and began developing my career in a self-taught manner.
2. What are your main sources of inspiration when creating a new look?
Undoubtedly, it's what the person or client I'm working with conveys to me. Styling involves a lot of psychology and empathy with the client's references and concerns. Often, you're not doing exactly what you want 100%; it's a team effort with the talent or client in question.
3. What are the fashion trends you find most promising or interesting at the moment?
Fashion trends - I believe the culotte shorts with boots are here to stay. Also, the “jort” has been a very unisex alternative and feels quite timeless. This year, I'm seeing a lot of casual executive looks. It feels like streetwear is becoming more refined and blending with other classic trends.
4. Your ideal fashion uniform: if you could wear only one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would definitely wear classic blue or dark gray/black jeans with a basic tank top and boots. For the jacket, I'd choose a black nylon bomber or an oversized dark-toned blazer. A good bag and sneakers complete the look.
5. What is the most important piece of advice you have received in your career?
Be kind, be respectful. Always smile—you never know who might surprise you. Values in a work environment are very important when creating a final impression for the client.
6. Your guilty fashion pleasure: is there a piece or style you secretly love that might surprise your fans?
I don't know if it's a surprise, but a good bag and sunglasses are always a must in my everyday look—there's no limit. Also, it’s no secret that I LOVE baggy jeans.
7. Fashion emergency: what has been the most embarrassing or funny situation where you had to save a look at the last minute?
Without a doubt, during a Paris Fashion Week show, I was confirmed for another show that started 15 minutes after the one I was in ended. I had to change my look while running down the street. I was wearing a fitted long-sleeve top with a hood, hair pinned underneath for a clean look, and a bra underneath. Running down the street, I ended up in just my bra, turned the top into a kind of backwards cardigan, and let my hair down—a show in itself.
8. Your wardrobe museum: if you could preserve only three pieces from your wardrobe for posterity, which would you choose and why?
A leather jacket from ALYX 9SM, my TABI shoes from Maison Margiela, and my Rodeo Bag from Balenciaga. These are timeless pieces that will stay with me for life.
9. Pre-day rituals: do you have any special rituals you follow before starting a workday or a big event?
I always take the morning of the day before to organize myself well for work, and in the afternoon, I relax by doing something I enjoy to relieve stress.
10. Your personal 'musts': what three words best define your personal style?
Relaxed, dark, and baggy—LESS IS MORE.
11. Fashion and music: what song best represents your personal style or inspires you when you work?
Anything from Charlie XCX's latest album "BRAT." I think I'm not the only one obsessed with it. If not, a good R&B playlist from the '90s to today.
12. Your favorite vintage fashion piece: do you have a vintage item that is particularly precious to you? What is the story behind it?
The Gucci horsebit and the Fendi baguette were the first luxury bags I bought vintage. It was a special moment as I had dreamed of having bags from my favorite brands since I was little. Also, an original Fendi jacket from 1999, which I took home for €50 without intending to find anything useful that day.
13. If you could choose one moment when you dressed a celebrity who truly inspired you, what would it be and why? Was there an outfit that represented a creative challenge or had special significance for you?
I would choose when I worked with Vini JR for the Pepsi Global 2023 campaign. Along with the campaign, we did an editorial where I used a KidSuper look that I particularly liked.
14. Your fashion dream: if you could collaborate with any designer or brand in the world, who would you choose and what would you like to create together?
As a brand, I would probably choose Balenciaga, but as a designer or creative director, I would choose Alexander McQueen. He was and is a constant inspiration for me—a symbol of rebellion and freedom.
