Spotlight On: Kyd Drake

Name: Kyd Drake
Profession: Photo Producer for North6
Style: Comfortable, minimal with a splash of East Coast edge
Why We Love Her: Trends don’t define Kyd’s timeless style. She’s in a class all her own.

 

How did you get your start as a producer at North6?

After majoring in film and photography in college on the East Coast, I made the move back to my hometown of Los Angeles and embarked on a three month internship at North Six, after which I was hired. since it’s fashion, there also must be crisp white linens on every table, a Dyptique candle burning around every corner, and an egg white option for breakfastWorking in production honed my organizational skills,  as I was suddenly responsible for entire shoots to run smoothly, from the photographer making a flight, to the city granting permits to shoot at specific locations, to constant car services arriving to and from their final destinations. And since it’s fashion, there also must be crisp white linens on every table, a Dyptique candle burning around every corner, and an egg white option for breakfast.  It’s the ultimate multi-tasking experience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You have worked with famous models, magazines and photographers across the US. What has been your most memorable work experience?

The most memorable shoots I’ve worked on are the Tommy Hilfiger campaigns, shot by Craig McDean. They consist of eighteen models that make up the Tommy Hilfiger family, so the total crew I’m caring for can be up to ninety people. Last year, we took the Hilfiger “family” camping for the spring 2012 campaign. miles from civilization, the black sky brilliant with stars, and a hundred of us celebrating around a giant bonfireWe ended up in the remote town of Globe, Arizona, shooting near the Salt River on an Indian Reservation. After a week of working eighteen hour days followed by drinking $1 Blue Moons at the local bar, followed by 3 hours sleep, we, (“production”), organized the wrap party, which consisted of a bonfire/barbeque on the banks of the river, complete with marshmallows for roasting and hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner.We were miles from civilization, the black sky brilliant with stars, and a hundred of us celebrating around a giant bonfire.The atmosphere was surreal. We were miles from civilization, the black sky brilliant with stars, and a hundred of us celebrating around a giant bonfire. Moments like these I would not experience otherwise.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because it can boost my mood and build my confidence. Besides its artistic expression, slipping into something nice and unique to my personal style makes me feel my best. And for those days I just want to be cozy, (most days), fashion is important to me because it can boost my mood and build my confidence
I’ve got a great pair of slouchy black leather sweatpants.

 Who are some of your go-to designers and what is your must-have item for fall?

I live in basics from Alexander Wang’s T collection, sandals from Marni, and oversized cardigans from Stella McCartney.  Since I only buy pieces I love, I have a uniform of comfortable yet creative clothing that I can mix and match from to fit my moods.  My closet is teeny tiny, so I don’t have a lot of room to experiment with fashion trends.  I love not having too many options because I always know what to wear! My must-have items for fall are Jenni Kayne d’orsay flats in black suede, and the Celine Trio Bag in black leather. Since I love classics that are wearable season after season, I always opt for black. I’ve worn only my Barney’s Bernice black ponyhair tuxedo flats the past 2 fall/winter seasons. Still in love with these too… but I think it’s time for a new uniform!

You are a busy woman on the go, what do you do to relax?
My job commands the majority of my personal time, so when I do get awarded a visit to the spa is a must after a long work week with a free week or weekend, I love to travel–even just a quick weekend getaway to Palm Springs to indulge in the sun’s dry heat and a poolside cocktail… and a trip to the Marni outlet in Cabazon! So far this year, I’ve gone to Jamaica (for my honeymoon), Big Sur to camp in a yurt, and Kauai to read on the beaches. However if I need a quick fix, a visit to the spa is a must after a long work week. Tao of Venus in Silver Lake is my favorite–no fuss with a focus on healing.fashion is no longer dominated by the few people-in-high-places at fashion magazines.

A lot of fashion has become more accessible and influential on the web, what are some of the exciting changes that you have been seeing in the fashion industry?

Now that anyone can start a blog, Pinterest board, or Instagram, we can look to our peers for fashion inspiration. The web has opened up a public forum in which anyone can participate, making the future of fashion that much more tangible.

Photos by: Kyd Drake and her iPhone