The Confessional: Annie Horth

Photo by Richard Bernardin.

If you were watching the Celine Dion documentary on Oprah’s OWN network a few weeks ago you not only noticed Céline’s show-stopping wardrobe but also the philosophy behind it. Annie Horth is the philosopher. A Creative mind, Fashion stylist extraordinaire and who also was Artistic Director for cosmetic house Groupe Marcelle for the past 10 years, the great Annie Horth enters The Confessional.

You’ve entered the world’s most prestigious boutiques. How does that differ from entering The Confessional? I’m way more nervous to enter The Confessional!

I find that as we age, our clothes increasingly become a statement. What items best represent where and who we should be at 30, 40 and 50? I’m rarely into specific « items ». I prefer to think about silhouettes or what we want to transpire whether it is strength, youth, maturity or self-confidence.

Name a book that has inspired & accompanied you in the journey that has led to where you are today. My friend Dick Walsh, who also happens to be my mentor, game me a little book for my 20th birthday: Lettres à un jeune poète by Rainer Maria Rilke. It hasn’t left my nightstand since even though I often change nightstands.

What social or geopolitical issue do you think deserves more attention from governments & constituents? Society no longer has respect for its teachers. I have much admiration for them. It’s primordial that teachers continue to love what they do. I was lucky enough throughout my education to have had passionate teachers eager to share with us their knowledge.

If you could be given a Ministry in the Canadian government, which one would it be and what would be first on your agenda? I’m not sure which Ministry oversees City planning and environmental design but it would be that one. We should find inspiration in such beautiful cities as Paris, Sydney and San Francisco as well as in some of London’s neighborhoods. Same for some of its parks like Boston and New York as well. We’re missing large scaled initiatives here! Why are we still talking about the Expo & Habitat ’67 and other vestiges from another era?! Is it because nothing since then has been worth talking about?!

It has to be said that you could have been a model and that you are always impeccably dressed. Do you feel a certain pressure to always look good? You are crazy nice here. I think in my « good days » I can look OK and I’m content with myself. My new motto is: « I’m lucky I age pretty well !!! » No pressure at all about making a little effort to look the best I can, without it taking long – as I have no patience. But I’ve always believed it’s a sign of respect for myself as well as for others.

Name the wardrobe you would like to raid. Never thought about that.

Here, Annie Horth speaks with e-Talk about Céline Dion wardrobe for the chanteuse’s new Las Vegas show.

What are the similarities between fashion and interior design? I like the idea of having a simple idea and materializing it. It was non-existent…then it’s right there in front of you. My best friend is my creativity and making things happen in my own way is the gift I was given.

Name three fashion designers who always get it right. Alber Elbaz for his vision. He created a «new» woman, his own woman. Chic and yet comfortable. He once told me he thinks of comfort because he’s fat! Phoebe Philo: impeccable taste. Nothing to say. I love Erdem’s world. It’s so unique. It’s not for everyone but the vision is precise and clear. I love it.

Name two of your fashion golden rules. Everything changes. I stay on my toes to feel it all, so I don’t believe in rules. Never did. Though it does not mean anything goes!!!

What’s the best music to get dressed to on a big night? Any of Donna Summer’s old hits.

What music is in constant play in your i-Pod? Before, I would always make playlists for my friends. I’d go to bed with music and would wake up to it. Now, I sometimes forget to put any music when I’m in the house, working and researching. Funny how we change. But here and there, I miss it (!). I‘ll then download a few songs. I love women’s voices like Jill Scott, Sade, Chaka Khan, and Adele. I love Tracy Thorn’s sad voice, Ray Lamontagne’s nostalgia and Anthony David’s soft voice. I also love loads of R&B music. It’s always been my music of choice for as long as I can remember. I work with young models who bring their own music on sets and most of them will listen to alternative rock, which I also appreciate. At the end of the day, I will often download a few new songs they’ve made me discover.
When in the country, I LOVE classic opera. It’s as if I’m suddenly in a beautiful period movie, with a soundtrack from the gods!

Name women whose style is a perfect reflection of who they are. I don’t « know » them, but their style is strong, clear, precise and a perfect reflection of who they appear to be:
-Carine Roitfeld, the famed French fashion editor. She’s simply perfect, chic and sexy.
-Cate Blanchett, actress extraordinaire. With her unique sense of style and chic-excentrique, she’s really a queen.
-Julianne Moore. I just wish I’d be her friend! I admire her.
-Jennifer Lopez. Love or hate her, she’s like the last of the old-Hollywood-glamour-era actresses. Always chic, always impeccable, beautiful hair, gorgeous skin, makeup. I mean she will never show up without making the 100% effort to look her very best. Even though she would not need much. For some it may seem vain but I see it as respect for her fans, for herself.

What’s your favourite getaway are what are 3 must items you pack when you go there? Traveling is great but it can be tiring, unless you are filthy rich! The perfect getaway would be not more than 4 hours away! I fell in love with The Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. Hard to beat for a beach resort. I like to pack lots of white stuff. White clothes, a white sarong, white tees, white tongs, etc. Also, I won’t travel without my AirBook. And I’ll bring a few books i may end up not reading!!! But the intentions are there …