We recently told you a secret, whispered to style conscious gents who want to look good by wearing great clothing by getting onto Thread and having your own personal stylist do the work for you. Meet Shaunie Breet, style director at Thread, who knows a thing or two about style alright…
Where do you live in London and what do you love about that area?
I live on the southern edge of Victoria Park, and I love the area’s energy: There’s always something going on in the park, whether it’s fireworks or a run, there are a bunch of lovely little pubs, and even new places feel local and not overdone. It made my day when The Peanut Vendor recently opened across the street from my flat, it’s a cafe/vintage furniture shop with really good coffee and a constantly changing selection of mid century modern sideboards, coffee tables and armchairs. We recently held a Thread photo shoot there so you’ll get glimpses of it on the site very soon.
Tell us how that started and how you got into the fashion industry?
I did a degree in Psychology at Edinburgh uni and moved to London wanting to be a stylist. I was interested in the aesthetics of clothes, but also in people’s’ attitudes and feelings about dressing. I started as a fashion assistant at Love magazine, then worked at Burberry, where I learned loads about the commercial side of the fashion industry, did some amazing shoots and worked with great people. While there I saw how important tech was becoming in fashion, and I wanted to be a part of that change. I was also doing personal styling for celebrities on the side, so Thread felt just right, half personal styling, half technology.
What areas do you like shopping in London?
I do most of my shopping online by hacking together my own version of the Thread algorithm, but for womenswear, I open 20 browser tabs, find the best things for me on each site, and then whittle my lists down depending on a bunch of things. I also like shopping at Liberty and on Regent Street, but only early in the morning, at 10 am on a Saturday it’s blissfully empty, and if you know what you’re looking for, you can get everything you need in an hour.
If you had to pick three brands that best showed off London, what would they be and why?
On Thread’s behalf, I’m going to focus on menswear and make my first choice Oliver Spencer. If I had to dress a guy head to toe in only one brand, this would be it, the clothes balance contemporary and classic, they’re made from good fabrics, and I like that the brand collaborates with other British brands.
My second choice is M&S. It’s kind and comforting, and practically a British institution. I took a lot of guys shopping to find suits for my wedding, and if they didn’t want to spend more than £500 I’d take them to M&S (the best one’s in Marble Arch). Their tailoring and fabrics are surprisingly good, and even if a suit doesn’t fit perfectly, it always looks great after a trip to my tailor.
Lastly, Burberry. I love that they ground clothing and fashion in the real world, by making waves in social media, music, tech, lifestyle and architecture. Plus, some of Burberry’s signature designs, like the trenchcoat, are timeless and unimprovable.
What should we be wearing this Christmas?
Loungewear. I think it’s underrated. If you invest in really nice slouchy trousers, a robe, or a cashmere jumper that you only wear inside, it improves your whole weekend.
What would your perfect day in London be?
On a Sunday, I’d have a late start, then head out for a long, unplanned walk with my husband. We’d turn down interesting streets, maybe follow the canal or the Thames for a bit, and stop by the Columbia Road Flower Market at some point. I love how, as you approach the market, you can see what’s in season from the bunches in people’s arms, whether it’s cherry blossoms or jasmine. In the afternoon, I’d make my way to Victoria Park Village for a Bloody Mary and an amazing Sunday roast at The Empress, a favourite local pub with great food. And the perfect day would end in an early night, too.
And there you have it. Sign up to Thread today.