Fashion Fuel

When it comes to iconic vehicles, Cadillac takes a big piece of the luxury car cake. But, with a 114-year history comes the need to continually evolve—a task the brand proves its up for with the new Escala Concept Car. Recently making its B.C. debut at the Vancouver International Auto Show, the four-door sedan is loaded with technical substance and impressive details. Former Vancouverite and celebrity stylist Karla Welch has partnered with Cadillac Canada to showcase the concept, and we had the pleasure of chatting with her about the exquisite design, styling inspiration and what it’s like telling Justin Bieber what to wear! —Rachel Johnston

Hi Karla! Welcome home to B.C.! What do you miss most about living here?

I’m originally from Powell River but I lived in Vancouver for 15 years. It’s such a treat to be here. I miss seeing the ocean! Even though I live in California, I don’t get to the beach much. I miss walking around the seawall!

How did you become involved with Cadillac?

Cadillac is interesting because they are always so wonderful about providing cars during award season, fashion week and my other travels. They’ll pick me up and drive me to locations and do the same for many of my clients. They approached me about working with the Escala and the trends that go with it so I thought that sounded amazing! Also, it’s an interesting part of the world we live in with social content being a factor—it’s outside the paradigm of thinking. Normally you wouldn’t come to a fashion stylist to talk about a car but we’re at a cross-section. So many things are related when it comes to good design and good fabrics so it made perfect sense! And it brought me to Canada for the day!

How is the Cadillac Escala forward-thinking and revolutionary?

It’s craftsmanship meets technology, which for me is the ultimate in luxury. Because, let’s be honest, we have access to anything we want now. Even visually, everything is at our fingertips. So to see something that’s so refined is the ultimate. I love that they married fashion with it and the interior is incredible! Understated luxury is what I love about this car.

What’s your favourite design feature?

Physically, I think the seats are pretty amazing. It looks fun to drive. Although we don’t get to drive it because it’s a concept car!

How did you get your start as a stylist and who do you currently work with?

I grew up in the retail business so I was always very interested in fashion and it was part of my life and identity. My husband is a photographer and I started out by styling for his jobs. Many years later, here I am, with clients like Ruth Negga, Sarah Paulson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lorde, Justin Bieber, Olivia Wilde, America Ferrera, Amy Poehler and Karli Kloss. Plus a lot of really interesting indie stars that are up-and-coming.

How much control do you have over what they wear when they’re not at a professional event?

I generally try not to do street style. I can always give advice but I feel like that’s just a different kind of thing. Of course, if someone is going to Paris Fashion Week, I’ll style them out for it. But I want my clients to have a break sometimes. What I do is more storytelling, red carpets, editorials. That’s more my jam.

From where do you draw inspiration for your styling?

I’m interested in everything and love knowing historical references. Fashion is so influenced by music, film, design and architecture so I always keep my eyes and ears open. Like, “Oh wow, I love how that tree looks!” And then I internalize everything and my inspiration comes from within.

Do you ever get any push back from your clients?

I’ve worked with so many of my clients for a long time. When you come and work with me, it’s a collaboration. Of course, we talk about what our goals are and how we’re feeling for a certain event but most of my clients have a lot of trust in me and that’s so important to our relationship. It’s very intimate and I don’t steer anybody wrong. We can have a back and forth but I would say 99 per cent of the time I’m right!

Did you have a style icon growing up?

I think my only icon was Denise Huxtable from The Cosby Show. Which is amazing because I’m going to work with Lisa Bonet in a week or so and I’m so excited! I appreciate everything but I feel I have more of an internal muse than anything else.

Any hot tips for spring and summer fashion this year? What trends are you following?

I love an oversized suit, which is funny because that’s one of the trends for the car: oversized tailoring! Instagram is such an interesting forum now and you find young designers and see where their coming from so I’m inspired by that. I’m really into neutrals for spring. To be honest, we work so ahead of the clock that I’m already thinking about fall!

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