Jessica Moazami, Stylist, Fashion Editor & Blogger

She is an American-born fashion stylist with more than a decade of experiencing working for UK’s most coveted fashion publications. She has rubbed shoulders with the fashion elite like Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace and Donna Karan, and you can see her work on the pages of Britain’s best-selling newspaper The Telegraph, as well as many other acclaimed publications such as The Times, Irish Tatler, In London and The City Magazine.

Today, Jessica Moazami resides in Chicago, where she continues her work as a fashion editor and stylist, while penning her London-style inspired fashion musings on her personal blog Addictions of a Fashion Junkie. We recently sat down with the trendsetter and chatted all things fashion, why Beyonce was her favorite interview and what makes Chicago so similar to Barcelona.

FashionFiles: You’ve been in the fashion industry as an editor and stylist, and have written in the US and the UK for more than a decade now.  That’s quite the impressive resume. Tell us a little about yourself – how did it all start?

Jessica: After studying film at university I was working in a Soho production company and hating every minute of it. Fashion was always a huge part of my life but I never had an interest in being a designer. Soon after talking with some people in the industry I realized styling is what I wanted to do. I initially thought I was only interested styling stars for red carpet events, but once I started interning at Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan to get experience, I was hooked!

FF: Who is your favorite person you ever styled and/or interviewed?

J: Without a doubt Beyoncé. You’ll have to wait for my next ‘London Fashion Diaries’ post to hear the whole story!

FF: What is the best fashion party you ever went to?

J: Working in one of the fashion capitals of world, London, I was fortunate to be invited to many fabulous fashion parties! Giorgio Armani event to celebrate the opening of his retrospective at the Royal Academy of Art was by far the best! Ms Dynamite performed while Giorgio and Donna Karan danced all night. Also in attendance were Donatella Versace, Minnie Driver, Sarah Ferguson, Dutchess of York, Robert De Niro, Richard Gere and his wife, Carey Lowell, Toby Maguire, Lauren Hutton, Eric Clapton and Alicia Witt.

FF: What is the key to a great party?

J: An AB FAB host! Also details, drinks and a great ‘goodie’ bag!

FF: Why did you move to Chicago?

J: After 15 years in London it was time for a change. I thought moving from London to NY would be too similar: a big spread out city that’s very expensive. With LA you have to drive everywhere, I and prefer to walk. Chicago reminded me of one of my favorite European cities, Barcelona. Both have the hustle and bustle of urban city life but also beach lifestyle in one location.

FF: What inspired you to launch the Addictions of a Fashion Junkie?

J: I wanted to reach out to all the other Fashion Junkies out there.

FF: Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

J: Can I say world domination? Ha!

FF: Let’s talk fashion. What are your style words to live by?

J: MIX IT UP! It’s all about your pairing … style with comfort, high with low, fancy with casual.

FF: How would you describe the style scene in Chicago?

J: Growing

FF: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.

J: I picked my own name when I was four years old! I’ve had 2 other names before Jessica.

FF: Who are your style icons?

J: I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, an obvious but classic pick.

FF: Who are your favorite designers?

J: This is so hard! The list could go on and on but I love… Prabal Gurung, Phoebe Philo for Celine, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Jenny Packham, Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum, Temperley London, and Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

FF: What is your fantasy purchase?

J: Holly Golightly’s entire wardrobe from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

FF: What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?

J: A pair of nude heels.

FF: What piece of jewelry should every woman have?

J: Diamond stud earrings and a man’s watch.

FF: What is the most treasured item in your closet?

J: A 1960s vintage cream and grey wool dress by Harrods (back when they didn’t just sell dresses but make them) which I found on Portobello Road. Not long after my purchase I spotted the exact same dress in a 1968 Vogue fashion photoshoot by David Bailey, one of the most important British fashion photographers.

FF: Your guilty pleasure is…

J: Watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Orange County.

FF: Your celebrity crush is…

J: Adam Brody, David Bechkam and the Olsen Twins.

FF: Finish the sentence:  If I wasn’t in the fashion industry I would be…

J: A travel writer.

FF: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?

J: Loving the full skirts and slim heels from the ladylike trend.

FF: What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?

J: It’s not a particular trend but a whole scene that incorporated both style and music known at Brit Pop or British Indie.

FF: What is your signature scent?

J: The original Michael Kors. I always get compliments when I wear it. I also love Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb, such a cool name for a fragrance.

FF: What’s your secret cheapie?

J: L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tube Technology Mascara.

FF: And what do you usually splurge on?

J: Handbags and watches.

FF: What are your favorite fashion blogs? Why?

J: Atlantic-Pacific because I love her style and Wearing it Today for its great tips and content.

FF: What’s your favorite…

Gadget?

J: I’m not into gadgets but the iPhone has changed my life!

Hostess gift? 

J: To give it’s wine to get it’s flowers or chocolate.

Comfort food?

J: Pizza and chocolate

Accessory?

J: Men’s Rolex watch

Wine?

J: I’m not a wine drinker, the only wine I like are sweet white wines from New Zealand. I prefer a Mojito.

Pastime?

J: Watching reruns of ABsolutely FABulous!