Photo: Caroline Watson
Fact 1: I recently attended the One Direction concert in New York City. Fact 2: It was all in the name of work. Fact 3: Fact 2 is a lie. The reason: I wanted to check out what Caroline Watson, the One Direction head stylist, decided to dress X Factor’s British pop sensation in. The result: lots of reds, whites, and blues (how patriotic for their American tour leg); varsity jackets; nautical long sleeves; tailored slacks; and fitted preppy cropped blazers. She’s managed to make the One Direction boys (Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson) look age-appropriate and fashion-forward while belting out their hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “One Thing.” And Watson knows what she’s doing—she’s worked with The Spice Girls, Robbie Williams, as well as Victoria and David Beckham (the latter is gracing the cover of ELLE UK this month). So, with that, we chatted with Watson about her favorite smell, her love of all things LV, and why certain fragrances always make her smile.
ELLE: What is your favorite smell?
Caroline Watson: Eau Duelle by Diptyque Paris.
ELLE: What do you consider the epitome of happiness?
CW: Being with the one you love or doing what you love!
ELLE: How do you define luxury?
CW: Being pampered on the beach in Turks and Caicos.
ELLE: What is the last dream you remember?
CW: The last dream I had was a nightmare. I dreamed that my clients went on the red carpet without any clothes on! SCARY!
ELLE: What’s your favorite childhood memory?
CW: Having my entire family (from grandparents to the youngsters) over to our house every weekend for a good old-fashioned British-Jamaican Sunday lunch.
ELLE: What’s the last book you read and loved?
CW: I Heart Vegas by Lindsey Kelk.
ELLE: Describe your home’s aesthetic.
CW: Modern and minimalistic.
ELLE: What are your vices?
CW: Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton.
ELLE: Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
CW: Down to earth, bubbly, creative, hard-working, perseverant.
ELLE: What possession will you never throw away?
CW: My family photos—I’m keeping them for my children.