What is style? It’s an often asked question that even the most knowledgeable heads in the fashion industry can find more than tricky to answer. One that might be able to, however, is Amanda Ross. A stylist, fashion consultant and costume designer who has worked with celebrities, across TV, on magazines and with fashion brands, Ross is known in the industry for being the woman to go to when it’s a slice of the real deal that you’re after.

A background in magazines at Harpers Bazaar in the US and on the launch of C magazine in Los Angeles set Ross on her fashion trail. Transferring her skills to TV, she worked on shows such as Lipstick Jungle – the perfect backdrop for her sophisticated and eclectic take on how women want to dress now. A savvy show about successful women (in knockout outfits, of course,) we at Kotur were very proud to be carried by it’s actresses.

These days, Ross is the Fashion Director of Departures magazine, where she styles their shoots and also writes a column, Uptown Girl, alongside working as a consultant to both large fashion houses and with the likes of Vera Farmiga, Kim Raver, Naomi Watts and Mariska Hargitay.  Whether it’s for a big name brand or a red carpet moment, inspiring editorial or a character’s work get up, people seek her out for fashion that speaks about much more than trend. A big fan of jewellery, Chanel bags and a master at mixing vintage with designer (plus a pair of Manolo’s,) hers is a refined style that’s more than hard to come by. Some stylists bring something extra to the game, and Amanda Ross is one of them. With the sort of taste, sophistication and eye for style that’s about so much more than the particular dress you happen to be wearing, we are delighted that she’s agreed to be a Muse for Kotur.

What’s in your make-up bag?

Purell hand sanitizer, Clarins Moisture Replenishing lip balm with rose wax, Edward Bess bronzer and Santa Maria degli Angeli lotion from The Palazzo Hotel in Venice

Do you have a beauty secret?

Good genes and sleep

What would be your desert island essentials?

A tall Italian, water and sunblock

How would your female friends describe your style?

Uptown East meets Nepal

What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

My collection of jewelry, both costume and real

Is there anything in your wardrobe you should get rid of but can’t?

I love to give away, so probably not

When home alone, what do you wear?

James Perse cotton leggings, Louboutin ballet slippers and a cashmere sweater

What do you wear to bed?

A cotton tank dress

You’re the fashion police for a day, what do you ban?

French manicures and Reality TV stars

Have you ever worn anything you now regret?

A Giorgio di Sant’angleo dress to a day wedding in Bedford

How high is too high a heel?

When you can’t walk

How old is too old for jeans?

Never if you still look good in them

If you could live in any other time for its fashion, when would you choose?

Greco Roman times, I love Grecian dressing

What is your most recent purchase?

An opal and gold pendant from Nardi in Venice

Can you judge a book by its cover?

Yes

What are your bad habits?

Recycling ex boyfriends when I know better

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

You are given one name, don’t trash it

What’s your favorite smell?

A burning fireplace anywhere in the mountains

What’s your idea of a great holiday?

Skiing in Europe

What are you most proud of?

6 years of running my own business

What is your pure bliss?

Hanging out with my twin sister and her three boys anytime, anywhere

What would you eat for your last supper?

A meal at Il Piccolino in West Hollywood

If you could meet someone from history who would it be?

Tolstoy, Kirkegaard, Stefan Zweig and Serge Gainsbourg

Yes or no to a nip and a tuck?

Nope

Do you have a favorite purse or bag?

My Chanel 555 bag

Do you have a favorite KOTUR bag?

The Ross Bag (named after me!)

How would you like to be remembered?

As an honorable person