Terese Tomlins, stylist for The Bachelorette New Zealand. Image supplied.
Season two of The Bachelorette New Zealand recently arrived on our screens and introduced us to new bachelorette Lexie Brown who is on a quest to find love via the popular television show. Keeping Lexie looking stylish (and the bachelors too) is experienced stylist Terese Tomlins who styled the previous season of the show and several seasons of The Bachelor New Zealand too.
Getting Lexie and 18 bachelors looking camera ready is a big job and while Terese has the help of a hair and makeup team to create the final looks, her job is sourcing and styling the outfits for the show. It’s a big job to get everything ready before filming and to make sure everyone on screen looks like the best versions of themselves but after several seasons of the show and many years in creative roles Terese knows exactly what she’s doing.
We caught up with Terese to find out more about what it’s like filming The Bachelorette New Zealand, what her favourite looks are from the show and what wardrobe item she thinks everyone should invest in?
What made you become a stylist and how did you go about getting there?
I started off as a hair and makeup artist, I always loved the styling/costume side of things and one day I got asked to take care of the styling for a shoot and the rest is history as they say.
What does an average day at work on The Bachelorette involve for you?
Every day on The Bachelorette was different which as a creative I love! On single date days I tend to select the bachelorette’s cocktail party dress/accessories and then I pull the guy’s outfits and steam/iron everything in preparation for the cocktail party.
What’s the process like of working with the contestants and bachelorette/s on the show and how collaborative is the styling?
It’s most definitely a collab when it comes to our hero talent, I want our bachelorette to feel confident and beautiful so she can concentrate on finding love, not worrying about how she looks.
With the rest of the cast I try to get a real sense of their personal style and cater to that, however if there’s a bachelor who only likes a navy suit I will try and guide them to be slightly more adventurous in their style choices.
What are some of your favourite looks that were worn on the show this season and why?
My favourite looks on The Bachelorette this season is Lexie’s arrival look, I love everything about it, the floaty apricot dress paired with fine gold jewellery and her dewy peachy make up all worked perfectly together.
Another one of my favourites is the look we created for the marketing campaign, that black dress is killer and not your usual Bachelorette dress.
How would you describe your personal style and how does it influence your job?
My day-to-day style on set is super practical/purposeful, because we work such long days I’m always after comfort, I love a Nike Air Max 90 trainer and Neuw Denim does my favourite pair of jeans, the Marylin, super flattering and comfy! Love a good vintage band tee too!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that you keep referring back to as a stylist?
Working as a Stylist in telly the best piece of advice I was given was to dress the talent to flatter their figure and keep it more classic/timeless rather than reaching for garments that are on trend and don’t necessarily work with everyone’s shape.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I have a few… Deadly Ponies Mr Leopard handbag and I have an amazing pair of Vivienne Westwood heels that I like to pop on for a special occasion.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
I think there’s a few investment pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe and those are a good coat, it will last you years! A good leather jacket and a great handbag.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Not necessarily a rule but clothes can deeply effect our mood and how we present to the world, so I think feeling good is key! I always dress to feel good whether that be hanging at home in my trackies or throwing on an LBD and going out for cocktails with the gals. I apply this to my work too. If the talent feel great, I’m winning!
Who are your favourite New Zealand designers/brands?
Moochi, RUBY and Zambesi.
Do you have any style icons that inspire you?
Audrey Hepburn – timeless and classic, Prince because his music and style is fabulous, Tom Ford again classic/timeless and I can’t go past Cate Blanchett for her red carpet looks, she always looks on point.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Crocs, yuck!
Images supplied.