She’s outfitted some of the hottest celebrities in the game for some of their biggest moments. Charlene Roxborough Konsker is a sartorial force to be reckoned with.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Chicago, the Celebrity Fashion Stylist-Designer-Blogger has become renown for her work with stars like Kanye West, Eva Longoria, Jeremy Renner, and Freida Pinto. In addition to consulting on the Yeezy2 collection and collaborating with Ralph & Russo to create a custom gown, Roxborough Konsker also gives fans the inside scoop on beauty, travel, art, and fashion. 

Nécessité caught up with Charlene Roxborough Konsker to learn more about her biggest challenges, and her top nécessités she always has in her arsenal.

Are you originally from California? If not, where are you from and when did you move here?

I’m was born and raised in Jamaica with my family and I moved to the US  in the 80’s where we settled in the suburbs of  Chicago Illinois.

What did you do before styling?

I worked with Autistic children.

How did you get your start in the fashion industry, how long have you been styling?

I’ve always loved fashion as a little girl, when I was in college I met a stylist while I worked for a shoe brand I then became her assistant, I knew I wanted to be in fashion, I just didn’t know at what level. I’ve been styling for 15 years.

What is the best part of your job? 

I love what I do, seeing the smile on my clients faces enhancing their style and confidence.

What is the most challenging part?

The beauty of my job is that I do not find any one aspect challenging. My biggest issue is there are not enough hours in the day.

Describe your style in 3 words. What are your wardrobe nécessités, and why? 

My style is timeless, modern, chic, girl on the go. A boyfriend style blazer gives a sexy masculine vibe this can be worn with a dress or over the shoulder keeping it casual for red carpet style.  

High waisted slacks make the waist look smaller you can wear with anything it elongates the body, who doesn’t want to look tall, lean and sexy. 

Every woman should have a piece of vintage clothing, vintage tells a story it’s a part of a designer’s history.

Who are your style icons? 

Carine Roitfeld, Kate Moss, and Grace Kelly.

How would you style one of your clients/yourself in our nécessité sweatshirt? 

Black or white tuxedo suit Saint Laurent style.

Name one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe, and why? 

A great long coat it enhances any style.

Name one thing women should not have in their wardrobe, and why? 

Jewel tones and stripes, they’re not very flattering.

What is your style philosophy on high-low? What are your favorite brands to achieve that look?  

Purchase what’s needed in your wardrobe that has a timeless feel, style it with something that is affordable that won’t break your budget. Designers like Saint Laurent mix it with an item from Cos. Some of my favorite brands are Saint Laurent, Celine, Max Mara,Versace, Thierry Mugler, Givenchy. Low- Zara, Cos, H&M, Sandro and anything vintage. 

From the Closet

nécessité’s rare and special resale shopping experience- repurpose with purpose. See you at our next pop-up.

Shop All

Shop All

The Closet, on nécessité, is a second-hand shop, do you shop second-hand for yourself/clients? If yes, what?

I love vintage, I grew up on vintage as a little girl my mom and I would always visit the vintage shops collecting anything from home wear, books, to clothes, that’s all I knew growing up. My mom knew where to find the best pieces in the suburbs of Chicago such as Lake Forest, Winnetka, and Highland Park. My closet is built on vintage styles from an Alaia gown, Jean-Paul Gauthier dress, to Versace. 

What is your all-time favorite look you’ve styled and why?

Kanye, John Legend, and Common on a speedboat for Vogue. No one had their style and I always pushed the edge to style rappers and singers like movie stars at that time no one dressed like them.  Especially Kanye the Bond Star!

Eva Longoria is always stunning on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, how far in advance do you prep her look for the event?

When I receive the schedule a few months in advance I begin, I rely on my vision and what I feel is right for each mood and occasion in Cannes. Reaching out to designers and giving them ideas and mood boards of the feeling I have for the Riviera, and opening night.

Advice received prior to becoming a stylist?

I believe the best advice is the advice I gave myself. Think, believe in yourself, set your goals, and begin to achieve them   

What advice would you give an aspiring stylist?

Trust your instincts, always be honest, and outwork everyone else by creating your own path.

What is your ultimate beauty nécessité, and why? 

Glow from the inside out with your lifestyle don’t try to overdo it, think chic, be the best-kept secret in the room. You’ll be known as the girl or woman that’s interesting.     

Photographer Credit: Darrenstone Photography