Southern Design Week is upon us, and to celebrate, we were able to snag a few minutes with New Orleans based stylist, author and founder of Southern Design Week, Andi Eaton. With a week full of presentations, runway shows, and special events planned, Andi and her team are at the forefront of bringing the city’s most talented designers into the spotlight and highlighting the unique style of New Orleans. Read on to learn more about Andi Eaton and check out her blog, Oui We, for more fashion and design inspiration.

How would you describe your personal style? I’ve always been a girl on the go and I love a wanderlust bohemian style. Lately, I’ve been adding more monochromatic pieces perfect for going straight from a 6 a.m. plane flight to work to a late night show. I’m inspired by Edie Sedgewick for her sartorial glam and tormented innocence mixed with New Orleans local Solange Knowles for her ‘coolest girl in the room’ vibe. I love a girl that’s got a perfectly imperfect aesthetic.

What does your typical day look like? Days are never the same. I travel often. I’ve been working for an artist, scouting new gallery locations and doing market research in cities all across the country. When I’m home I spend time with branding clients or designers which often means creative strategy sessions over cocktails.

What are some of your favorite NOLA spots? The parks along the Mississippi River are at the top of my list. There’s a quote: “All good New Orleanians go to look at the Mississippi at least once a day,” with that experience being likened to the peacefulness of watching a child sleep. I’m also a music fanatic. In my neighborhood, Gasa Gasa on Freret Street has some of the best local and touring acts, and I love to hit d.b.a., get the window seat and watch the action on Frenchman Street. In the French Quarter, my favorite is One Eyed Jacks. Great shows, fantastic venue, and I always feel like it’s a homecoming of sorts when I’m there.

How do you plan out your Southern Design Week wardrobe? Is it all last minute, or do you prepare days in advance? In all honestly I used to plan days in advance, it’s important to me to represent the designers that are showing their latest collections. Each morning feels like another marathon day, however, and lately I’ve been letting the mood strike as I get the day going.

 

Andi Eaton, Instagram: @ouiwegirl
Andi Eaton, Instagram: @ouiwegirl

 

What fall fashion trends are you most excited about this season? I’m obsessed with upcycled denim. The more punk rock and frayed the better. I’m also loving graphic black and white and Rorschach-style motifs, and then folksy patchwork pieces—an extension of Summer’s upscale hippie vibe.

What’s the most common Uber trip you take? I take Uber almost every day. I find that for quick trips around town bouncing from meeting to meeting I can get where I need to go efficiently and in style.

What’s the best experience you’ve ever had with Uber? Every time I land in a new city, I know that I’m going to be greeted at the airport with a driver to get me where I’m going. That’s always a comforting feeling and a good experience.

What are your top 3 Southern Design Week survival items? Phone power: a mophie charger will keep you juiced up all day long, a fancy flat “commuter” shoe—no one wants to be feeling foot pain at the end of the day, and a reporter’s notebook to keep track of the minute by minute happenings.

Want to check out Southern Design Week’s 2016 Spring/Summer shows? Here’s your chance:

  • The first 50 people to arrive in time for the show via Uber will receive a special Southern Design Week gift bag (upon showing proof of their receipt), courtesy of Paris Parker Aveda Salons.

 

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