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Wall Group director Ali Bird works with some of the fashion industry’s biggest creative names (celebrity stylist Kate Young, among others). And yet when it comes to personal style, she’s most likely to follow her children’s lead. “They’re completely unafraid of expressing themselves and it’s actually pretty inspiring,” says the 41-year-old mother of two. “They’ve taught me that whatever you’re feeling in the moment, it’s okay to express it.” There’s a freewheeling energy at the heart of the Bird household, which is made up of Ali; her partner, photographer Cass Bird; and their children, Mae and Leo. Bird’s Instagram lends a window onto their bohemian family life, one of midday dance parties and morning wake-up calls in the nude.
Out of the two working moms, Bird’s day-to-day wardrobe tends to require a bit more interchangeability. She’s running from the kids’ school to the office, to a shoot, to a meeting, to an event—and back again—dressed in high-waisted jeans and with a stocked carryall over her shoulder. “I’m not sitting in the office all day, so it’s important to be ready to dress up or down at any point,” Bird says. “I love any bag that’s big enough to fit my entire life in it—but I’m so small, so it also can’t be too overpowering.”
Bird has a soft spot for vintage fashion and treasures the heirloom jewelry given to her by her grandmother Mae most of all. “She is a huge style icon to me,” she says. “She valued the getting-ready process and always had her hair done and wore great accessories. Not that I do that, but I idolize her for it.” Bird also cites the fictional character Penny Lane from Almost Famous as one of her “effortlessly put together” style touchstones. She keeps breezy cotton dresses and tops by L.A. label Dôen, items from Winnie Beattie’s store, Warm, as well as some “epic, fun, tongue-in-cheek” pieces by designer Adam Selman in her closet.
Bird is also a huge supporter of the sustainable fashion movement. “It just makes so much sense in the world we live in today,” she says. Practicality reigns supreme in her wardrobe, and she dresses for no one but herself. With her little ones in tow, her partner’s camera always at the ready, and a packed professional schedule, Bird wears her clothes like a free spirit—one who always gets the job done.
Below, Bird breaks down her daily style routine and explains the importance of cherishing fashion from a bygone era.
Always be prepared.In my line of work, absolutely no day is the same. Some days, I’m in a boardroom or out visiting our artists on set and attending signing meetings in our office. More often than not, there are events to attend at night. The unpredictability of each day makes planning outfits somewhat difficult, to be honest. For me, it’s about wearing something that works in most scenarios and carrying a bag with a change of shoes and accessories.
Functionality is key.Over the past few years my style has evolved toward a minimal, pared-down vibe. I’ve definitely become more streamlined and aware of what works transitionally. I value comfort more, and what’s functional and easy.
Never leave the house without a pair of vintage jeans.I’ve always had a deep love for vintage, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find me in an outfit without at least one or two vintage elements. I’m very good at sourcing vintage denim, and I tend to gravitate to Levi’s, Lee, and Wrangler—mostly cuts that are high-waisted with a straight leg and zip fly. A great fit is important, and since I’m pretty small, expert tailoring is a necessity.
Hold onto pieces that have meaning.The most sentimental pieces I have are vintage accessories. I have a gold Rolex from 1955 that Cass gave me on our 10-year anniversary. It’s incredibly special to me. Also, I have a name ring from my grandmother Mae and a signet ring from my grandpa. I also still have clothes I wore in high school that are pretty meaningful. If you can’t tell, I’m very into vintage. Not only do I enjoy looking for amazing pieces, but I’ve also come to respect the history of vintage items, whether known to me or not; it’s truly a sacred thing. I love the feeling of bringing something from the past into my present-day life.