In this digital age, bringing a fashion line to life online is crucial, especially when said label happens to be Tory Burch. The task of translating the brand’s strong visual identity and sense of relaxed glamour off the rack—and onto our computers and mobile screens—falls to Ally Lewis, Tory Burch senior photo editor. While corralling photographers, selecting new subjects to feature, and organizing shoots, Lewis’s job and wayfaring off-duty jaunts demand a sharp eye and a style that is as classic and gypset-ready as Burch’s wares themselves. “I think that getting dressed should be about putting on an appropriate outfit to do something interesting, not just putting on an outfit to look interesting,” Lewis tells us.
Here, she reveals her creative roots, what she’ll be wearing while working New York Fashion Week, and how Burch herself has influenced Lewis’s style and career.
A Photographer’s Creative Roots
My mother is an artist and photographer. I grew up playing in her studio with her—making jewelry, taking photos, painting, and collaging. She was definitely a big influence and still is.
When creative director Honor Brodie came on board at Tory Burch in 2008, she reached out to me about a position. My role has since evolved into a photography-centric position for Tory Daily and special projects. I commission photographers, work with our team to produce shoots, find interesting locations, and work with our editorial team to secure great subjects—from entrepreneurs and artists to musicians and people with amazing style. Last year I really loved working on our coffee-table book, Tory Burch in Color.
I take pictures constantly with my iPhone—anything that catches my eye—design, art and fashion, architecture and landscapes, flowers and dogs. I’ve been told that it’s slightly annoying to walk down the street with me because I stop so often to take photos! I have a Canon camera for traveling.
Behind-the-Camera Style
Each day is different, but usually involves a shoot or two, meetings, and brainstorm sessions in the office, and then dinner out with friends or my boyfriend. The shoots I work on are mainly at people’s homes or outside—places that are personal to them versus on a set. It’s important for me to look put-together, but still be comfortable and not too dressed up. When getting ready, I start with good basics and then try to add something interesting or offbeat. I think that getting dressed should be about putting on an appropriate outfit to do something interesting, not just putting on an outfit to look interesting.
I like clean, beautifully made basics with a twist: men’s oversize tux shirts by Thomas Mason; straight-leg trousers or tailored jeans from 3x1, Acne Studios, The Row; vintage Levi’s from Re/Done; and flat loafers from Tod’s when I’m shooting [and] Manolo Blahnik kitten heels or Tabitha Simmons heels for when I’m in the office. I am either very tailored or wearing vintage caftans from East Village vintage stores, or Figue. I always have a big cashmere sweater nearby, usually stolen from my boyfriend’s closet.
And yes, I do wear a ton of Tory Burch! We are launching a sport line this month and it is superchic—a lot of pieces work well for everyday, not just in the gym.
Dressing Undercover for Fashion Week
My job during New York Fashion Week is about making sure good work happens behind the scenes—we capture a lot of assets that we use throughout the rest of the season, like the models backstage, details of the collection, the hair and makeup process, our front-of-house audience—not getting noticed for my outfit. I wear a lot of navy and black and avoid uncomfortable shoes and anything trendy. Looking nice and professional is important, and comfort is key.
A Globe-trotter Attempts to Pack Light
I travel a lot, and I always try to leave extra room in my suitcase or bring a sturdy duffel bag so I can bring back local treasures. I often bring back things like linen dresses from Tulum or bracelets from Istanbul, but every once in a while I get too excited and bring something home that is a little out there, like a giant feather headdress from South Africa. I like to fill my home with things that remind me of experiences and adventures. Mine is Bric’s Olive Life and my carry-on is Goyard or a beat-up Louis Vuitton (no logo). I try to pack lightly but am not very good at it!
Boss Lady Influence
Tory has incredible style. She is always put together but effortless. She mixes and matches a lot— something current with something vintage, something prim and proper with something global. I’ve learned a lot from her, in both the style and career departments.