Up Close & Personal: Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week  Fall 2019 Spotlight on Stylist/Buyer Hope Cavell of Lola

It seems only fitting that with NWA Fashion Week Fall 2019 coming next week, we spotlight one of our favorite local stylists, Hope Cavell. Hope is a buyer for the chic women’s boutique Lola in Fayetteville and has recently started her own personal styling business. She’s behind some of the most progressive and creative ideas happening in our region and helping to put NWA on the fashion map.

What are you most looking forward to for NWA Fashion Week?

The special designer event at Lola on Oct 2 with Vanderwilt Amsterdam is going to be amazing! Funny story: When I saw The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas editor, Rebekah Lawrence, at our show last spring, she was wearing this amazing leather jacket. I fawned over it and she shared that it came from a fabulous leather designer Marianne Vanderwilt in Amsterdam – Vanderwilt Amsterdam. Fast forward and here we are at their North American debut in Fayetteville! We are having a 'shop before the runway' party at Lola in-store on Wednesday, October 2nd from 5pm-8pm where Marianne will be making a personal appearance! Experience great vibes, sip some champs and shop an avant-garde European leather collection like no other all made with love in Amsterdam. Then Friday, October 4th we will show the collection at NWAFW. I am so excited! 

Above, a sneak peek into the Vanderwilt Amsterdam leather line, which will be making its North American debut on the runway at NWA Fashion Week Fall 2019 on October 4th. The collection will be available exclusively in the U.S. at Lola in Fayetteville starting October 2nd with a preview of the collection and personal appearance by Dutch designer Marianne Vanderwilt happening that same evening from 5pm-8pm before it hits the NWAFW runway.

Can you remember the very first time you realized your passion for fashion? 

Before social media, fashion magazines were my outlet. I’ve always been a big Harper's Bazaar fan! I knew every high-end designer from a very young age, and could tell you all about their fashion houses, etc. I started working at Masons in Fayetteville (a fab local business that is still rocking today!) at 16 and that soon became my outlet. Fashion was always something that felt natural and right. 

“I love helping a woman who thinks she 'can't wear this' or 'that' realize that yes she can!” – Hope Cavell, stylist and buyer at Lola 

Is there a higher purpose you serve through your work?

I know there has to be some scientific study about this, but people feel good when they look good! Everyone puts on clothes everyday so why not feel fabulous – or at the least confident to go on about your day and whatever life deals you? I love helping a woman who thinks she 'can't wear this' or 'that' realize that yes she can! When a client comes in to Lola or I come into their wardrobe at home to create a look, the ultimate reward is the look on their face when the outfit is complete. 

When did you decide to go into business for yourself? 

I decided to to be official with my styling about six months ago. My role with Lola was evolving and it seemed natural to integrate the two. I got a few freelance jobs and realized very quickly that I was good at styling and developing relationships with individuals! I saw my own potential and just went for it. It is still something I struggle with and feel silly telling people who are not in this industry and scoff at the idea of a stylist. . .but, hey, you have to take risks right!? 

Can you share a little known fact about the world of fashion with us?

It is not glamorous. I recently listened to Kara Welch (an amazing stylist) on a podcast and she shed light on this myth that the world of fashion is full of glamour and glitz. It's sweaty and messy and we work very long hours. You are at the beck and call of your client. But you see the end photo [from a commercial side] or the woman standing there [from a personal styling side] and it just all falls into place. 

Can you share with us some of your favorite ways to live locally here in NWA? 

I moved to NWA at age 11 so I claim it to be home. It just keeps getting better. I have my favorite local establishments in Fayetteville (especially since I live/work there) and I can’t get enough of them!  Little Bread Company (conveniently down the street from Lola) is my jam for breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Taste of Thai never fails. I love  Vault for an after-work cocktail. 

Can we look ahead? You were in New York last month at market. What are the looks you are loving for spring?

I loved seeing that neutrals are sticking around, but so is color. I saw lots of hues in the pistachio color family. But as a stylist, I try not to put too much emphasis on trends. Yes, I buy what is new for the shop but everyone should pay attention to their own style and body type before diving into a trend. 

Northwest Arkansas will be getting a glimpse of the Vanderwilt Amsterdam leather collection in-store at Lola during the Lola x Vanderwilt Amsterdam | NWAFW Preview on Wednesday, October 2nd (5pm-8pm). Also, be sure to check out Lola on the runway at NWAFW (October 4th at 6:30pm). Get tickets to NWA Fashion Week (Oct 3-5) and especially the boutique shows on October 4 here. All NWA Fashion Week Fall 2019 events will be happening at Drake Field in Fayetteville from October 3-5. 

Hope Cavell, stylist, with a carefully edited collection of wardrobe staples. Hope is featured in The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas Volume 3 as an outstanding NWA Art & Artisan.