Benjamin Holtrop, Miracle Mile, Los Angeles
Images by Benjamin Holtrop
Fashion stylist and art director Benjamin Holtrop has a keen eye for detail so it’s no surprise that his home in Miracle Mile, Los Angeles is a study in texture, balance and form. We visited Benjamin to talk about creating a space, life as a local in LA and collaborating with an array of colourful clients.
“I live in a nine hundred square foot apartment in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of LA with one of my best friends of nine years. She happens to also be my fashion assistant. Our home is a mix of sculptural furniture pieces with a mix of neutrals and natural textures.”
Benjamin’s bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen sheet set in moss with a linen duvet cover and extra pillowcases in khaki.
“I have lived in this apartment for about a year and I love the light & location. Since it is an upstairs apartment the living spaces get gorgeous natural light for most of the day and then my bedroom gets moody light which creates a cozy space for naps."
I have lived in this apartment for about a year and I love the light & location. Since it is an upstairs apartment the living spaces get gorgeous natural light.
“Almost all the framed art and ceramic pieces are made by close friends and I am honored to have them in my ever growing “art collection”. I also tend to collect small sculptural objects when I travel and love my vintage green marble coffee table which I got from Offer Up (an app where you can buy and sell items). Actually all the furniture in my apartment I thrifted are from that app!”
“My neighborhood is pretty central and there are so many places that are easily walkable. There are a couple of vintage furniture stores close to my apartment that I often pop into when I walk to and from the gym. I also love discovering new places to eat. Some of my favorites spots in LA are Mama Shelter, Merkato, Zinque, Fig & Olive, Gjusta, Oh Kook and Ostrich Farm. When it comes to home goods I am obsessed with Second Coming, The Optimist, Hawkins NY and Poketo.
“I studied fine art concentrating in photography, mixed media and sculpture at university. I was styling all of my own fashion shoots and soon my photographer friends started asking me to style theirs. At first, I was hesitant because I didn’t necessarily study that in school but one of my friends convinced me to. I found that I loved fashion styling & connected with the “hands-on” aspect of it. I slowly transitioned from photography based projects to fashion styling and art direction and have been doing that full time for the past five years.”
I studied fine art concentrating in photography, mixed media and sculpture at university. I was styling all of my own fashion shoots and soon my photographer friends started asking me to style theirs.
“Usually my process starts with a concept that my client and I have developed together. Sometimes we are inspired by a particular silhouette, color, or even an emotion. I am constantly gathering inspiration and mentally storing it for when the right opportunity arises. After we have a clear concept in mind, I do a little research and create a moodboard that both the client and I can reference and work from.”
“Some of my clients love to be a part of the process and we are always texting each other looks from fashion shows and editorials. Others trust me to present a few options and let me really handle the process. We then usually do a fitting with the clothes that I have gathered to see what looks and feels the best on them. After that, it's pretty much showtime!”
Some of my clients love to be a part of the process and we are always texting each other looks from fashion shows and editorials.
[In terms of my personal style] I find myself gravitating towards elevated classic pieces and look to brands like Everlane, Shades of Grey, BLDWN, Acne Studios, KOTN and A.P.C. I also love to find vintage and designer statement pieces to style with those everyday pieces.”
Benjamin wears an IN BED 100% linen shirt and pants in khaki. Benjamin’s bed is dressed in an IN BED 100% linen sheet set in moss with a linen duvet cover and extra pillowcases in khaki.