How Connor Storrie's Stylist Curates His Timeless Red Carpet Outfits

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      In our latest episode, Connor Storrie’s stylist shares insights about dressing the star of Heated Rivalry - YouTube.

      Celebrity stylist James Yardley didn't originally pursue a career in fashion. "I studied photography in London," he noted. His passion for fashion led him to intern at Attitude magazine. "Working with the fashion director, who later became my boss for several years, deepened my love for fashion," he explained. Eventually, Yardley transitioned to styling and now counts actors like Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie and Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham among his clients. In this episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, Yardley discusses how he broke into the industry, how he started working with Storrie, and much more. For highlights from the conversation, keep reading.

      Before diving into your work, can you share a bit about your background? I have a degree in photography from London. I truly loved it, particularly documentary photography. I assisted various photographers, but it was quite challenging. The experience led me to abandon my aspirations of becoming a photographer, and now I can hardly recall how to use a camera.

      How did you transition into styling? What was your start? Back then, the landscape was different. Internships were typically unpaid, and I approached every day as an invaluable experience. Working closely with the fashion director, who later hired me for three or four years, enriched my understanding and appreciation of fashion. I began with menswear and really enjoyed it. He had notable clients, including Kylie Minogue, which helped me appreciate the glamour of womenswear, too. Then, he offered me a position.

      At what point did you and Connor Storrie start collaborating during the debut of Heated Rivalry, and how did you know he was the right client for you? I received a call from Nick Todisco, and I feel indebted to him for that. He told me about this stunning and immensely talented man, urging me to check out the show’s trailer. After viewing Connor's Instagram, it was clear he was a true creative, so I was eager to work together. Much of my menswear portfolio is quite flamboyant, which I adore, but Connor had more refined tastes. When he came to my small apartment for a fitting, even though it could have been done in half an hour, we spent two and a half hours together. I instantly realized he was a delight to work with.

      How did the two of you begin shaping a strategy for his look? How did you transition from earlier press styles—pinstripes and high-waisted trousers—to his red carpet appearances? I believe our mutual alignment was sheer luck. Perhaps the universe conspired to bring us together as we share similar tastes, similar to my work with Hannah [Waddingham] and other clients. I often draw inspiration from Old Hollywood. With Hannah, it’s the Marilyn Monroe aesthetic, and with Connor, it’s a modern twist on that era. My tailoring often sits slightly above where the waist would be, which aligns with his natural waist.

      The wide-leg trousers and pinstripes reflect early Hollywood, along with the blazers and shirts. We’ve experimented with numerous silhouettes that maintain a similar essence but always incorporate a unique twist.

      This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.