Original Magazine x Charlotte Roberts
I have to admit, you are one of only three people I follow on Letterboxd!
With such a powerful top four (Naked, Pierrot le Fou, Amélie, Singin’ in the Rain), what is it about these films that hooks you?
That’s too kind!!! I love how close-knit Letterboxd is. I’ve noticed that most of my favorite films tend to be about a weirdo protagonist—it’s easier to see myself in them, I guess? I love films that really commit to style (think Wes Anderson, another of my favorite directors) while still having a lot of substance. It’s such a rare gem when films are equally as stylistic and aesthetically pleasing as they are compelling narratively.
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Are you particularly drawn to the French aesthetic in film?
Definitely. In film, in fashion, in music. I’d say the 1960s French New Wave is a massive inspiration to me in all areas. There’s such an undeniable coolness to that era and style of films that you don’t really see anywhere else.
Following on from this, more broadly, are there any characteristics of art that you particularly enjoy? Maybe a theme to your inspiration or a favorite creative era?
I’d say I have very eclectic tastes and draw inspiration from all over—whether it be historical fashion, modernist architecture, German Expressionism, or Japanese vases! My absolute favorite art tends to be surrealist or pieces that required unbelievable skill (such as Renaissance paintings) to create. And, of course, the 1960s and ’70s music scene.
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Can you speak a little about your experience growing up with an audience? Do you think this has changed how you perceive yourself now?
It’s kind of all I’ve ever known, so I can’t say if I’d be any different. I think it’s definitely made me more aware of what other people might think and the fact that there will always be someone who doesn’t agree, no matter the subject. I try to steer clear of reading too many comments now because it used to really affect me. I don’t think humans were ever supposed to be this aware of themselves or everyone else…
How do you decide which areas of your life to share and which to keep private?
I’ve always wanted to remain mysterious in all aspects (even in real life), so it doesn’t come naturally to me to share much of myself on social media. I try to share things that people can connect with—whether that be art, food, or information.
You and your sister have become a powerhouse in the UK creative scene for both fashion and makeup. How do you balance your different strengths? Did you always see yourself working alongside Abby?
I think we’ve just always followed what felt natural at the time. Fashion and makeup really go hand in hand, so they work perfectly together. We like to help each other out—say, if one of us has an idea for makeup direction and the other for styling, we can merge them!
It was never really a planned thing for us to work together; it just kind of happened because we always had similar interests and liked doing our hobbies together. When it came to content creation, what had started as us playing together just moved in front of a camera.
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I first became aware of you in 2019. Back then, you centered your posts exclusively around styling content. How do you look back on that time in your life?
Oh wow! It seems crazy that people were actually aware of that era. I admire how determined I was to just do it without even having an audience. I miss it sometimes. There’s something so pure about just creating for a photo and not having to worry about all of the other content aspects that come along with it now.
Are there any looks from that era that you categorically hate now?
OH YEAH. I think it’s good to hate your past self. I see it as a sign that you were trying things and have grown as a result. One that particularly stands out in my mind was a full, skin tight ‘racer’ outfit from pretty little thing. It was white with red, black and yellow striping down it. I returned it immediately after the photos.
Do you think it gets easier to spot which trends are worth pursuing? How do you decide what trends you want to lean into and which to ignore?
I think the internet has become so diverse that trends almost don’t exist anymore in the way they used to. I like to tap into pop culture moments like BRAT or Nosferatu. The rest of the time, I just do my own thing.
Having asked that, what are your trend predictions for 2025?
I mean, it’s already happening, but… FKA Twigs having a BIG moment. The merging of technology with humanity. Gothic vibes—in the 19th-century sense. I’d like to see 1950s-inspired dresses for the summer, drop waists, and circle skirts. Individualist hats.
What do you think is the most important activity someone can do to build their own style?
Trying things! Making mistakes! Taking risks! There’s no replacement for trial and error with style. Go to a vintage shop and pick out stuff you love, stuff you hate—try it all on! You never know! Of course, you’ve got to do the standard Pinterest deep dive here and there.
Can you talk me through the process of preparing for a red-carpet event from when you’ve received the initial invitation?
As soon as I get the invite, I start brainstorming around the theme, researching the film or event, and putting together a Pinterest board of outfits, hair, makeup, nails—everything in between. Then I throw in some procrastination until three days before the event… followed by a last-minute panic about where I’m going to get an outfit from—usually a loan from a fashion brand or rental. Somehow, I pull it together.
On the day of the event, I usually start getting ready about five hours before, since I’m the entire glam team. I always start with makeup and film the process for a TikTok/ Reel. Then hair is kind of secondary for me.
No matter how much time I allow myself, I’m always panicking at the end and leaving late. I have to quickly squeeze into my outfit, finish any final clips for videos, take pics, and then run to catch a taxi or the Tube (which is always fun in red carpet glam!).
How does this differ from your normal planning process for fashion week?
Fashion Week has much more of an overarching theme for me. I like to plan out multiple looks that work as one and coordinate with my sister! I’d say it’s a similar process to the red carpet; however, the planning usually stems more from what I’m hoping to attend and potential makeup.
Being dressed by brands for their shows is incredible, but you usually don’t know the outfit or if you’re even invited until a couple of days (or even the day) before the show! I like to keep my ideas quite loose so they can work with whatever pops up.
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Team Credits
Talent: Charlotte Roberts | Standbytalent
Photographer: Tasneem Grace
Stylist: Eden Loves-Clark
Stylist Assistant: Rojin Norowzian
Hair Stylist: Laura Swaine
Art Directors: Emily-Grace & Michael Morgan | Original Magazine
Creative Assistant: Georgia Anthi
Words by: Anya Duncan
Studio: Sunset Studios
Clothing Credits
Dress: Bibiy / Dyelog PR | Bow: Ziyad Buainain / Dyelog PR | Tights, Socks, Legwarmers: Stylists Own / Shoes: Stylist Archive
Hat: LILLY PHELLERA | Bodysuit: Critter / 223 Agency | Tights: Stylist Own | Shoes: Gianvito Rossi
Jacket: LILLY PHELLERA | Tutu: Stylists own | Tights & Socks: Stylists own | Shoes: Dolcegabbana
Body Suit: Eleni Pai | Collar, Tights, Ballet Shoes: Stylist Own