MEET SOPHIA BANKS-COLOMA
Internationally renowned Aussie fashion designer, stylist and global trend follower, Sophia Banks-Coloma is a formidable force in the fashion industry. From styling some of the world’s biggest stars including Kirstie Alley for Dancing With The Stars and Kristin Chenoweth for the final Oprah show to having Blake Lively wearing her designs, this Aussie lady is making a big name for herself in the global fashion industry.
With ten years of fashion experience under her ultra trendy belt, in New York, L.A and Australia, Sophia is being labelled as the Aussie Rachel Zoe.
Sophia’s big break came whilst living in L.A when she became co-owner of award winning Hollywood hotspot Satine Boutique. Prior to then she immersed herself in all aspects of fashion and design, working as a consultant for high end fashion lines, a freelance celebrity stylist and fashion editor for Shoplift magazine.
At Satine Sophia would be styling a variety of celebrity clientele including Nicole Ritchie, Scarlett Johansson, Michelle Williams and Rachel McAdams to name a few. Here she also launched top brands including Roland Mouret and Rodarte. Sophia’s style is influenced by her global travels and, with Sophia’s strong Australian roots, the Satine showroom regularly showcased Aussie designers including Sass and Bide, Fleur Wood and Camilla and Marc.
In 2008 Sophia, keen to put her skills as a designer to full effect, launched contemporary label Whitley Kros, which has since established itself as a celebrity favourite.
Testament to Sophia’s eye for detail and the brand’s innovative designs, Sophia was a semi finalist in the Ecco Domani Fashion Awards and her collection was selected as a Mercedes Benz highlighted fashion show – a huge accolade for a designer.
Sophia’s talents are now going to be showcased on the big screen – her latest project involved the role as costume designer for the new film ‘Syrup’, set for release in 2012. The film is directed by Academy Award winning Director Barrie M Osbourne (Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Matrix) and stars Amber Heard, Kellan Lutz, and Shiloh Fernandez.
Sophia is thriving in this competitive industry – she already had luxury fashion houses including Dior, Chloe, Cartier, Roland Mouret and J Mendel lined up to provide the wardrobe for her latest movie venture.
For more on Sophia, you can check out her links below
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