STYLIST EDIT
Benjamin Holtrop
Benjamin Holtrop is a stylist and art director based in Los Angeles. With a keen eye for both beauty and practicality, he brings a refined touch to every project he takes on. His stunning work has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair Italy, and Elle. As a cherished friend of the brand, Benjamin has collaborated with BYCHARI on various styling projects and has also had the pleasure of styling Chari herself. It is no surprise that, for this month’s Stylist Edit, we tapped Benjamin to share his inspirations, career highlights, and jewelry styling tips for men.
Shop our Men's Edit
On style…
BC: Tell us your fashion origin story! What got you interested in fashion and how did you get started in the industry?
BH: Studying photography & sculpture in school provided a foundational understanding of visual composition, lighting, and the technical aspects of image making. During this time, I began styling my own photoshoots, unaware that styling was a distinct profession. My approach to creating cohesive, visually appealing editorials caught the attention of a few photographer friends. They were impressed and curious about who styled my shoots, and upon learning it was me, they started hiring me to style theirs.
Initially, I was hesitant to embrace styling as a career, as I identified primarily as a photographer. However, as I delved into styling, I discovered a passion for curating outfits, coordinating aesthetics, and bringing creative visions to life. This newfound love for styling led me to pivot from photography to fashion styling, a path I've pursued passionately for the past 8 years. Fashion styling is the perfect intersection of the image-making process of photography & the tangible aspect of sculpture-making.Â
BC: What’s been your favorite styling moment in your career?
BH: Looking back at what I have achieved, I have many moments that stand out but if I had to choose one, it would be collaborating with my client Skylar Astin for his Tonys red carpet and hosting outfits. We have an amazing client & stylist relationship where trust and creativity take precedence. He truly trusts me in the vision and allows space for us to create unexpected menswear looks. It also doesn’t hurt that he has made it on all the best-dressed lists for his Tony's looks.
BC: How do you approach the process of understanding and interpreting a client's style and fashion goals?
BH: Understanding and interpreting a client's personal style and fashion goals is a nuanced process that requires careful attention and a collaborative approach. It all starts with listening and observing. I start with a thorough conversation to understand their preferences, lifestyle, and fashion inspirations. I ask about their favorite colors, fabrics, designers, and fashion icons. If possible, I review their current fashion history to get a sense of what they already wore on the red carpet, what they love, and what they rarely wear. This helps me identify patterns and gaps in their style. Next, I gather inspiration & create a visual mood board based on our initial conversation, incorporating images of outfits, accessories, and styles that align with their preferences but through my aesthetic eye. This visual tool helps ensure we are on the same page and allows the client to provide feedback.Â
I also consider what project they are doing press or red carpet for and try to incorporate subtle narrative details that relate to the project. I also take into consideration if it's a red carpet, press tour/junket, or a stage performance as they all have very different functional requirements. Whether they’re looking to use fashion to propel their career, develop a signature style, or just want to be comfortable, understanding their objectives is key. Based on all gathered information, I provide tailored style recommendations, including clothing, accessories, and even beauty tips. Overall I love working with collaborative clients. I encourage open communication and continuous feedback throughout the styling process. This ensures that the client feels heard and that their evolving preferences are always considered.
BC: Where (or from whom) do you pull inspiration?Â
BH: As a fashion stylist, my eye is always looking for beauty and inspiration. More specifically I love finding inspiration from nature, particularly the desert and the ocean, they both offer a unique blend of contrasts and harmonies. The stark, serene beauty of the desert with its vast landscapes of sand, and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the ocean with its waves and marine life provide a rich palette for inspiration. This also translates into architecture and sculpture, as seen in the works of artists like Constantin Brancusi, whose minimalist, organic forms echo the simplicity and elegance of natural shapes.
In Los Angeles, local museums such as The Getty, LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), and The Broad are some of my favorite places to find artistic inspiration, housing diverse collections that span different eras and cultures.Â
I am also very inspired by many fashion designers whose integrations of organic patterns, textures, and colors from nature with the refined, abstract forms seen in sculptures have led to groundbreaking fashion pieces that are both aesthetic and functional. Some of my favorite designers have been Alexander Mcqueen, Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli, & the former creative director of Bottega Veneta, Daniel Lee. The ideas between nature, art, and fashion foster a dynamic, ever-evolving landscape of creativity.
BC: Who are some fashionistas, designers, or fellow stylists you’re obsessed with right now?
Some fellow stylists I love are Andrew Mukamal (Margot Robbie & Anya Taylor Joy) & Solange Franklin Reed (Editorial stylist). Designers that I am obsessed with right now are Casey Cadwallader of Mugler & Peter Do. I love how they see people - powerful, strong, & sophisticated.
BC: How would you describe your style and aesthetic?Â
BH: My personal style tends to be more paired down with hints of vintage. Overall I love tailored & elevated clothing - clothes that play with form & function.
On jewelry...
BC: How would you describe the role that accessories, especially jewelry, play in creating an overall look?
BH: Accessories are the elements that allow you to truly express your personality and add a unique touch to any outfit. They serve as the finishing touches that can transform and elevate your look. Think of jewelry, for example, as the punctuation in your fashion statement. Just as punctuation adds clarity and emphasis to a sentence, jewelry adds definition and flair to an outfit.
By layering different accessories, you can create a narrative and tell your style story. Accessories can convey your mood, highlight your tastes, and reflect your experiences and memories. They provide endless opportunities for experimentation and personalization, allowing you to reinvent your look and keep it fresh and dynamic.
BC: What are some of your most sentimental pieces of jewelry?
BH: My most sentimental jewelry pieces are the ones I have gotten while traveling or that mark special moments in life. Whenever I wear them, I feel like I'm back in those places or times. I love that jewelry can be time capsules.
I also have many BYCHARI pieces that mean a lot to me but one of my favorites is a custom number “24” necklace. Chari created 2 of them - one for my partner & me for our 3rd anniversary. 24 is special to us because we were born on the same day. He actually guessed my birthday within minutes of meeting and we were shocked when it happened to be the same as his. We wear the necklaces daily and rarely take them off. I love how personal & simple they are yet represent such a kismet moment.Â
BC: Which current jewelry trends are you most excited about?
BH: I love the mismatched/asymmetrical earrings trend for women & the pearl jewelry trend for men.
BC: What advice do you have for men who are starting to incorporate jewelry into their style?
BH: Start simple and with what you're comfortable with. It could be something like a simple gold chain or signet ring - It doesn't have to be flashy. After you get comfortable with that, you can start adding layers. Take your time & fall in love with the pieces as you would your favorite t-shirt or sneakers.
On lifestyle…
BC: How would your closest friends describe you?
BH: My friends would describe me as intentional, a beauty seeker, passionate, & silly.
BC: Aside from fashion, what are your favorite interests and topics?
BH: I love to cook and am absolutely obsessed with interior design!Â
For me, cooking is more than just preparing meals—it's another form of creativity. Experimenting with different flavors, textures, and techniques is another way to flex my creative muscles with a different set of tools. I also love that food and cooking is an experience.Â
My obsession with interior design is just as passionate as my obsession with fashion. In fact, there are many similarities between the two. Interior design for me is all about “dressing” a space to tell a story or convey an emotion. I am constantly inspired by the possibilities of transforming spaces into beautiful, functional environments. Whether it's rearranging furniture, selecting artwork, or adding the perfect finishing touches, I find immense satisfaction in crafting spaces that reflect my style while ensuring they remain practical and comfortable. I am drawn to natural tones and sculptural elements within a space - constantly curating my home with art and home decor pieces my partner and I collect from our travels. Interior design is about creating a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality, making every space feel like a true reflection of who I am and where I’ve been.
BC: What’s the best social media account that you follow?
BH: My top three lately are @eyeswoon, @catwalkhautecouture, and @upnextdesigner
BC: What have you read, watched or listened to lately?
BH:
Books -Â
By the River Piedra I Sat Down & Wept - Paulo Coelho
On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong
Watch -Â
DUNE Part 2
Furiosa - Mad Max Saga
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV)
Listening -Â
“Radical Optimism” - Dua Lipa
“Coyboy Carter”- Beyonce
“Who What Wear” - Podcast by Hillary Kerr
Shop our Men's Edit