Seller Story: Renee Layher; Nashville, TN

“My fashion career started in New York City where I worked for Ralph Lauren. I sourced materials for his couture collections and runway shows, and one could say that’s where I honed my skill for fashion forecasting and passion for styling. After nearly a decade in New York, I married a music producer and relocated to Nashville, where I’ve been for the past 26 years, working with so many incredible artists in the music industry such as The Dixie Chicks, Alison Krauss and Kellie Pickler. In fact, the majority of the items in this sale were worn by different celebrities and used over the years for photoshoots, video shoots and events. For example, the black 1990s Betsey Johnson dress was worn by Ms. Pickler for a magazine shoot we did. The gold Diane Von Furstenberg blazer was worn by Martina McBride during a performance for a Christmas promo.

When it comes to my styling process or method, I always start with the artist. I listen to their music to give me a background for what their loves are and what inspired them. That gives me a design direction. I do a lot of custom design work also; sometimes I’ll sketch ideas and work with other designers in New York and Los Angeles to create original pieces for the artist. Remember the safety pin outfits worn by the Dixie Chicks at their 1999 Grammy appearance? That was a collaboration between Todd Oldham and me. I was with those girls for such a long time, and was the pioneer behind creating their imagery. They’re my girls. Their personalities are so fun and so outgoing, I knew that despite the fashion risks taken, there would be no fear.” –Renee Layher

Do you have a favorite designer?

I tend to reach for the fashion forward, edgy and eclectic. There’s a plaid Vivienne Westwood suit that is so cool, it’s wild. She has such a unique way of designing for men. Then McQueen, forget it. McQueen all day long. One of my favorites, and always one of my artists’ favorites.

What’s the formula for incorporating vintage pieces into your work?

The lace gown, for example, is from the early 1900s, and I found it in Victoria, Canada. I paired it with a leather jacket and a mini nude slip underneath, so you saw all of her legs under the lace. The soft lace and nude illusion with the hard elements of the biker jacket was so fun, and it was just gorgeous. A fabulous vintage piece can look amazing paired with modern pieces. Also, layering accessories is my favorite and can make all the difference.

Speaking of accessories, this diamond necklace on Kellie Pickler at the CMA Christmas performance…

That is an all-diamond piece from the 1800s. It came from Paris. Don’t get me wrong, it is amazing but I was terrified! I had a security guard with us the whole time we had that piece because it’s priceless.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Understanding the artist and the artist’s body is very personal. You’re getting into their likes and dislikes, which is an intimate part of the business. You have to have thick skin and realize it’s not about you, it’s about the artist and their needs. I’ve been fortunate with each artist I’ve worked with.