Tarryn Oppel is a former Fashion Director for both ELLE and Marie Claire South Africa. With just shy of a decade of experience in the industry, filled with fashion weeks locally and abroad, shooting on the streets of Paris and on the beaches of Mozambique, working on magazine cover shoots and features with the likes of Maria Borges, Nomzamo Mbatha, Kristina Bazan, Shekinah, Thando Hopa and Black Coffee to name a few, she has now developed into a Creative Director, content creator and stylist for local and international brands and retailers in the digital sphere. Launching her very own bespoke creative agency, SETLIFE, is on her current agenda as she believes that collaboration is the answer to greatness.
When have you been most satisfied in your life? Professionally and personally.
I feel like that day is still coming. Of course, I have felt content and satisfied in my life, career-wise before, but as time goes on, your goals are upgraded and certain moments in your life develop new aspirations and objectives. I feel like I will forever be searching for satisfaction – it’s just in my nature.
Describe your off-duty style.
I’m kind of always ‘off-duty’. I’m a behind-the-scenes girl and always on the move. I live in my Dr Martens, utility pants or jeans and tees or silky skirts and knits. My off-duty style is never overtly feminine, nor tom-boyish, but a balance between the two, it depends on my mood. When it’s time to dress up I throw on a great pair of sparkly earrings and a red lip which transforms my look (even while still wearing my Dr Martens).
How does fashion influence your career & daily life?
Being surrounded by fashion daily used to be a big problem for my bank balance, but growing up and (thankfully) my career has taught me a lot about over-spending and thinking that I need everything I see. Fashion is a constant inspiration and allows me to be on the pulse, but I no longer give in, because I’ve slowly developed my go-to-style, so I’m a lot pickier. However, I do care about how I present myself in meetings and in life because there will always be that underlying pressure to keep up. In saying that, it will forever be a part of my life involuntarily as long as I’m doing what I’m doing, although no complaints here!
What is the one item of clothing that you can’t live without?
I’m going to be super predictable right now and say my leather biker. There is nothing like a well-cut, butter-soft biker that can transform your look all-year-round. Do Dr Martens count? Because those don’t leave my feet.
Tell us what the highlight of your career is.
So far the highlight of my career is when I achieved what seemed to be a very tall ask of becoming ELLE’s Fashion Director. It was a prolific moment for me and I’m looking forward to ticking another box in my career it’s about time!
Who is your role model, and why do they inspire you?
I don’t believe in having one role model. All my friends inspire me. All of them are in some way a part of the industry (or were) and their achievements are all overwhelmingly inspiring. From starting their own businesses to skipping fashion for wine farm life and exceeding, being head-hunted by an international publication in the Middle East, to already working for a top title in London, to photographing some pretty incredible people and editorials to being a mom. Let’s just say I have more than enough encouragement a phone call away and inspiration to last me a lifetime.
What advice would you give women looking to start working in your field?
Dip your fingers in as many honey pots as possible! Something as simple as getting experience is difficult to come by, so take what you can get. My line of work isn’t in any sense just clothing-related, it’s about working for and with people, expressing thoughts through words, developing content from as little as a fabric swatch, not being afraid of unglamorous hard work, having an eye for beautiful imagery, the list goes on. So think beyond styling – it’s so much more than that and the deeper you dive into any design/creative or journalistic industry the more tools you’ll have for what you eventually end up doing. The most important thing is to enjoy the ride!
When do you feel most inspired?
I feel inspired when I find time to relax and let my mind wander or when I get the time to catch up with the world’s happenings. In such a fast-paced world ─ and when everyone wants things done yesterday ─ it’s important to take advantage of the days that are a bit slow. It’s a blessing. Trust me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Let them see why you’re different and deserve to stay”
What advice would give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to say or do the wrong thing – it’s all part of the lesson
What’s next for you?
I’m in the process of setting up my own bespoke creative agency called SETLIFE, which is the result of everything I have learned over the last 9 years. It’s essentially a ‘one-stop-shop’ for content creation, production and consulting. The plan is to launch really soon (I don’t want to jinx it with a date). It absolutely terrifies me and that’s why I know it’s worth the risk.
How will you celebrate Women’s Day?
That’s easy – with women! Celebrating strong women is my favourite pastime, especially if it involves a glass of bubbles.
Finish the sentence:
I feel my most confident when: I find the time for self-care
I wish I could be more: Of a risk-taker
Your superpower is: Being organised
The song that gets me pumped up is: Silk City, Dua Lipa – Electricity ft. Diplo, Mark Ronson
Your shopping addiction is: SHOES and (lately) super-sparkly earrings
