Leah Abbott is a leading light in a new generation of tastemakers shaping style in 2019.
Whether you know her from starring in Skepta’s music videos or creating red carpet looks for Jorja Smith, Leah’s influence is felt throughout the street style scene in the UK and beyond. Born in Bristol, the ever-versatile model/stylist has established a reputation for creating Instagram’s most fire fits, with looks that range from being at home on the street to owning stages and catwalks worldwide.
We caught up with Leah as she styled-out the new Continental 80 for an adidas lookbook in East London, which showcased the Three Stripes’ latest drop as one the most versatile sneakers in the game.
Shop the adidas Originals Continental 80 at adidas.co.uk, and share your pair with the hashtag #CONTINENTAL80.
COMPLEX: What was your entry into the style industry and how did you end up doing what you do?
Leah Abbott: I’ve always loved fashion. Growing up just outside London, it was my annual birthday present to drive down with my mum and go to Oxford Street before I moved here. It began to really kick off when I was in my second year of university. Clearly not enjoying it, I was looking for a side hustle that could take my mind off studying and this is when I came across a stylist looking for an assistant on Instagram. I sent her a friendly DM and then ended up working alongside her for about two years, before developing my own name and place in fashion.
A lot of us will recognise you from the Skepta’s “Shutdown” and “Ladies Hit Squad” videos—what reception did you receive after that exposure?
These two appearances were really cool at the time. London had a new lease of life in it and its music and videos were statements of this. I think people connected to me particularly in this video as I certainly wasn’t a “classic” video girl, standing as a curvy black woman alongside and equal to all of the men in it—it was great!
You’ve been styling out a shoot highlighting the new adidas Continental 80. What do you think of the sneaker and what did you have to think about when putting together fits for this release?
I think you can’t go wrong with a smart, all-white sneaker; they are always my go-to. I wanted to showcase the shoe and its versatility and, as you can see, it can be paired with anything from a suit to a puffer coat and anything in between. It’s also completely unisex, which I love and often look for.
It’s definitely a shoe that screams versatility. What are some of the most versatile items anyone can have in their wardrobe?
I think, as I mentioned before, it’s a white sneaker. Alongside this, I love a cross-body bag; they’re practical and safe, which I think is key when hopping around the city. I’d also put in a good tracksuit and a patent/vinyl coat as this seems to dress up anything underneath it. You will see I wear these a lot from my social pages!
It’s also a retro-inspired shoe and a lot of your stylings scream nostalgia. What time period has most influenced your style and why?
I certainly scream the ‘90s and 2000s, which I know I will always live in. I love the the strength of the women during these times, often wearing men’s clothes and looking what I would call “greazy”, owning their sexuality and what they show the world. Certainly anyone from Aaliyah, Missy Elliott and Total are big style influences for me.
You’re originally from Bristol. What are the differences in style influence that Bristol has as a city in comparison to London?
I think Bristol has a lot of incredible people working in fashion but it’s yet to show its influence to the world. There are certainly shops and fashion districts which are specific to London, which gives it the upper hand—places such as Brick Lane and Dover Street Market, which if interested allow you to explore brands and eras to influence your personal style and image to the world. We’re very lucky over here!
Do you believe in having a minimal wardrobe with essentials or having a bit of everything?
At the moment I’m really trying to clear clutter and become a bit more ‘minimal’ as I am surrounded by clothes 24/7! It is hard, but I do think it makes you become a bit more experimental. When you have too much, which I do, you often just stare at it feeling overwhelmed and end up resorting to your comfort pieces anyway. I think my direction is a minimal wardrobe with a few ‘wild cards’ to jazz it up when needed.
Do you see a lot of influence from grime and UK rap in today’s style scene?
I think all types of music influence style—they go hand-in-hand, and always will. I think if specific to grime and rap, the influence comes from not only the music but where the music comes from: the streets. Hence the sportwear seen throughout it. It’s practical and suits this landscape.
Who are your style icons and why?
I certainly respect a lot of people and their style but don’t know if I would put it down to specific icons, and being a stylist myself I know these ‘icons’ have a team of other unsung icons behind them! I certainly love females who carry off unisex styles well: Missy Elliot, Rihanna, Zendaya, Yaris Sanchez and Aaliyah, to name a few.
What are the big looks people need to be aware of for 2019?
I really loved the bold and bright colours people are moving into; you can see a lot of this in the adidas Continental ‘80s campaign, too. I’ve never been one for an all-black wardrobe and so I love the rise of neon, vinyl and contrast colour-blocking on the runway.
Shop the adidas Originals Continental 80 at adidas.co.uk, and share your pair with the hashtag #CONTINENTAL80.
