Louise in the city
Louise Roe and I met during the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. I liked her shades (Prada, I think) and she liked my dress (Culte Femme).
Over dinner back in London she told me about her plans to move to LA. Little did I know she was about to become an integral part of the MTV hit show, The City. As the savvy newcomer, she has charmed everyone — even the unflappable Erin.
After congratulating her on her star turn, she shared some of her stories that went from webcasting (well, it was Vogue TV) to hitting one of the most popular reality TV shows in America.
YSTYLE: Where are you currently based?
LOUISE ROE: Los Angeles.
Tell us more about your work in the UK.
I started out in magazines — Elle, In Style — then did some TV presenting for BBC — The Clothes Show and a documentary called Addicted to Boob Jobs, which, believe it or not, was pretty brutal and gripping to watch!
Why the big move to the US?
I kept covering the Oscars for Vogue TV and just wanted to move here, luckily I got offered a contract with E! Entertainment so I could!
What have you discovered so far?
That there are some incredibly warm, genuine people in this town, and that LA has better style than the rest of the world thinks!
What’s the strangest/hardest thing about living in the US?
Missing my family.
What the most exciting thing that has happened to you there?
Getting my own show Plain Jane on the CW.
Greatest interview so far?
Valentino right before he retired, and Beyoncé.
How is it being on The City and being Olivia’s one-sided nemesis?
Ah, you need to wait and watch; we may not be such enemies as you think!
Is it really all that it seems on the show?
Yes. I really am doing some work for Elle, that’s how I ended up on it.
How were you invited to join the cast?
As above.
Joe Zee looooves you. What are the perks of being in the Elle family?
He’s the best! So is Erin — she works her butt off. I love the magazine.
You look awesome doing your job. Where do you hope this will ultimately lead you?
One day I’d love to host my own talk show — daytime or evening, I don’t mind. I just love doing interviews, interacting with an audience and having a laugh.
How did you break into the industry?
I worked for free for about a year as an intern, then as an assistant. I worked hard and climbed up the chain.
How is Olivia Palermo? Is she really as vile as she seems on the show or is it a product of editing?
She’s always been very polite and friendly to me, and has killer style!
Hardest thing about being in a popular reality show?
Nothing bad so far, I’m enjoying it.
What do you miss about being in the UK?
Pubs, baked beans on toast, Wimbledon tennis, proper tea, cobbled streets and just the buzz of London.
What are the biggest misconceptions about being a fashion journalist?
That it’s glamorous 24/7.
Who is the biggest bitch and biggest hero in fashion for you?
My boss at In Style is my hero, Tasmina Perry. She believed in me and took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s an amazing author now — Daddy’s Girls is the best scoop on the industry ever and a fab beach read!
* * *
Follow @louiseroe on Twitter for fashion gossip and news.