Eric Himel began his studies at the prestigious Parson’s School of Design in New York City, where he trained under Project Runway’s dynamic style guru Tim Gunn. It was during this time when Himel really began to notice the power of fashion. “People assess you from the moment they meet you. Because of that, I decided I wanted to teach others how to use their appearance to their best advantage,” says stylist Himel. Following graduation, Himel moved to Los Angeles where his career in styling began. While continuing to work with clients in California, Himel began to expand his business across the country including Chicago, where Himel spends the majority of his time and is based. One of the most sought out stylists among socialites, business executives and celebrities in Chicago, Himel also serves as ABC’s Windy City Live’s on-air fashion contributor and expert, discussing fashion do’s and don’ts, to makeovers, and everything in between.
One of the few celebrity stylists based outside of Los Angeles and New York, Himel counts Giuliana Rancic, The Bachelorette’s Jillian Harris, and Windy City Live’s Valerie Warner & Ryan Chiaverini among his roster of clientele, and has styled editorial shoots for top magazines including Modern Luxury’s Chicago Social, Niche Media’s Michigan Avenue Magazine, and Chicago Tribune. In 2011, Himel formed an exclusive partnership with Chicago’s Elysian Hotel, chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 hotel in the United States.
When not styling celebrities or the talking fashion on the city’s top rated morning show, Himel is empowering his clients around the country with simple fashion philosophies. His signature service, “The Closet Purge,” encourages clients to be able to close their eyes and pick out anything from their closet without hesitation or difficulty, put it on, and feel great in it. “Clothes should fit your body, you should feel good in them and they should look great on you. End of story,” says Himel. During this process, Himel teaches clients how to sort out what to save and what to toss. “By editing a wardrobe in this way, everyone can achieve their pinnacle of individual and personal style,” says Himel. “Looking good should be effortless.”
Expanding on his foundation set in New York City, Himel believes that the beauty of fashion not only relies on what looks great on the outside, but more importantly the way that fashion makes one feel on the inside. Himel stresses the importance of the way one looks and how we’re perceived, and how this directly correlates to a person’s self-confidence, and the energy they put forth. His philosophies are essential to maintaining a positive sense of well-being, comparing his services to one of a doctor, therapist or personal trainer.
His personal shopping services, aimed at making getting dressed a pleasure, not a chore, further ups the ante. Using his longstanding relationships with top local and national retailers and fashion houses, Himel arranges exclusive, by-appointment-only excursions to shops where a personally hand-picked array of items are waiting for fittings. For clients with busy schedules allowing them little time to shop or who prefer anonymity, Himel offers on-site consultations at the location of the client’s choice, be it their home or hotel. Himel’s globe-trotting clients may prefer to meet in various shopping destinations for his services or to comfortably rely on him to select coveted items and have them delivered directly to their homes. Ultimately, it is Himel’s personal relationships with designers and stores, which gives him an insider’s access to the fashion industry allowing him to individualize each client’s experience. Whether it’s a minor fashion adjustment or a total style overhaul, Eric Himel customizes his services to meet the needs of his clients, making him one of the most accessible fashion stylists in the business.
