subscribe to Style Like UBarbara Flood | interior decorator and personal stylist
"Nothing is in, and nothing is out. It’s about what really looks good on you and how you feel in it." Barbara Flood
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On her one-of-a-kind accessories: “Each thing is for each person individually…each piece that gets made is slightly different than the next piece.” Eisenberg Estate Pin, Vintage Moschino Coat, Petrushka Hat, Thomas Wylde Skull Handbag -
Barbara was once a model, and is now an avid vintage clothing collector, interior decorator, and personal stylist. "I dress people. I dress films, cabaret people. I bring things to people." Maud Frizon Boots, Leather Jacket by Maniac, Skirt by Voyage, Vintage Hat, Vintage Handbag by Corde -
On her massive vintage collection: “I like some sort of clutter, but it’s the kind of clutter I know where everything is.” -
If Barbara could live in another time period, it would be the 1940's. She loves the shoulder pads, clothing, films, actors and atmosphere of that time period. Balenciaga Turtleneck, 1970’s Vintage Boots, Alexander McQueen Skirt, 1970's Vintage Belt, 1980's Vintage Earrings, Earrings that she turned into rings, Bracelet by Petrushka -
On trends of the '80s: “I don’t care...I never gave up my shoulder pads.” -
Leon Bing and Barbara modeled together for Rudi Gernreich. In her memoir, Bing says: "Barbara Flood was and remains almost terrifyingly beautiful. She moved along a runway as if she were crossing her living room, and when she smiled, audiences must have felt they were being let in on a delicious secret." -
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“The people I dress don’t have to look like me at all, but they have to look like their own personality.” Bracelet by Petrushka, and Earrings she made into Rings -
Barbara's goal in life: "To be healthy, to have a life that’s free of dictators, and for everybody to be honestly together and support each other." Old Indian pieced quilt from the '20s that Barbara had framed -
On trying to wear blue jeans: “Every time I put them on, I have to put them back in the closet. They are just not right for me.” Balenciaga Turtleneck, Cari Borja Skirt, Vintage Cowboy Boots, Belt that Barbara designed, Jean Bettencourt Bracelets, David Mandel Ring, and French Earrings -
Early 19th century puppets from China, Tibet, and Pakistan. Small warrior figure from Japan. -
"I'm a city kid." Barbara has lived in Manhattan all of her life. Balenciaga Turtleneck, Cari Borja Skirt, Vintage Cowboy Boots, Belt she Designer Herself, Jean Bettencourt Bracelets, David Mandel Ring, and French Earrings -
"My favorite place to travel is the south of France, because the water is turquoise, the sky is navy blue, the sun sparkles all the time, and everybody looks beautiful there." Necklaces from France -
As a stylist for films, people and magazines, Barbara has collected many things in large amounts. The Majolica pottery are what mean most to her. -
Plaster figure by Niki de Saint Phalle -
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“My work, my life, everything is conducted from [my] bed." -
Leather Jacket by Maniac, Skirt by Voyage, Vintage Hat, Vintage Handbag by Corde -
“I am what my surroundings are. I like to have beautiful things to look at that make me happy.” -
Barbara's father was in the knitwear business, and worked with people like Anne Fogarty. Moschino Tux Jacket, Eisenberg estate pin, Balenciaga Turtleneck, and Petrushka Hat -
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Barbara wears this Marilyn Monroe t-shirt to work out in. -
“Frida Kahlo, my passion. Look at the style on that woman!" Original Frida Kahlo photo by Manuel Bravo -
On how modeling used to be: “We were a big community. We liked each other, we supported each other, and we didn’t make the kind of money the girls are making today. There wasn't a lot of competition and jealousy.” David Mandel Ring -
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As a model, Barbara was a muse to the legendary designer Rudi Gernreich, alongside Peggy Moffitt. David Mandel Ring -
Picasso Painting -
Coat by Lie Sang Bong -
Reminiscing on modeling: "We did a shoot downtown in a blues club and I was on top of the bar dancing and they were photographing. I could dance, be free, uninhibited.” Balenciaga Turtleneck, 1970’s Vintage boots, Alexander McQueen Skirt, 1970's Vintage Belt, 1980's Vintage Earrings, earrings she turned into rings, and Bracelet by Petrushka -
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Barbara says that she is "happy to be living now" and that she loved experiencing the big changes of the '60s and '70s. Vintage skull rings from the '60s and David Mandel Ring -
The only TV Barbara watches is "CNBC for the news and any of the fashion shows that are on channel 25.” -
“If you start with basic black, you can go anywhere.” Vintage Moschino Tux Jacket, Eisenberg estate pin , Balenciaga Turtleneck, and Petrushka Hat, Thomas Wylde Skull Handbag -
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From left to right: Karl Mann piece, African wood carved statue, and piece from Asia -
Moschino Tux Jacket, Vintage 1940's Pin, Balenciaga Turtleneck, and Petrushka Hat -
Beaded piece by the "amazing young artist" Katie Daniels -
Barbara's advice to the young: "Be acquainted with the past! The wonderful music of '60s, '70s, and '80s - know the background, because then you can go forward. Learn about the past. If you know the past you can go on and do whatever you want." Bracelet by Petrushka, Earrings she made into Rings, 1980's Vintage Earrings
Collecting started at ten years old when Barbara’s mom bought her all new dresses each time they went on a holiday. Since then it’s been all form over function for her. It would be unlikely to see Barbara, even walking in a snow storm, without a plumed top hat (of some variation) and a one-of-a-kind and the “bigger the better” estate or costume ring, bracelet, pin, and earring, and some kind of collectors handbag. She is possessed by art, both to wear and decorate with. A standout for me is the Eisenberg 1940′s oversized broach, it is masterful in its timeless coolness. I could see it worn in so many ways, including on ripped-up jeans, even though Barbara wouldn’t be caught dead in them. She admits to only one weekend a year at the beach (what would she take off?) and packing almost her entire wardrobe for any trip. She loves new designers and scours the world looking for them (this is evident in her chock-full-of every culture and time period Manhattan apartment). Barbara’s decor and style includes emerging artists like Katie Daniels and David Mandel, whom she prides herself on supporting. As a muse and model for the iconic Rudi Gernreich, alongside other legendary beauties such as Peggy Moffitt and Leon Bing, Barbara’s spirit for the extraordinary in life resounds.
If you like Barbara, you might also enjoy Patricia Fox or Felicia Rosshandler.
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