“I saw the first book of portraits that Avedon did when I was very young and nearly lost my mind,” he says. “I wanted to live in that world.”
Born and raised in Miami, George Cortina was always interested in fashion. But it wasn’t until he moved to New York that his interest became a reality. George jokes that he became a stylist because he couldn’t find another job, but the truth is fashion is all he ever wanted to do. With over three decades as fashion editor and director, styling for celebrities, fashion personalities, runways and editorial campaigns, George continues to bring passion to his innovative work. Years of absorbing fashion and a multitude of inspirations have turned Cortina into a style icon himself. He wears classics with unexpected twist. No one makes simple look as chic as he does.
ODDA- What are your first memories, the ‘foot in the door’ so to say, before you became the Uber stylist?
GC- I dont consider myself an Uber stylist.. I consider myself a fashion editor who has worked in this industry for many years and through that process one just continues to work
ODDA- Once you’ve said that your early influences were your grandmother and grandfather. In what way?
GC- I was very fortunate to have two people in my life who showed me the world at a very early age and through the process of travel and seeing different cultures, your mind automatically expands. To travel for me, still is one of the greatest sources of inspiration for my work. It opens your mind to limitless possibilties.
ODDA-You are known for your subtle masculine elegance, extraordinary high in style, how do you remain so effective in it’s simplicity?
GC- My friends dad used to say, ‘keep it simple stupid.”
ODDA-Do you think your immaculate style stems from your day job, or is it the other way around?
GC-I’ve never thought of myself as an immaculate conception but I have always dressed in the same manner from the time I can remember.
ODDA- You and Anna Dello Russo make a stylish power couple, do you ever disagree?
GC-Always. Which makes for a truly wonderful relationship.
ODDA- What do you love most about your job?
GC-Freedom.
ODDA-What was one of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as a stylist?
GC-My ego
ODDA- You have worked with the most influental photographers like Mario Testino, Sorrenti, Terry Richardson and Karl Lagerfeld, just to name a view. What would be your dream shoot or collaboration?
GC-Since I was fortunate enough to work with Richard Avedon, the only person I wouldve truly loved to work with is Irving Penn.
ODDA-You’ve worked regularly with numerous actors, musicians, high-end creatives and clients such as Cavalli, Valentino and Ungaro. What was your most memorable moment?
GC- Shooting Liza Minelli for Love Magazine.
ODDA- You bring out the best in your subjects during fashion shoots. What is your secret?
GC- I only work with girls that I love.
ODDA-What was one of your most favorite shoots that you worked on recently?
GC- I cant recall.
ODDA-What is your fashion advise you would you like to give to other men right now?
GC-Keep it simple stupid.
