Joe Zee, ELLE's Creative Director, at the Valentino Boutique Bal Harbour

ELLE Creative Director Joe Zee — the talent behind campaigns for Banana Republic, DKNY, Kenneth Cole and Oscar de la Renta — stops by the Valentino Boutique at Bal Harbour Shops for a charity evening benefiting Holtz Children's Hospital. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Creative Director Joe Zee has brought his incomparable style, creativity and editorial expertise to Elle Magazine since his appointment as creative director in February 2007. As one of the most talented and sought-after fashion stylists in the industry, Mr. Zee is the talent behind the print and advertising campaigns of many well-known brands including Banana Republic, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Sean John, and Oscar de la Renta. He worked as a Fashion Director at W for many years and has worked alongside leading fashion photographers including Tom Munro, Michael Thompson, and Carter Smith.

Mr. Zee was present at the Valentino Boutique in Bal Harbour for an evening of champagne, fashion and shopping hosted by Andria Ares Holtz, Paola Pacheco, and Esther Porto B. Valentino donated ten percent of the evening's sales proceeds to the Jackson Memorial Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital, and the International Kids Fund in support of Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup. Premier Guide Miami's Marie-Junie Pierre had a chance to get up close and personal with the Creative Director throughout the event.

PGM: You have worked with and styled some of today's most famous celebrities including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Cruise, Justin Timberlake, Keira Knightley and Chloe Sevigny. What is the best way to pull off the Chloe Sevigny look?

JZ: The thing about Chloe Sevigny is that she does not take a look off the runway and wear it that way. She takes an idea of fashion and mixes it all around, and wears it to fit her personality. That's my favorite part about Chloe. There isn't any particular fashion that represents her. She represents herself and that's why I think she has such great personal style. She is actually designing her own clothes now and I think that any woman who wants to pull off Chloe's look should have an appraising personal style and know what works for her. There are no rules in fashion — everything happens and everything works.

PGM: Out of everyone that you have worked with, do you have any personal favorites? Who was the most fun to work with?

JZ: Asking me my favorite celebrity is like asking me to name my favorite child and that is a really hard thing to do. I have styled and worked with Julia Roberts for ten years and I love her. She is a really sincere, smart, accomplished and well-achieved person. I also love Sarah Jessica Parker. She has such great personal style and knows fashion inside out, to the point that I think she is teaching me things sometimes.

PGM: Is there anybody in the industry that you haven't worked with who you would like the opportunity to work with?

JZ: I would love to work with Angelina Jolie. I have never worked with her and I think she is absolutely beautiful. She has the modern look and I would love to dress her one day.

PGM: What is the best way to transition from solids to prints?

JZ: I would advise starting subtly. The best way to move into a trend is through the accessories — start with a printed bag if you are wearing a lot of neutral colors, or try a bright colored top under a solid colored jacket. The transition has to be gradual as you would have to adjust the way you dress as well as your self-perception.

PGM: Do you have any particular fabrics that you like to work with?

JZ: There isn't one particular type of fabric that I like but I do love a mix of fabrics. I love mixing wool with leather and suede with cotton. I love the mix of different textures.

PGM: If a woman has to splurge on one signature piece, what do you think is worth it?

JZ: I think the great thing in today's market is that one can find the trends at every price point, but if one has to splurge, it should be invested in a bag. A great classic bag is a signature piece that one can carry everywhere all the time.

PGM: When casting models for a shoot, what catches your eye when a model walks into the room?

JZ: A lot of people look at models as two-dimensional people — as pretty girls who just wear clothes and look good in pictures. The truth is that they are three-dimensional people with a lot of personality. Personality definitely catches my eye and I try to bring that across the page.

PGM: Who do you consider to be your fashion icon of all time?

JZ: I met Kate Moss over twenty years ago and I have worked with her, befriended her and followed her throughout the years. I believe Kate changed the entire perception of what style and glamour is. In 30 years, when I look back, I would say someone like Kate Moss for completely changing our perception of fashion. That is a huge accomplishment. It is monumental.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .