By Rachael Lindley
Photography by Crystal Wise
Guest stylist Lena Koch gained notoriety by tailoring and styling for fashion brands, movies and magazine photo shoots. Prior to her impressive career, she enjoyed an idyllic childhood on an island in Sweden, where she harbored an obsession with John Wayne movies, a foreshadowing of the classic Americana styles she would specialize in. Equipped with a background as an expert tailor, a keen eye for detail and a passion for dressing people, Koch shares her incredible journey, tailoring and styling philosophy and insights to owning your personal style.
360West: Tell us about your early years. How did your journey into fashion begin?
Koch: I grew up on a small island in Stockholm, Sweden, surrounded by craftsmanship and creativity. As a child, I was fascinated by movies, especially Westerns. At 16, I decided to attend sewing school, where I spent three years mastering tailoring and dressmaking. My love for vintage clothing and design eventually led me to work backstage in theaters, where I began dreaming of a career in fashion.
360West: You had a vision of working in New York — how did that dream become a reality?
Koch: I vividly remember fantasizing about meeting a fashion mentor who would invite me to work in New York. One day, I met Agneta Eckemyr — an actress and designer — on the streets of Stockholm. A year later, she invited me to work with her in New York. It felt like fate!
360West: You worked with some of the most legendary names in fashion and film. What were some standout moments?
Koch: My early days in New York were tough — I started in sweatshops, earning ten cents per T-shirt. But through persistence, I worked my way into the fashion industry, tailoring with Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Richard Avedon. One defining moment was tailoring on a Vanity Fair shoot with Naomi Campbell and Mike Tyson, my first job with Bruce Weber.
In Hollywood, I worked on films like Cape Fear, The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and Prince of Tides. Meeting Paul Newman was unforgettable — his presence was so magnetic.
360West: You eventually transitioned into Western fashion. What drew you to that style?
Koch: Western fashion has always been in my heart. I grew up admiring Ralph Lauren’s prairie-inspired collections. After years in New York, I was drawn to the landscapes and culture of the American West. Working on Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner was a dream come true. Later, I moved to Texas, where I fully embraced Western fashion, working with Stetson and styling for Cowboys & Indians Magazine.
360West: How do you approach styling? Any tips for our readers?
Koch: Fashion should be playful — don’t be afraid to mix classic and Western styles. A tailored jacket can pair beautifully with cowboy boots or a lace blouse. Accessories can transform an outfit, whether it’s a statement necklace or a tooled leather belt. And most importantly, dress for yourself, not for others.
360West: What trends do you see emerging in fashion right now?
Koch: Denim and lace are making a big comeback, and mixing textures — like suede with bone-colored jackets — is very on-trend. I also see a growing appreciation for authentic, handcrafted pieces, from vintage turquoise jewelry to artisan-made boots.
360West: Any final thoughts for those looking to define their personal style?
Koch: Own your look. Whether you’re 20 or 70, style is about confidence. I love seeing women embrace fashion at every age. And don’t be afraid to wear something bold — gold in the daytime, statement hats, fringe. Fashion should be fun.
From the ateliers of New York to the heart of Texas, Koch’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and the timeless power of personal style.
See our Spring Fashion feature here.
