For Charles Varenne, styling is more nuanced than simply dressing people in beautiful clothing. “I’m interested in constantly reinventing beauty,” he says. “Beauty is diverse, especially in the world we live in today. I want to push a character, or show a different side of someone by experimenting with an unexpected look. Fashion is about playing.”

Born in Paris and based between Paris and New York, Varenne was inspired to work as a stylist after attending Helmut Lang shows in the 90s. “I remember being very moved,” says Charles. “I was young, but it piqued my curiosity and my interest in fashion has grown since then.”

He started his career as an assistant at Numero Paris in 2000. Charles clearly made an impression because he was promoted to fashion editor just four years later. He now has around 20 years of experience and has worked with everyone from Dua Lipa to Tom Ford. He is particularly proud of a cover story he shot for Harper’s Bazaar US in LA with Margaux Robbie and a Jake Gyllenhaal cover for Numero Homme, shot by Peter Lindbergh.

He continues to contribute to Numero Paris, and works with Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue China, Vogue Japan, and Roberto Cavalli.