Part of the stellar kids’ cast on “This Is Us,” Eris Baker has already proven she’s got some serious acting chops. Now, the talented 12-year-old — who plays Tess Pearson on the hit NBC drama series — is showing off her killer fashion skills.
Since her TV debut last year, the California-born tween has been lighting up the red carpet with her spunky and sophisticated looks. A huge footwear fan, she likes to top off her outfits — and add a pop of personality — with a fun pair of statement shoes, from metallic creepers and patent-leather oxfords to embellished combat boots.
“I love shoes,” Baker told Footwear News. “Whenever I find a cool pair that very few people have, I’m on it.”
Here, the budding star opens up about her favorite brands, shopping haunts and celebrity role models.
Watch on FN
My personal style: “It’s very eclectic. I’m inspired by so many things — people, design and textures, moods and feelings, music, art, history. My style is the result of everything I’ve seen, heard, learned and felt. I like to take tasteful risks and express myself through fashion.”
Footwear philosophy: “I love shoes for their look and for their uniqueness. I like shoes with sequins, patches, cute messages, bright colors and short, chunky heels — because I haven’t mastered this heel thing yet.”
Favorite brands: “I love the classics: Adidas, Converse, Dr. Martens, Timberland.”
Most comfortable pair: “I am born and raised in Southern California, so nothing beats a cute pair of flip-flops for longs days on the set.”
Style guidance: “For most of my red carpet looks, I team up with my stylist, Neishea Lemle. I love working with her because she gets me. She knows what I like, and she understands the trends and is always willing to push the limits with me. For everyday looks, my mom and I work together. My style sense actually comes from her. She has always encouraged me to use fashion as my first voice and express myself.”
Shopping haunts: “Some of my favorites at the moment are Zara, Nordstrom, H&M, vintage shops and small boutiques with those one-of-a-kind items.”
Most memorable red carpet look: “It’s hard to choose, but one that I really had fun with was the all-black look I wore to our Season 2 premiere party [in September]. I channeled the legendary Michael Jackson with a black sequined jacket, leather-ish pants and lace-up boots. Michael started his career at a young age like me, and I hope to one day be as inspiring to my generation as he was.”
On my wish list: “I’m hoping for my first pair of Yeezys. Kanye has a dope style. I love how he dares to be different.”
If I could raid my ‘This Is Us’ character Tess’ wardrobe, I’d take: “Everything! We have some incredibly talented people in wardrobe who know exactly what I like. I see stuff every day that I want to take home.”
Celebrity fashion idol: “Zendaya, without question. She is #goals. She and her stylist kill it every single time.”
Co-star style envy: “Susan Kelechi Watson [who plays Beth Pearson] kills it on the carpet. From head to toe, she always looks great. She is always so classy, chic and fashion-forward. I love her.”
Hottest trends at school: “My friends are all pulling out their best fall booties right now. [Styles] with fur and different fall tones are flooding our campus. And the Chuck Taylors and Stan Smiths will never get old.”
Style inspiration: “Social media, magazines, red carpets, celeb spottings, school, art, look books, Fashion Weeks, window shopping, vintage stores, boutiques — I could go on and on.”
Best part of working on a hit show: “Being able to work with such amazing people. ‘This Is Us’ is one of my first TV experiences, and I am learning so much from the amazingly talented people around me.”
