How to Become A Star Stylist
In recent years, more and more stylists have walked from behind the scenes to the front of the stage and have become celebrities themselves-such as Selena Gomez, Dakota Johnson and Margot Robbie’s stylist Kate Young, who has 300,000 followers on Instagram alone, and Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski have TV shows about their red carpet looks. Stylist has become everyone's dream career without any suspense. Responsible for the red carpet styling of an actress or setting off a fashion trend in a fashion magazine may seem like an incomparable beauty, but any professional will tell you that the daily work of this role is not as glamorous as the surface. Next, we tell you the basic skills and experience needed to become a successful fashion or celebrity stylist.
Fashion, makeup, human hair wigs and fashion catalog stylist: What are the differences between them?
There are several different types of stylists. In the fashion industry, they are divided into two main camps: private stylists, who help celebrities and celebrities create unique looks, and editorial stylists, who create images for magazine shooting and advertising (these stylists are sometimes called fashion Director). In addition, there are makeup stylists, fashion show stylists, and fashion catalog stylists who match products and clothes for the purpose of attracting people to buy goods.
How can I become a stylist? Start with the internship!
Micaela Erlanger, famous for dressing up by celebrities such as Lupita Nyong'o, Meryl Streep and Blake Lively, she worked as an intern stylist for many years before finding a job in New York, and worked as an assistant to the late Annabel Tollman. People think Olsen twins, Shakira and Liv Tyler are famous for their modeling. Erlanger seized any internship opportunities she could find while studying business at Parsons School of Design, and she recommended this method to all enthusiasts who wish to become celebrities or personal stylists.
"The internship is indispensable. It gives me a lot of experience and provides a wide range of knowledge, allowing me to become an assistant and follow the professional food chain all the way up." Erlanger said. "I do internships every summer and every semester. I treat every internship with the same assiduousness as I do with homework. If you feel confused about your direction at a certain point in time, then gaining practical experience is absolutely vital , It can make you stronger. At the work site, in such a safe environment where I can contribute, I really find a sense of being a stylist."
Like many stylists, Erlanger's New York studio accepts students who exchange internships for college credits every semester. Many internship opportunities will be listed on the recruitment website, or you can follow the stylists on Twitter and Instagram, they usually post a lot of recruitment information. "I want to cultivate a sense of responsibility and mutual respect among interns," Erlanger said. "Now in the styling industry you can do many different things, and you can gain a wealth of experience by working with me."
Choose your course carefully
Studying fashion in college is common for stylists, especially degrees involving fashion history or the fashion industry. But this is not the only way out. Elizabeth Stewart, who designed styles for Jessica Chastain, Gal Gadot, and Cate Blanchett, attended the University of South Carolina and received a degree in journalism. "I want to work in the magazine or advertising industry," Stewart said. "I did an internship in a TV station during college, and was actually responsible for sending two local advertisements to the TV screen. My breakthrough in the fashion industry was a job in the Women's Wear Daily (WWD). I was sent to Paris on a business trip. There I learned the process of designing and making clothes in a fashion studio."
Make connections and cherish your relationships
Natalie Brewster, the global fashion director of Matches Fashion, suggests building a rich network of relationships as much as possible, because any relationship along the way may help you.
"When you start on this path, building relationships is the most important thing, and then you can develop and create those creative teams with your partners," said Brewster, who previously worked on the Russian version of "Vogue." "I still work with many photographers and makeup artists who worked for me when I first entered the industry, and hope I can continue to do so. Your relationship with PR and designers is also very important. My first position as a digital fashion editor It was introduced through a public relations friend."
The major breakthrough in Erlanger's career occurred in 2013, when she was hired as the Golden Globe stylist for star Michelle Dockery of "Downton Abbey"-the gold and white Alexandre Vauthier dress she picked for the actress on the red carpet lead to uproar. She met Dockery through a makeup artist friend, and this chance encounter changed her career.
"Interpersonal relationships are important," Erlanger said. "Michelle hired me to design the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her. This is a huge opportunity, and I know I have to grasp it. I want to be a stylist, this is my chance to really prove myself. Michelle later Introduced me to Lupita again, which really changed my career."
Start by being an assistant so that you can truly understand this role
Becoming a stylist means more than just the infinite scenery on the red carpet. Stewart recommends that anyone considering embarking on this career path first ask themselves how much effort they are prepared to put into work. "Many people have good taste and style, but you must also be diligent and not conceited, because 90% of the work is not related to glamorous beauty."
"Understand that this is work," said Elizabeth Saltzman, who designs for Gwyneth Paltrow and Saoirse Ronan, and coordinates London. She turned into a star stylist after working as a high-end fashion editor in the "Vogue" editorial department for many years. "Educate yourself. Observe everything you can see. This job is not just about a piece of clothing. If you still want to get into this business after that, then you have to become an assistant first. I always say to be A qualified assistant takes 4 years. In the first year, learn more from your boss, find your own pace in the second year, make no mistakes in the third year, and be able to go out in the fourth year.” She added , "Positive attitude and organizational skills are key. Always return items to make them look better than when you find them. Always say thank you. Reply to every email. And always treat everyone equally."
Find a unique perspective
Liu Lu emphasized that it is very important to hone one's aesthetics as a stylist. She often works as the creative director of the project, provides art direction for magazine and advertising shooting, and always tries to listen to the opinions of others, but does not internalize them too much. "Taste is a very personal thing," she pointed out. "The styling you make for others may not be understood at first. It takes time. It is important to believe in yourself. You must be patient and keep enthusiasm. You can't just be passionate about this profession in 2 years-you must keep more than 20 years old. Years of passion."
Erlanger said that the best way to become a stylist is to go out and try it. "Generally speaking, our job is to interpret any vision and realize it," she explained. "You have to know how to adapt. Really, this job is a kind of cooperation, so it's important to understand how the process works. This is not something that you can learn in school. You have to go out, practice with your hands, see and listen. You will just sit and be lazy and you will get nowhere. You have to do your best."
Advice from experts: Become a stylist step by step
1. Start with obtaining a relevant degree or qualification. Use your own time to complete it at university or through study courses.
2. To gain field experience, an internship is required. This can help you decide what kind of stylist you are and guide your future goals.
3. Build relationships with professionals in other industries, build valuable relationships and your own reputation. In order to win customers, it is also important to know how to sell yourself.
4. Put in time and hard work, and be willing to do everything you can to prove yourself. Remember, this is not about fame, but about doing good work.
5. Create your own unique perspective and exclusive aesthetic concept and share it with customers. Unique features will make you and your work stand out.
