Often wondered how celebrities and ‘A’ listers are so immaculately dressed and are always on top of their game? What could be their secret for being aptly dressed for each occasion portraying a distinct personality vis-à-vis their peers.
Well, the secret is that their wardrobe is compiled by a professional termed in the fashion circles as fashion stylist.
So, who is a Fashion Stylist?
A fashion stylist is a professional who is concerned with ensuring that the client looks as fashionable and appealing as possible by coordinating all aspects of his visual aesthetic including outfits, accessories & props. Fashion stylist is not only in sync with the ensuing trends, but through his research and study is also ahead of the curve in predicting upcoming trends and is thus a go-to source for fashion related advice. He creates sublime ensemble employing his eye for detail and sense of style, textures, colours & hues. Thus, he works with models, photographers, influencers writers, directors as well as in retail displays etc to create distinct looks by accentuating the physical attributes, thereby bringing alive the vision.
Tips to succeed:
Develop Communication & Networking skills: A fashion stylist, he must be able to understand and address the requirements of his clients and communicate his viewpoint to them. With good networking skills, he will negotiate a better deal, collaborate with stakeholders along with varied teams from different departments & will be able to get more business. Furthermore, communication & networking skills will also help him in building contacts, meeting fashion designers and be up to date with the knowledge about latest fashion trends, market dynamics as well as new techniques & material being used.
Problem Solving Approach: As a fashion stylist, he must have control of his emotions and learn to stay calm. He must be capable of thinking on his feet so as to be able to handle issues or surprises and that too in a timely manner. He should be organised, stay positive in crises, and adhere to tight deadlines. This way he will be able to build his credentials and people will look at him as a natural leader who can guide them.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail will facilitate him in analysing varied materials, patterns, colours and textures, besides the body type of the client and basis this create an attention-grabbing ensemble that not only communicates a story, but also is appropriate for the client.
Creativity: One of the foremost skills essential for fashion stylist is Creativity, for this discipline entails creating an ensemble comprising of different apparels as well as accessories basis his understanding of body type, the personality client wants to portray, available material, hues, colours, patterns, textures, and the event requirements. He should have the pulse of the market as well as the ensuing fashion trends and should be capable of recommending outfit that is distinct, compliments the client’s personality besides being in sync with the theme of the event. Furthermore, he should be open to experimenting with looks as well as material being utilised.
- Curriculum must equip students with essential theories along with knowledge of principles of design, use of tools, types of materials as well as range of techniques.
- Curriculum must mentor student with an understanding of fashion visualisation, cultural studies, evolution of fashion, proficiencies in Editorial Styling, Commercial Styling, Personal Styling, Costume Design.
