Fashion
Getting started
A stylist is the person who creates a look for either an individual or a model with clothing and accessories to make a statement. Traditionally a stylist would work on a commercial, catwalk or magazine shoot but these days with image being key in so many worlds they often work for individual clients creating their own unique style.
Dedicated follower of fashion. To succeed you need to have a real interest in fashion, trends and a keen eye for style. Experts argue you either have this or you don't although a course can sharpen some natural skills. Fashion degrees are not as essential as experience and contacts and most stylists say they "fell" into the job, which is not very helpful when it comes to specific advice.
Back to school. Find your local fashion college and ask if they do short specialised stylist courses. Most of the London fashion colleges do and it's becoming more widespread.
Shop around. Gain experience by working in a small boutique - smaller outlets give you real hands on experience of cultivating style.
Helping hands. Call your local department store and see if they are having any fashion shows. Get some work experience helping out the stylists they use. They don't just work in London.
Aim high. Call local photographers or local newspapers, send them your CV and offer your services as a runner on the next fashion shoot they may be doing.
There are three main areas for styling opportunities in fashion - although they're not rigid categories and many stylists these days have to be multi-talented.
Fashion stylist
Primarily working for magazines, newspapers, or advertising agencies on commercials. The job of the stylist is to work to a set brief, selecting clothes for photo or video shoots. A large part of the job is planning.
Stylists provide the creative aspect of the shoot, but also source the clothes and accessories needed, liaising with press offices, getting all the clothes, shoes and accessories to the studio or location...
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