1. Study fashion. You will need a basic understanding of how fabrics, prints, textures, colors etc. work together. There are many great fashion schools that offer degree programs in fashion merchandising, visual communication and design. As part of the program students are provided with training in textiles, design principles, manufacturing, sales, visuals etc. As an alternative, you may consider taking individual courses at a community college or fashion styling school. If you are not interested in spending the time that it takes to get a degree, educate yourself. Begin reading fashion blogs, fashion websites and industry magazines.
2. Determine the type of fashion styling that you are interested in persuing. Do you want to work with designers or advertisng agencies on print ads? Would you prefer to work with department stores or special events companies on fashion runway shows? What about the world of celebrity styling? Do you want to work with music artists and other related individuals on cd covers or press events? Maybe you want to dress the stars for red carpet events. Choosing a niche and specializing in that area is of utmost importance. It is quite difficult to become an expert stylist in multiple genres. Practice pulling looks together for yourself as well as friends and family members.
3. Put together a fashion stylist kit. This kit will contain all of the support items you need to make the looks you create fit properly on your subject. These may include, clothes pins, double sided tape, lint brush, iron etc. It is always best to keep all of your tools in your kit at all times. You never know what you will need in a given situation.
4. Seek out local fashion photographers. They may be students at a local university or professionals looking to “test”. (Many of these students and photographers will provide you with film, photo prints, or CD’s in exchange for your styling expertise). You will need to build a professional portfolio to present to potential employers. 5 to 8 professional looking seperate looks should put you off to a good start. If you are interested in runway you will also need a reel (a film/video of your work). Additionally, you will need to prepare a resume highlighting the photo shoots or runway shows that you have worked on. If you have no professional experience create a resume that highlights the skills and abilities you have accumulated and include a cover letter that explains why you are interested in becoming a fashion stylist.
5. Once you have your resume and portfolio in hand, start shopping around for an internship/apprenticeship. Search for local fashion stylists and offer to assist them. Is there a stylist agency in your town? Ask to be placed on their assistant’s list. Contact the fashion offices of the department stores and boutiques in your area. Ask for the name of the person in charge of hiring interns or assistant’s for their fashion and trunk shows and call them. Continue to network with photographers, designers etc. and maintain conatct with them regularly. This is a business that is built on relationships.
6. Continue to update your resume and portfolio as you gain experience. Once you are ready to transition from intern or assistant to a key (lead stylist), start considering what type of business you want to run. Do you want to be a freelance fashion stylist where you would be responsible for procuring, negotiating contracts and collecting fees yourself? Or do you prefer to sign with an agency? If you are represented by an agency they will procure, negotiate contracts and collect fees for your services in exchange for a fee (commission), typically 20%. If you decide to freelance you will need to develop a composite card illustrating your work and your contact information. This is the marketing/promotional piece that you will hand out to all prospective employers and those individuals in your network. If you are signed with an agency they will produce the composite card on your behalf.
7. Begin looking for work. Search local job boards as well as industry specific employment sources such as production companies, advertising agencies, photograhers, retailers etc. Join professional organizations and networking groups. Continue to build on your list of contacts and keep in touch with them. Keep working on your portfolio (taking unpaid jobs if need be) to gain more experience and add to your resume.
8. Be encouraged and follow your dreams. Never allow naysayers to kill your spirit.
Tips and Warnings
Always continue to research, study and train as a fashion stylist. Not only will you have an edge on your competition but you will continue to meet other industry professionals and grow your network.
Keep your stylist kit ready and stocked at all times. Many assignments may come up at the last minute within 24 hours of you receiving them. The last thing you want to do is be called for an assignment and be unprepared.
Arrive on time and be curtious. Keep small talk to a minimum and keep conversations professional.
Remember, you are your best advertising. Always maintain a polished appearance and keep business cards with you.
