What I Do...

Wikipedia defines a "Wardrobe Stylist" as "someone who picks out clothing worn by people in photo shoots for commercial print, catalogue, television appearances, music videos, concert performances, and any other public appearances made by celebrities, models, or public figures." The profession has been popularized by figures like Rachel Zoe and June Ambrose. One out of five semi fashion conscious people you encounter will describe themselves as a fashion stylist. As simple as the definition sounds, the reality of our work is quite the contrary. There is no skillset to acquire, not class to take. The ability to style is innate. We dress noticably better than everyone else, even on our bad days. The amount of work it takes to succeed in this profession rivals that of doctors and lawyers (I have a tendancy to exaggerate). We begin as lowly fashion assistants at MAJOR fashion magazines. Our work is thankless. Our days are endless. We often work for little to no monetary compensation. A fashion assistant may spend an entire day combing the showrooms of Manhattan, carrying duffel bags twice their size, in the rain, while wearing this seasons most uncomfortable shoes, carrying this seasons hottest bag, looking fabulous and happy. For what? an invite to a party that they're far too tired to attend? standing tickets to fashion week? swag that you editors don't want?
The cherry on top? After all of the clothes are collected, edited, styled, and shot... YOUR finished product finally hits the stands. The heading reads... Styled by: your boss ( who was chilling on a yacht in the south of France while YOU produced the shoot). IS it worth it? Only to those of us who eat, sleep, breath, and dream FASHION. It will all pay off when our names are printed, in bold, next to the words fashion editor, in the masthead of our favorite magazines...

For my latest work see "Boot Camp" on page 132 of Interviews October/ November issue (observe my bosses name sprawled across the page).