Nina Zadeh is an up-and-coming fashion stylist, working with Richie Rich and Indashio on their recent New York Fashion Week shows. I got the opportunity to ask Nina her advice on how to get into the business of styling, and I thought her tips were really informative.
Nina said: "My first suggestion would be to find an internship! This is the type of industry that doesn't pay very well in the beginning so you have to be willing to dedicate your time and energy and find your reward in other ways besides a paycheck. If you can give a few hours after your 'real' job, it will demonstrate to those around you your level of interest and passion."
She also advised: "If you live in a metropolitan city where professional stylists are based, definitely look into interning or assisting a stylist. Many stylists are signed to an agency, so I would recommend contacting the agencies directly and seeing if they are looking for any interns or assistants. You can Google 'wardrobe styling agencies.'"
Finally, Nina said: "If you do not have access to working under a professional stylist, ask a local up-and-coming designer if they need any help with styling their lookbooks. You can also contact your local boutique and see if they are looking for sales associates. Dressing mannequins is definitely great practice in creating outfits. I also think it's a great idea to team with up a friend, create some outfits from both your closets, and photograph them for your personal portfolio. That way you have a few photos to show people your styling skills. Another idea would be to contact a local university photography department or even your high school photography lab and see if there are any upcoming photographers that would want to shoot some of the looks you styled."
This is VERY good advice - so if you want to be a stylist, get on it! : )
Photo courtesy of Nina Zadeh.
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