Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Lisa :

Being a Stylist is one of the ultimate glamour jobs! In many cases, it's a Stylist who decides, along with the photographer and director, what a model or performer will wear for a particular shoot. Then she shops for the clothes and accessories, keeping in mind the budget, or she arranges to borrow or rent the items. She arranges the clothes so they fit properly and look their best when the model is posed in them. Then she goes and returns all the clothes and accessories from the shoot. In other cases, a Stylist is a consultant who dresses a celebrity for a personal appearance, organizing the dress or suit and accessories, working with hair and makeup people, and making sure everything fits and works well together.

Stylists' work environments vary, since every video, commercial, or photo set varies. A Stylist must be very flexible to deal with a constantly changing work environment. Sometimes they are working with large groups of people on big sets. Other times, they are working on smaller sets, or one-on-one with private clients, but the pressure might be just as great. Each situation brings with it different needs and requirements to consider, and there's a lot of really hard work mixed up with the glamour!

If you think being a Stylist might be the career for you, a degree in Visual Communications from FIDM will set you on the right road. Meanwhile, hone your shopping skills, keep up with fashion and celebrity magazines and TV style shows, and offer to help friends and family put together stylish looks!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl