Fashion Stylist

Alternate Titles: Stylist

Job Description: Fashion stylists are responsible for bringing to life a photographer or director's vision for a fashion photo shoot, layout, commercial, print advertisement, music video, etc. Fashion stylists often scout locations, create the mood for the shoot by selecting and setting up the appropriate props, fashions, accessories, and even models to fit the theme of the shoot. They coordinate colors and styles and ensure that all clothes are ready for the shoot, which can include basic tasks such as steaming and ironing garments.

Companies such as magazines, newspapers, retailers, catalog publishers, television and film production houses, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and music production companies often employ fashion stylists. Stylists may also be employed by agents, celebrities, or wealthy clients as wardrobe consultants to help them prepare for major events or appearances. Many stylists also choose to run their own businesses.

Salary Range: $0 to $100,000+
Entry level salary may range from $150-$200/day
Experienced salary may range from $500-$5,000/day
Top level stylists can earn up to $100,000 and more

Outlook: Aspiring fashion stylists should expect to work their way to the top. The most successful fashion stylists have extensive networks of contacts within the fashion industry to get the job done quickly and on budget. In addition, clients usually hire stylists they have used in the past or those who have proven success in the business. Once established, stylists who maintain a good professional reputation can expect plenty of repeat business and often take advantage of this by setting up their own independent businesses.

Qualifications: Education - a 2-year or 4-year degree in Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Art or Visual Merchandising is helpful but not required. Networking is critical to building a client base, so most stylists enter the field as an apprentice (assistant or intern), and they work with an established fashion stylist for two or more years until they have a more substantial network and portfolio. A degree can give future stylists a jump start on creating their professional fashion portfolio.

Experience - previous retail experience is helpful, as are internships with fashion publications and apprenticeships under experienced fashion stylists.

Personal Characteristics and Skills - eye for style; creativity and resourcefulness; broad knowledge of fashion history, trends and forecasts; technical know-how for setting up sets;good interpersonal and networking skills; persistence and self-motivation; ability to market oneself; savvy business skills to deal with invoicing, bills, budgets, etc.

Career Path: Intern/Stylist's Apprentice > Assistant Fashion Stylist > Staff Fashion Stylist

Famous Fashion Stylists: Jeff Ihenando: Stylist for supermodels Kate Moss, Libery Ross, Naomi Campbell
Rachel Zoe: Celebrity clients include Nichole Richie, Mischa Barton, Keira Knightly
Rohn Padmore: Wardrobe stylist for Madonna, Lauren Hutton, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Price

Sources:
About.com
Wikipedia.com
LA Times

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