We have noticed an onslaught of ambitious, yet inexperienced graduates, who are branding themselves as Manchester’s next top ‘stylist,’ but is it really as simple as having an ‘eye for style’?
Professional stylist, Karen Jones Russell, has certainly noticed a rise in the numbers of stylists, and even though the competition has had no personal impact on her own work, she finds clients are more sceptical wanting to see proof of portfolios and previous campaigns.
“In the short term, it may affect the industry and it is easy to feel infuriated at those who may be playacting at Styling; those people who feel – because they can dress themselves – they can become stylists. However in the long term, hard work, talent, and ability, will continue to be what clients rely upon.”
Ask any dedicated follower of fashion what their dream job is, and you can almost guarantee their response will be ‘a stylist’. Why so? Well you would assume it’s a role that involves mooching around Harvey Nic’s, skimming the rails for the hottest fashions and styling clients with minimal effort, all very glamorous, yet in reality according to Karen, “Yes I get to shop and see the latest trends however my job is as much about logistics, organisation and communication skills as it is about shopping, trend forecasting, styling or networking. Everything becomes research, so it is impossible to take a day off.”
As a professional, working in such a cut throat industry, Karen is all too aware that the role of a stylist is as much about client liaison, and astute planning, as it is about fashion forecasting and creating the concept behind a shoot.
Are the people who are labelling themselves ‘stylists’ – without having real contacts and experience – devaluing the reputations of those who have worked hard to earn recognition within the industry? And if so, how do the seasoned pros feel about it?
I spoke to Gorgeous Couture’s, Nikki Proctor, to get her perspective on the matter.
“Everybody has to start somewhere and if someone is honest about their capabilities and their experience that’s fine.” Yet she believes that working in such a competitive industry encourages those in the business to stay astute and ahead of the game. “I guess that there’s always room for new, talented, committed individuals with a flair for fashion. With the industry being so diverse there is a lot of scope to work with.”
Karen, who runs her own styling agency: Karen Russell Styling, is also keen to champion the types of creative’s going forward, and she too, is constantly looking for talented and hardworking assistants. “Dedication, creativity and honesty are key to success these days, clients can see through ‘BS’ quite quickly and experience is invaluable.”
I find Nikki and Karen’s responses somewhat refreshing as their opinions contradict the stereotypical view that styling is a fiercely competitive industry. So perhaps with the right experience, there is room for competition in the styling stakes… I however remain firmly on the fence.
http://www.karenrussellstyling.co.uk
