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How do you become a stylist? Basia Richard, celebrity stylist, explains how to get started as a stylist. Basia Richard has worked with many of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Victoria Justice, Selena Gomez and many others. Remember Selena Gomez’s stunning look from the 2016 Met Gala? Richard was the one who made it happen.
So aspiring stylists, listen up. Basia shared some valuable career advice with us after we asked. See her advice below!
1. The internship is the key.
An internship in a fashion agency or house is a great place to begin if you’re interested in becoming a celebrity styler. Basia explained that “a lot of the industry is based on recommendations”. She started as an intern. “Intern with a stylist and become their assistant. It is important to build a relationship with stylists in order for them to recommend you.
It is understandable that working with celebrities can be a difficult way to break into the industry. Stars are often wary of working with new people because of their profession. This is why getting a recommendation from a stylist can be so helpful. Basia says that celebrities are private individuals. They like to be around people who are comfortable.
What is another important aspect of an internship? You can learn valuable skills on the job that you might not have otherwise acquired. Internships help you learn how to begin a job, finish a project, and how to move from the showroom to the costume house. This is not something you can learn by reading: You need to have real-world experience, and a mentor will teach you how to do it.
2. Create your Lookbook
As an intern, you can also start to build your portfolio. A lookbook is an album of photographs that show your work as a styler. The goal of the book is to showcase your skills and build a larger clientele.
Basia explains, “When I worked as an intern for a styler, I had the opportunity to work with celebrities such as Jeremy Piven or Christina Aguilera.” From there, I began to create my own lookbook and found clients on my behalf.
3. Fashion and celebrities are a part of our daily lives.
Know the ins and outs of the fashion business like the back of your latest-manicure-craze hand. Attend fashion shows and keep up to date with the latest trends. Also, study celebrities’ looks and how they present themselves. Knowing the personal style of celebrities is essential. What may work for Selena Gomez might not be suitable for Taylor Swift.
She says, “As a celebrity styler you’ll be working with a variety of personalities and fashion preferences.” You want to make people happy and comfortable. Understanding your audience and what is going on in ‘biz is the key to success.
4. Don’t neglect your research skills.
Basia says that she spends a large part of her working day in front of the laptop.
She says, “I do a lot of research on the computer and I never thought there would be that much computer work.” “I am researching different looks, setting up appointments and gathering all of the pieces to create a look. “It’s a lot screen time!” If you think celebrity styling is just one long photoshoot, then think again. (But be prepared for some grueling work on the set!). They are great at anticipating problems and needs, as well as staying up to date with the latest fashion trends and styling through the internet.
5. Prepare to hustle.
It’s a tough job, but we wouldn’t mind it. It is not without its challenges. Basia didn’t know how much work she would have to do when she first started. She could spend her day preparing for red-carpet events, working on magazine shoots and press tours or juggling celebrity clothes and accessories. Basia doesn’t usually work from dawn to dusk, but staying in shape is essential to her job. Hollywood never sleeps, and neither do the styling needs of Hollywood stars or starlets.
Be prepared for the unexpected if you want to become a celebrity styler. Basia advises, “Be ready for anything.” Wear comfortable shoes!
6. Get a degree in fashion merchandising.
A bachelor’s in fashion merchandising can help you build connections, land internships, and ultimately get hired. You’ll gain knowledge about product development, design trends, marketing, manufacturing, and more as a fashion merchandising student. This is a great way to get into the fashion world and open up doors for you to become a celebrity stylist. Fashion and design schools include the Fashion Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
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