Thinking of pursuing a career in styling? We interviewed three young stylists to give you insights about the job and what you need to know before you get into it
Pursuing a career in fashion has been more accessible at this point in time compared to before because of social media. Everyone knows everyone, but it can get a bit intimidating if you’re coming in as a new person.
There’s a lot of professions that can be checked out, but if you think you’re curious about entering the industry as a fashion stylist, here are some insights and tips shared by young Filipino stylists for those who are planning on getting one foot in the door.
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Find your purpose
Sometimes, a passion simply blooms from little moments we had growing up. 22-year-old fashion stylist Kurt Abonal recalled having the freedom to dress up during his high school years, or the time in college when he closely collaborated with artists to talk about fashion—simple moments that became significant timestamps in his career.
Meanwhile, Mika Alejo got into the hustle and bustle when she accepted the love she had for clothes when she was younger. The rising stylist got into the industry through a mutual friend, and as the years went by, she realized that styling goes beyond the clothes because it has become a way for her to also meet and interact with more people, get to know their own journeys and aspirations in life.
As for Martina Mendiola, the 23-year-old stylist went back to the days of Tumblr when we were all obsessed with the flood of fashion content that showed us the world of the industry. The stylist expressed that she was initially planning to pursue modeling, but that changed when she preferred to stay behind the scenes. For her, she wanted to help people feel confident and to create such looks for different personalities.
After seeing the similarities in their answers, we can simply say that it doesn’t take big moments for the fashion styling bug to bite—you just have to embrace it when it does.
Embrace the action
Beyond the image of glamour, you should be prepared to face the other side of it. This is a disclaimer that fashion practitioners tell to those who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry, and it’s a tip you should take seriously.
Kurt described the industry as a fast-paced environment and it can overshadow the fun of the job. He shared, “Imagine styling a set for a full day, then having to prepare another set the following day while keeping tabs of the pieces you pulled out from brands and designers.” Now, don’t be deceived by the simple description as a shoot can have numerous layouts and it can entail racks of clothes for just a day. On top of being creative about the looks to put together, Kurt advised that being organized and being meticulous must always come first.
“As a stylist, you must be ready for any conceivable worst-case situation.”
Kurt Abonal
To further emphasize this, Mika expressed that the job is a mix of creativity, precision, and hard work. She even recalled the wise words of her mentor, trusted celebrity stylist Cath Sobrevega: “Fashion styling is not all glamorous as everyone thinks it is.” Anchored with the reality of the job, it doesn’t deter the young stylist from seeing the merits after all the efforts and seeing how their creative visions come to life.
Another take is Martina’s tip on being intuitive. You should be in-tune with your instincts to see if a layout or an outfit can be improved in other ways. Having this kind of job requires you to be flexible with the many personalities you meet, so make sure you keep your mind open to different aesthetics when you’re styling.
The secret of styling
Since the three stylists are already versed in their careers, it was only fitting to ask them to share what everyone should know before deciding to pursue styling. For Martina, she expressed the importance of having a mentor to guide you through it in a proper manner. You should also be open to starting from the bottom to learn the ins and outs of the job.
“Observe, be open to learning anything and everything while working with your fashion mentor or other stylists and people in the industry.”
Martina Mendiola
For those who are still honing their craft, learn how to respect the pace of your creativity because it’s an essential skill of being a stylist. This is a sentiment that Kurt stressed on as he expressed that knowledge and creativity don’t come overnight. From envisioning colors, shapes, and textures to recognizing flattering silhouettes for different people—these are all dependent on how you allow yourself to experience it all without having to rush the process.
It’s definitely a career that is worth trying if you’re curious about the ecosystem in the local fashion scene. You get to see the work behind the campaigns and shoots produced for magazines, billboards, and digital outputs since it’s all hands on deck from every department, so best to use this opportunity wisely when the time comes. In the end, all you have to do is keep up with the hustle once it begins.
Photos: MEGASTYLE ARCHIVES
