It is common knowledge that making a movie is an enormous task. Look at the rolling credits and you see how so many people come together to create silver screen magic. Of the many roles that are required to be fulfilled, an important one is that of a stylist. These stylists, who are behind the stunning costumes we see on screen, dictate the latest fashion trends in Bollywood. Not to be confused with fashion designers, the stylists work by sourcing trendy clothes to put together different fashion styles that would suit the movie characters. They also create looks for celebrities to wear for public appearances.
If this sounds like something you see yourself doing, read on!
Not All Glamour
Being a stylist for Bollywood involves a lot more than jet setting to exotic locations and hobnobbing with famous people. To keep your clients in fashion news is hard work. Expect a lot of grueling days where you will be shuffling from studio to location, toting heavy trunks. Your fashion diary is going to be full of meetings with celebrities, designers and merchandisers. Apart from this, you may also have to travel a lot for sourcing new fashion styles as required by your clients. Be prepared for sleepless nights followed by early morning appointments & remember to keep a comfortable pair of shoes in handy!
Work Your Way From The Bottom Up
Getting a foothold in the celebrity styling industry is no easy task. The most effective way to go about it is to start from the bottom. Look for internships (usually unpaid) or volunteering jobs related to fashion online to get yourself started. Apart from enhancing your resume, this will allow you to gain first-hand experience and determine if it really is a career you want to pursue. You will also gain a lot of insight on how Bollywood fashion trends work, and the different aspects of styling. The knowledge and experience you get cannot be acquired in any classroom.
Find A Mentor
Slowly work your way up to securing an assistant position with a celebrity stylist. By accompanying them on their daily routine, you can hone your styling skills and learn how to deal with clients. You will also be involved in high-profile projects such as Photo Shoots, Movies, TV Shoots and Red Carpet styling. It is important to maintain a good rapport with your mentor. Not only will you learn how to work with different fashion styles, you will also be able to build up your own portfolio and make contacts within the industry. You may land up getting called by a celebrity, impressed by your work who asks you to be his/her personal stylist!
Research Is Vital
Sourcing trendy clothes and getting freebies from fashion labels are the lucrative aspects of this job. However, a majority of your time is going to be spent researching fashion online. To be a successful stylist, you need to be well versed with the latest trends in fashion. You must also keep yourself updated on fashion news, and other on-goings of the industry. Study how different fashion styles can be paired with one another, and how to wear fashion clothes for different body types. It also helps to have basic knowledge on hairstyles and makeup techniques that are in fashion. Blogs and other sources of information on fashion online are your best friends!
Hone Your Communication Skills
This is a sector where it is very important to be able to get your ideas across. You want your clients to be able to envision fashion styles the same way you do, for that perfect result. There will be instances when you may have to explain your concept with nothing more than a piece of paper and a pencil in hand. People skills are very important, whether you are sourcing from fashion labels or advising a celebrity on what’s in fashion. Remember, this is an industry famous for its tantrums!
Picture courtesy – allaboutstyling.net
