Brandi Murray is a budding fashion stylist in the Orlando area. I interviewed her to help readers get a
better understanding of what stylists do.
Check out the Q&A below!
Wrapped up in
Fashion: Why did you decide to become a stylist?
Brandi:
I became a Wardrobe
Stylist because I was passionate about fashion and the way each person
expresses his or her individuality through dressing. I realized in my own life
that as I developed into a young woman from an adolescent, that as I obtained
more confidence in myself the way I dressed changed and become bolder. I want
others to see that in themselves as well.
Wrapped: What advice would
you give to someone interested in this field?
Brandi: Wardrobe Styling
is not an easy job. It is more than knowing how to dress yourself. I would
advise them to become educated on body types, learn the seasons and their style
essentials, learn about trends and the importance of the color wheel, and read
up on iconic greats in the fashion industry. Although the focus of a Stylist is
on dressing, it is important to know a little about tailoring, tapestry,
design, etc.
Wrapped: What are your
normal job responsibilities?
Brandi:
Since I mainly
focus on styling of models for photo-shoots, my responsibilities include
pulling of clothing/accessories for photo-shoots, being on set for day-of
styling, interacting with the creative team prior to shooting, assisting
with development of concept, casting models and the creative team and most
importantly, making sure the overall look is representative of the initial
concept.
Wrapped: What types of
decisions do you make?
Brandi:
The decisions I make include creative
direction and development of photo-shoot concepts, final decisions with regard
to clothing and final looks, and may include identification of location, hair
and makeup. I also cast models for photo-shoots as well as cast the remaining
creative team based on the need. The creative team normally includes a
photographer, hairstylist, makeup artist, and styling assistant.
Wrapped: What personal
traits and skills are necessary for your job?
Brandi: I think it is
very important to be a people person, creative, passionate about what you do
and to be flexible. Being passionate and flexible I think are my #1
suggestions...things can change at any moment and you have to be able to
readjust with hindrance.
Wrapped: What type of
training or education does your job require?
Brandi:
Although there
are degrees that cater to the fashion industry, it is not mandatory. I
personally do not have any education or training. Olori Swank, who is Keyshia
Cole's personal wardrobe stylist received her bachelors in Biology and
Chemistry so there is definitely hope out there for alternatives.
Wrapped: What do you like
most and least about being a stylist?
Brandi: The thing I like
most is the feeling I get when someone I have styled (personal consultation or
model) is truly excited about what I have put him or her in and you can see it
in his or her body language. Kind of like the Emperors New clothes story minus
the superego. The thing I like the least is for the longest and even now people
underestimate the importance of what we do, forgetting that if a stylist didn't
dress Halle in Versace for the Oscars you may have never remembered her being
there.
Wrapped: What are the basic
guidelines when styling someone?
Brandi: The basic
guidelines for styling are: what does the client want and what are they looking
for, does the look they are requesting fit their body type, how can I as a
stylist ensure that what the client wants and what I produce is cohesive.
Always have your styling kit at any shoot, come early the day of to prep and
communicate.
Wrapped: There must be a
basic style you work with, something that's uniquely you. How would you
describe this style?
Brandi:
My basic style
for myself is a bit retro and bohemian chic. I love pairing something old with
something new or pairing patterns/textures.
Wrapped: What are some of
your favorite looks that you’ve styled so far?
Brandi:
I have provided you with photos of two of my
favorite looks. The photos are from 2 shoots both editorial fashion concepts
with different photographers.
Wrapped: So, what’s next
for you?
Brandi:
Currently I am
working to make my portfolio exemplary of the places I dream to work: Vogue,
Harper's Bazaar and Numero Magazine. I am also prepping to move to New York
sometime this year.
Wrapped: When working with
a client, how do you ensure that the outcome will be mutually beneficial for
the both of you?
Brandi: This can include
drafting a contract/ plan with the client or the actual styling process.
Prior
to any shoot, I make a written agreement with whoever has contracted my service
which includes mutual beneficiary terms. This may include a monetary payment,
exchange of photos for portfolio (commonly referred to as TFP) or publishing of
work in an editorial, company website or agency's network.
Wrapped: When a problem
arises with a client how do you separate the person from the problem to ensure
a positive outcome?
Brandi:
I have always been
able to separate personal from business. The key to any productive disagreement
is to remain professional, expressing the concern only and proposing a
resolution. Always include only those necessary to the discussion.
Wrapped: Have you ever had
to use appreciation or “buttering up” to get a store or showroom to agree to
work with you? If so, what was the outcome?
Brandi:
Being a
relatively new stylist, I have had to make agreements with
stores/showrooms/designers that assured them the shoot would be of benefit to
them. This may be promoting their company of social media networks, placing
their name in a published editorial for credit or providing them with edited
photos for their store.
Thank You to Brandi Murray for doing this interview with
Wrapped up in Fashion and if you would like to know more about her check out
her website!
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1 comments:
Thank You! I'll check it out.
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