My passion for styling developed during my teenage years. I would hide Vogue under my science books in class and study the pages as if I was being quizzed on Miu Miu rather than molecules. It was my love of fashion that inspired me to think about a career in styling.
I chose to study with the Australian College of Professional Styling as the course is written and supported by professionals currently working in the industry so I knew that the information would be an accurate and appropriate description of how the industry works today.
The assignments were practical rather than theory based which is, by far, the best learning tool for a stylist. The tutorials gave an accurate description of what working as a stylist is really like. Styling work IS fun, but it is also hard work and the course taught me the realities of what a stylist actually does, so thankfully, I was prepared!
After graduating from the course, I started working with one of Perth’s top fashion stylists. Styling became my sole source of income and it allowed me to live very comfortably.
I have worked on many projects, but some of those I consider to be highlights include assisting with the co-ordination of a fashion show for Perth Fashion Festival, where we flew in designers Wayne Cooper and Leona Edmiston. I also styled a runway show at Perth Fashion Festival for the Times Square shopping strip and I assisted in styling their fashion campaign with the shot displayed on billboards around Perth.
I have assisted in co-ordinating a fashion parade for the Hopman Cup tennis tournament and I styled the female tennis players for the ball. I worked one-on-one with big names like Anna Ivanovich andAlicia Molik to create their perfect red carpet moment.
I was fortunate enough to style the Channel 10 news crew for their new campaign and also styled the hosts of a breakfast radio show for Nova FM. Both of these projects were very rewarding, and I love seeing my styling work displayed on television and in newspapers.
Our agency was responsible for the PR and marketing for label Ae’lkemi and we would regularly host events to promote the label. For the designer’s resort collection, we hosted a fashion weekend at a luxury resort in Bali with Ja Rule attending as special guest DJ.
When I was asked by an indie record label to style one of their ‘up and coming’ artists to update his image to a more “pop-look” it really opened my eyes to how important a stylist is to a singer. I was able to work with the artist to come up with a funky and fresh look that also suited his personality and left him feeling confident and comfortable with his new image.
Last New Year’s Eve I directed a video for Foxtel’s fashiontv, where we filmed at a NYE party. My job was to direct the cameraman and make sure we had enough footage to make into a 5 minute segment.
I’ve also undertaken editorial styling projects and have worked for a major shopping centre in Perth, where I had free reign on all visual merchandising and was involved sourcing and preparing visual merchandising displays and working on VIP nights and the twice yearly Telethon Fashion Parade.
This course taught me the tools I needed to succeed as a stylist and showed me that with hard work and a willing attitude you really can make a career for yourself.
Since resigning from my head stylist position I have moved on to pursue my passion in food.
I have currently shifted the focus and direction of my career away from fashion, yet the course continues to be of great benefit to me. I’m currently working on a cookbook where I will put to use the food styling skills I learnt from the course. I will be launching a website where I will be selling my cakes and products, and using my newly acquired knowledge of blogging to write about cooking, health and lifestyle.
I am so excited to be doing what I love and am ever grateful for this course as the skills and confidence I have gained are invaluable. I want to thank the entire team at the college for helping me every step of the way.