US: Tell me about yourself and your career so far, how did you become a fashion stylist?
P: I studied a fashion course at university in London which led me to work in buying luxury retail women’s clothing. I was always interested in trends and style – that led me to pursue my passion as a stylist when I moved to Doha. I started by styling myself for my blog and eventually others.
US: Describe what is a wardrobe stylist, what actually you do as a stylist?
P: A stylist will create a look or theme for a client to visually interpret and enhance their brand image seasonally through clothing, shoes and accessories, whether it is for a magazine, an individual, a photoshoot or editorial.
US: How you become a stylist?
P: Personally I did it from my experience through working in retail in stores and head offices. I was always interested in visuals, whether it is a look or theme. My advice to anyone who wants to do it can take a course in one or some of the following subjects:
fashion, media, editorial and trend forecasting.
You can then work as a personal stylist in a retail store to get some firsthand experience.
US: What are the qualities that a stylist need to have? in other words what are the skills and qualifications?
P: I have a graduate degree in fashion merchandising which covered some of the topics I mentioned above. I also have 10 years’ experience working in the retail industry. A wardrobe stylist knows and understands two things very well:
1. Which trends are currently in season
2. A woman’s / man’s body type and what shapes and silhouettes suits them
US: What is the biggest misconception people not working in your field have about your job?
P: That it looks easy and you can just put brands and looks together and they can work. That is not the case when you have pressure to be commercial and keep to certain brand aesthetics.
US: What challenges do you have as a stylist?
P: – To balance being overly extreme when putting a look together.
– Availability or access to certain clothes or styles.
– When the most popular items get sold out. Seasonality – eg. When you can’t wear jackets in the middle east because it’s too hot but you want to do a winter shoot.
US: Where do you get your inspirations/ ideas from?
P: Magazines, fashion bloggers, UK based companies, art work, colours, seasons, fashion brands.
US: Who or which organization do you work for? Is your work, projects based? Can you share some of the inside scoops?
P: I style all the looks for my own blog, I have worked on styling projects with certain brands for instance –one was with Levis and Glam magazine for the levis store opening. I styled a model for the W Doha snapwalk wearing Per Lei Couture. With magazines – I styled a photoshoot with oh la la magazine which was on the front cover and I am in this month’s Ahlan magazine for a shoot I co-styled with Karen @clumsyandchic. Stay tuned – There is a really cool video I worked on festival styling which will be coming out this week – it is an Instagram collaboration.
US: What are you most memorable projects?
P: Every single one has been a pleasure to work on.
US: What are the challenges that you face being a stylist here in Qatar?
P: The weather is definitely a challenge –you have to pick shooting times or get burned! (Literally). I love mixing designer and high street pieces and there is not a lot of choice for high street over here like back home in the UK!
US: What goals do you wish to achieve in the future?
P: Definitely more of the above! The magazine shoot with Oh La La was especially a cool opportunity.
US: What do you do on your free time?
P: I am a full time fashion blogger and stylist. They both work hand in hand. I also like to shop, look for trends, inspiration, travel and cook!
US: How would you describe your personal style?
P: Colourful, bubbly, standout – the clothes do the talking so I don’t have to!
US: What is your favorite item in your closet?
P: I love my bleached denim jeans from American Eagle – they are ripped and have two colours of denims sewn together!
US: If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who’s would it be and why?
P: Alexa Chung – she is a clothing icon for me! She does effortless chic so well and she’s super chilled out whilst looking cool!
US: Everyone loves a good deal, what are some of your favorite places to find budget buys?
P: H&M is definitely up there! New look is great too for buying fashion for less!
US: What items do you feel are worth splurging on?
P: A good coat, pair of boots, handbag and jeans will always last longer than trends!
US: What trends are you loving right now?
P: 80’s and 90’s style dressing – the cool statement tee, shoulder pads, chokers, bright colours, mix n match outfits.
US: Which trends to you want to see disappear?
P: I honestly don’t know! I like a lot of trends at the moment so I’ll have to try them out first to see which ones suit me!
US: If you could choose anyone to give a makeover, who would it be and why?
P: I love this idea, I think I would love to makeover one of my friends who is my age and is a mom – she spends all her time looking after others and deserves to have someone to remind her that she can look and feel special and doesn’t need to buy new things – just style up her current wardrobe.
US: What’s the best style advice you’ve received?
P: Most recently when we met Paul Andrew (the footwear designer), I asked him what was his number one footwear style tip and he said it was to walk 10 steps in a new shoe before you buy it. I wish I had that advice 10 pairs of shoes ago!
US: Let’s say you could travel back in time to one fashion era, where would you end up?
P: Right now – the 80’s
US: What did you like about that period?
P: I am an 80’s child! The pop culture, the shoulder pads, sequins, bright colors and clashes still inspire me!
US: Who is your favorite designer and why?
P: Coco Chanel because she created a lasting brand legacy and she changed the way women dressed as her legacy.
US: What styling advice would you give other women?
P: For the easiest Spring style update invest in some white jeans and wear white with white whether its casual or dressy it will look great.
UK: What is your advice for those who aspiring to be a stylist out there?
P: Get some experience – work with a stylist or personal shopper for the day.
When you need to make a style decision – go with your gut feeling above all else!
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