5 top tips to become a successful stylist assistant
Because we all want to make a fabulous first impression...
Whether your life ambition is to become the next Gok Wan or you simply want to get experience in the fascinating world of fashion, becoming a fashion stylist's assistant is a good road to go down.
But what does 'assisting a stylist' actually mean?
Handling gorgeous garments? Dressing a hot model or two? Maybe even meeting a
celebrity? All this is very possibly true, but that's not to say it's all unicorns
and rainbows and you definitely
shouldn't mistake the job as being a 'piece of p*ss', because... well, it's not.
We'd also be lying if we said it was the hardest job in the
world, as it's far from it. All you really
need to succeed as a stylist assistant is to have a dash of common sense and
few ALL of the things below. So whip out your diary (because every assistant should have one), take note and you'll be on your way...
1. Know your place!
I've had jobs where the assistant is piping up with opinions and at the end of the day, you can't go in and behave like that because you don't have the experience the stylist has. It's important that you're seen and not heard as such. If I ask for your opinion, that's different.
Celebrity and Fashion Stylist, Natalie Read.
And that brings me on to my next point...
2. Be professional
via GIPHY
Even if Bradley Cooper walks through the door in just his boxers this
does not give you permission to start acting crazy! You're an assistant so act
like one.
Arrive on time to the shoot location and don't be on your phone twenty-four seven (it's just damn rude!). Always remember this is a job and how you act reflects on the stylist.
Arrive on time to the shoot location and don't be on your phone twenty-four seven (it's just damn rude!). Always remember this is a job and how you act reflects on the stylist.
'They're taking
the photos now, I'll just lay back, relax and update Snapchat' - uh, no! So what if
you're not actually needed at this present
time, what can you do to show the stylist you're using your head? Think
outside the box!
Why don't you start bagging up clothes that aren't needed so
there's less to pack away at the end? Do a drinks round? Create an address list
for the courier so they know where they're taking the clothes back to? Don't
settle for the easy option (otherwise you won't last long) always go that extra mile within your role.
4. Learn how fashion returns work
via GIPHY
Sending a blazer back to Harrods which was actually meant
for Net-a-Porter is the last thing
you want to be held responsible for. The stylist will receive a hefty invoice and
there's a good chance you'll probably be let go if this happens. Even if you literally spend a
week in a magazines fashion cupboard to learn the basics, this experience will be gold for your role
and make life 100 times easier.
5.Wear comfy clothes (do yourself a favour)
via GIPHY
There's nothing worse than working up a sweat on a shoot
because you've opted for the most unpractical outfit ever. We get it, you want to look nice, but 50% of your time is
going to be spent rolling around on the floor doing returns. So why on earth
would you want to wear the tightest skirt in the world? Or more worryingly the
shortest...
Avoid: heels, all white, jumpsuits (SO comfy, but a b*tch
when you need the loo) and certainly don't wear your most beloved outfit.
After all that you may be thinking to yourself, 'being a stylist assistant is just sounding stressful as hell', but most of the above is common sense and should come naturally. Remember,
being a stylist assistant opens doors that are closed to others, like getting
backstage experience on a shoot, potentially meeting your favourite celeb, or being
able to network with industry experts.
Never forget the industry is actually smaller than you think and you never know what opportunity may be lurking behind the fashion rail...
No comments: