How to Become a Celebrity Stylist

Most celebrity stylists have experience in both wardrobe and fashion.

Becoming a high-powered celebrity fashion stylist is more than just selecting designer duds and jet-setting around the globe. Most celebrity stylists have experience working both as wardrobe and fashion stylists. Celebrity stylists design looks for promotional tours, red-carpet events, press junkets and television interviews. They are considered image makers who dress their clients for photo-ops and media appearances. Fashion knowledge, relationship building and a professional demeanor are critical skills for any aspiring celebrity stylist.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find your style niche. Develop a unique style calling card to separate yourself from the pack.

2. Scour fashion magazines for trends and designer style tips to build your knowledge base. It’s not necessary to obtain a fashion degree, but knowledge of fashion photography, how to put together a look, recent makeup and hair trends, and what clothes flatter all body types is crucial.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship or fashion internship.

4. Volunteer for unpaid positions to build your industry relationships and learn the fashion styling tricks of the trade.

5. Build your portfolio with tear sheets and sample photo shoots. Your portfolio, resume and comp card should have pictures of your work and specifics about your experience. Use your connections to shoot an imaginary spread.

6. Introduce yourself to managers, publicists, agents, hairstylists and makeup artists. Offer to boost their business with referrals and style recommendations. Making key connections can take you one step closer to styling a celebrity.

7. Make a list of local celebrities in your town and contact their representatives.

8. Get agency representation.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress to impress. Celebrity fashion stylists use their own bodies as a stylish advertisement for their skills and fashion knowledge.

• A minimum of two years working with an established celebrity stylist or fashion editor is recommended.

• Practice professional etiquette. Never ask for a celebrity client’s autograph or personal contact information, and don’t participate in gossip. Be discreet with any client’s personal information.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish