How to become a Fashion Stylist
Want to become a Fashion Stylist? Discover all the secrets of this profession at Domus Academy and enter the world of work!
Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a fashion stylist must consider multiple factors: it is, indeed, a very complex profession, full of facets and great responsibility. This job involves multiple elements and skills, including understanding fashion trends, design, efficient communication, and creating unique styles. Becoming a fashion stylist requires a vast combination of knowledge and experiences in the fashion industry.
The fashion stylist is the key figure in defining the style of a brand’s collection and occasionally on a single product or accessory. They work closely with designers, creative directors and other professionals to create compelling looks that align with the trends dictated by fashion. Their experience in the fashion world, knowledge of styling techniques, and ability to interpret the design of clothes and accessories in combination with the total look of the person, including hair style and makeup, are fundamental to excel in this profession.
In this brief guide, we cover the necessary skills to navigate this reality, the educational paths to follow if you wish to embark on this profession, and the tools, projects, and workplaces of a fashion stylist.
The path to becoming a fashion stylist can vary, but often involves studying design, art, and fashion history. Many schools offer specific programmes covering various facets of fashion, from styling to visual communication techniques. A diploma in the field is fundamental, especially if enriched by practical experience through internships, collaborations in the editorial field, participation in fashion events (like the famous Milan Fashion Week), and fashion shows.
It is important to remember that continuous training is essential in the fashion culture, as trends and technologies evolve very rapidly. Participating in master’s degrees, refresher courses, and workshops can enrich the skills of those wishing to practice this profession seriously, allowing candidates to keep up with the latest industry news.
A fashion stylist must have a creative vision and a deep understanding of the market and marketing around fashion. Collaborating with fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, and other industry professionals requires an in-depth knowledge of teamwork dynamics and collaboration in teams or groups. Also, the ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different needs is crucial for success in this field.
Furthermore, digitalisation has opened new opportunities in the fashion sector, with the creation of visual content on video and social media. The ability to use digital technologies, demonstrating experience and creativity, including social media platforms, has become essential to promote one’s work and stay up to date with the latest digital trends.
The work of a fashion stylist requires the use of various programs and digital tools, including image and photo editing programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, InDesign, which allow refining details and creating high-quality images for fashion shows and editorial projects.
For creating mood boards and presentations, fashion stylists often rely on design platforms like Adobe Illustrator. The use of trend forecasting and market analysis software can also be very useful to keep a careful eye on fashion evolutions.
Fashion styling is the art and practice of creating cohesive and aesthetically pleasing looks by combining clothing, accessories, and other fashion elements. It involves curating outfits and ensembles that reflect the desired image, theme, or narrative for various contexts such as photo shoots, fashion shows, advertisements, and editorial spreads. A fashion stylist can work in various areas and contexts. Their presence is essential in photo studios (e.g., for a photo shoot), where they work closely with the art direction manager to create well-studied images that capture the essence of the desired look. They actively participate in fashion shows, collaborating with designers, creative directors, and music and cinema stars. Furthermore, the fashion stylist is a professional present in fashion agencies, magazines, and in the fashion, costume, beauty, and lifestyle sectors, where they provide indispensable advice and help define the aesthetics of brands and products.
In essence, the fashion stylist, with their professionalism, fits into various realities, from the show area to management, bringing added value through their creativity and competence in art direction.
Aspiring Fashion Stylists can develop their skills within the Master in Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising.
The Master in Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising covers the visual communication of fashion brands from all angles, designing and conceiving branded content for omni-channel strategies; where physical and digital touchpoints merge together, and each enriches the customer journey. There is a growing demand for creative figures of fashion brands and visual communicators who can translate brand values into multifaceted projects that capture viewer attention and increase brand awareness.
The Master follows a workshop-based methodology, involving companies in specific projects, where students have the opportunity to work on real challenges and expand their network by working closely with industry professionals.
Moreover, the Master includes field experiences such as participation in fashion shows and events, as well as an internship where the student becomes part of a company’s team for a training period.