Mr. Benz,

How are you doing? As an aspiring stylist in the fashion industry, my question for you is, how do I go about developing a well rounded portfolio and besides local work on my own, how do I go about finding a stylist experienced enough to intern for? Seeing that you are a fashion designer, I’m pretty sure you have worked with everyone from a make-up artist to a stylist. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dear Aspiring Stylist,

If you haven’t figured it out yet, presentation is everything. And I do mean that – don’t get lost in the minutia of “portfolios” and “books.” I actually can’t remember the last time I reviewed a portfolio. Curate your life and your persona, commit to your direction, and become completely dedicated to that vision. Chances are, as an aspiring stylist, you have very unique opinions about the manner in which things should look. Focus on that and anything that speaks to that direction should get assembled into a portfolio. It’s as interesting to see the process of inspiration as the end result.

A stylist fulfills many more roles than simply putting outfits together–they’re personalities unto themselves, and are often the inspiration for entire collections. By becoming the most distinctive kind of person, people will gravitate towards your vision.

First impressions more often than not are the reason to work with someone, so you must be prepared for anything and at any moment! If your message as a stylist is a huge mess of colorful hair and shaved eyebrows, then you’d ought to make sure that you’re representing that look everyday. If it’s Lauren Hutton breezy glamor, with a clean face, straw hat, and overalls, then literally wear that everyday!

All the great stylists have a clear vision, and one that they have formed after years of trial and error. I say, wear something wonderful in a new way, and trust me, people will notice.

xx
CB

Got a question for Chris? Email him on askchrisbenz@fashionista.com!