NIGHTINGALE
FEATURED WARDROBE STYLIST INTERVIEW
1. How does this collection speak to you? How did it come about? What did you want this to say to your audience?
When bringing this collection together, we were focusing on simplicity and elegance. I wanted to convey the beauty in both the model and the clothing while keeping everything subtle. I worked to create very clean styles with interesting details.
2. What do you find to be the most difficult when bringing a team of artists together to create a cohesive look? How do you pick the right team?
Bringing my team together is not difficult for me because we are all on the same page. We share the same work ethic, are committed to our craft and do whatever is required to achieve the best possible end result. It took me a while to find these people but now that I have, they are the only people I choose to work with. I trust them implicitly. For me it was a real challenge to find a team of people who were just as serious and dedicated to what they do in the capacity that I am. I know how lucky I am to have them.
3. As an editorial artist, what do you feel is one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make?
I think one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make is trying to be too in tune with trends as opposed to finding their own fashionvoice. As a stylist, it is important to demonstrate your personal style in your work as a representation of who you are as an artist. I think beginners are afraid of stepping out on their own and often choose to follow the trends of the season quite rigidly. Unfortunately in doing so, they just get lost in the shuffle and have nothing to differentiate themselves from the rest of the amazing talent out there.
4. How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is very clean and structural. I love focal points in my work typically one strong area with nothing else overshadowing it. A great piece of jewelry, a strong force of colour, a statement item, for example. I am also drawn to interesting silhouettes. I love unexpected shapes that have a story to tell. Fashion is what you create it to be. I don't like to follow trend guidelines, but rather what looks beautiful to me in the moment.
5. How do you go about picking the right pieces for the editorial?
I start by studying the mood board and then doing additional research to create a mood board of my own. I try to really understand what the concept is calling for and visualize how it will read on film. When I go out to visit designers and showrooms, I envision the concept and decide whether or not certain items will work with the story. I try to ensure that each look in an editorial is uniquely different on its own but still shares a stylistic commonality with all the other pieces.
6. What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to listen to my client. Regardless of the project, I always make sure I am entirely in line with what my client has envisioned, allowing me to create something for them that will meet their demands. As a stylist, this is so important to me. I do not try to project my own fashion agenda on other people but rather use my strong eye for style in an effort to bring their vision to life. My greatest weakness is my inability to trust myself. I am a complete, typeA, perfectionist. Nothing ever feels like it is ready, and up until the moment the model walks into the frame, I question whether or not I have everything I need to execute the look. This costs me hours of sleep and high levels of stress, but truly ends up paying off in the end.
7. What misconceptions do you think outsiders have about fashion/beauty editorials and the business of styling?
People have a lot of misconceptions in regards to styling. I think most people believe it to be much more glamorous than it actually is. Friends will often say, “I wish I could have your job and just shop for a living.”
What they don't see is the 15hour shifts, the 7day work weeks, the constant hunt for the right items all over town. That being said, I absolutely love what I do and wouldn't have it any other way.
8. What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following your passion?
I don't know that I would call my life balanced. My career is my number one priority and takes up almost 100 percent of my time. I would say that my secret is to be entirely content with what you do to the point that it doesn't feel like work in the slightest. That is the place that I am in, which allows me to come home from a long work day without being resentful of having little time for anything else.
9. Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing while you are shooting?
Next to fashion, music is my biggest passion. It definitely inspires my work. On set I leave the playlist up to my very talented photographer, Diane Jong. When I'm working at home I've recently been listening to A$AP Rocky, the new Jay Z album and The Weekend. I love anything that has passion behind it and will keep me awake through the late hours of the night.
10. Words to live by?
My words to live by are, “Build the life of your dreams or get hired to build someone else's.”
FEATURED ARTISTS
Diane Jong
Jordan Stolch
https://twitter.com/JordanStolch
Sherri Celis
Sarah Dougherty
Sarah Mutch @ LA Models
FEATURED FASHION
http://www.miumiu.com/en?cc=US
http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com/
