Check out the Q&A below!
Wrapped up in Fashion: Why did you decide to become a stylist?Brandi: I became a Wardrobe Stylist because I was passionate about fashion and the way each person expresses his or her individuality through dressing. I realized in my own life that as I developed into a young woman from an adolescent, that as I obtained more confidence in myself the way I dressed changed and become bolder. I want others to see that in themselves as well.Wrapped: What advice would you give to someone interested in this field? Brandi: Wardrobe Styling is not an easy job. It is more than knowing how to dress yourself. I would advise them to become educated on body types, learn the seasons and their style essentials, learn about trends and the importance of the color wheel, and read up on iconic greats in the fashion industry. Although the focus of a Stylist is on dressing, it is important to know a little about tailoring, tapestry, design, etc.Wrapped: What are your normal job responsibilities?Brandi: Since I mainly focus on styling of models for photo-shoots, my responsibilities include pulling of clothing/accessories for photo-shoots, being on set for day-of styling, interacting with the creative team prior to shooting, assisting with development of concept, casting models and the creative team and most importantly, making sure the overall look is representative of the initial concept.Wrapped: What types of decisions do you make? Brandi: The decisions I make include creative direction and development of photo-shoot concepts, final decisions with regard to clothing and final looks, and may include identification of location, hair and makeup. I also cast models for photo-shoots as well as cast the remaining creative team based on the need. The creative team normally includes a photographer, hairstylist, makeup artist, and styling assistant.Wrapped: What personal traits and skills are necessary for your job? Brandi: I think it is very important to be a people person, creative, passionate about what you do and to be flexible. Being passionate and flexible I think are my #1 suggestions...things can change at any moment and you have to be able to readjust with hindrance.Wrapped: What type of training or education does your job require? Brandi: Although there are degrees that cater to the fashion industry, it is not mandatory. I personally do not have any education or training. Olori Swank, who is Keyshia Cole's personal wardrobe stylist received her bachelors in Biology and Chemistry so there is definitely hope out there for alternatives.Wrapped: What do you like most and least about being a stylist? Brandi: The thing I like most is the feeling I get when someone I have styled (personal consultation or model) is truly excited about what I have put him or her in and you can see it in his or her body language. Kind of like the Emperors New clothes story minus the superego. The thing I like the least is for the longest and even now people underestimate the importance of what we do, forgetting that if a stylist didn't dress Halle in Versace for the Oscars you may have never remembered her being there.Wrapped: What are the basic guidelines when styling someone? Brandi: The basic guidelines for styling are: what does the client want and what are they looking for, does the look they are requesting fit their body type, how can I as a stylist ensure that what the client wants and what I produce is cohesive. Always have your styling kit at any shoot, come early the day of to prep and communicate.Wrapped: There must be a basic style you work with, something that's uniquely you. How would you describe this style?Brandi: My basic style for myself is a bit retro and bohemian chic. I love pairing something old with something new or pairing patterns/textures.Wrapped: What are some of your favorite looks that you’ve styled so far?Brandi: I have provided you with photos of two of my favorite looks. The photos are from 2 shoots both editorial fashion concepts with different photographers.Wrapped: So, what’s next for you? Brandi: Currently I am working to make my portfolio exemplary of the places I dream to work: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Numero Magazine. I am also prepping to move to New York sometime this year.Wrapped: When working with a client, how do you ensure that the outcome will be mutually beneficial for the both of you? Brandi: This can include drafting a contract/ plan with the client or the actual styling process. Prior to any shoot, I make a written agreement with whoever has contracted my service which includes mutual beneficiary terms. This may include a monetary payment, exchange of photos for portfolio (commonly referred to as TFP) or publishing of work in an editorial, company website or agency's network.Wrapped: When a problem arises with a client how do you separate the person from the problem to ensure a positive outcome? Brandi: I have always been able to separate personal from business. The key to any productive disagreement is to remain professional, expressing the concern only and proposing a resolution. Always include only those necessary to the discussion.Wrapped: Have you ever had to use appreciation or “buttering up” to get a store or showroom to agree to work with you? If so, what was the outcome? Brandi: Being a relatively new stylist, I have had to make agreements with stores/showrooms/designers that assured them the shoot would be of benefit to them. This may be promoting their company of social media networks, placing their name in a published editorial for credit or providing them with edited photos for their store.Thank You to Brandi Murray for doing this interview with Wrapped up in Fashion and if you would like to know more about her check out her website!
