Manchester-based stylist and creative director, Megan Shaw discovered her interest in styling through photography. A self-taught professional Megan has styled both models and celebrities, and had her editorial work published in fashion and lifestyle magazines across the UK and internationally – Dreamingless Magazine, Ondine Magazine, Creative Portrait Magazine and Tasmania Style Magazine among others. While working on solo projects, Megan still assists more experienced stylists, continuing building her portfolio. We sat down with Megan to discuss the early beginnings of her career back in Australia, her decision not to receive a formal education on styling and the projects she is currently working on.
When did you first consider going into fashion?
I have always been a creative person, and have always wanted to be within the fashion industry since as long as I can remember, I just wasn’t sure what sector. My interest in styling stemmed from my A Level Photography course. I still love photography today, and the way a photograph can hold a moment in time. However, I was only ever into fashion photography and soon learned with many work experience, placements and assisting roles, that it was difficult to get into just fashion photography and earn from it without other aspects. I found myself constantly wandering off talking to the stylists, picking their brains and involving myself as much as possible with that side of things. From here I made the decision to teach myself how to style.
What type of clothes were you wearing as a kid?
As a child I was very expressive, so I am told, I would always insist on picking my own outfits from a very young age. Often turning up in the most ridiculous combinations of brightly coloured pedal pushers, clogs and knitted jumpers! Thankfully I have mellowed a little over time!
You are a self-taught stylist. Was it a conscious decision or it just happened?
It was very much a conscious decision. Once I decided styling was the area I was passionate about, I threw myself into any related opportunities that came my way. I have assisted for several celebrity and commercial stylists, working on large production shoots for OK Magazine amongst others. I still assist more experienced stylists today, as I think it’s really important to constantly grow and learn from others. I spent a year over in Australia working where I participated in short course at the Australian Style Institute learning about body shape and color palettes. I started my business whilst I was over there and continued with it once I was back in England.
Currently you live and work in Manchester. What are the perks and challenges of pursuing a career as a stylist there?
Manchester is a great place to work, there are so many creative and talented people within the industry, and I’ve been so lucky to work with many of them. However, it tends to have a lot of commercial styling work, and paid editorial work is slim, and there’s a lot of competition. There are a lot more stylists in Manchester than there were where I started in Perth, Australia, which can sometimes be challenging; although it is motivating to push myself harder and make sure my work stands out from the pack!
How do you stay updated on current trends?
I use various online tools available to creatives to keep my eye on trend predictions, I also have more magazine subscriptions than you could imagine! I try and get myself down to the fashion weeks and any fashion shows as often as possible to stay updated on the latest trends. I look for inspiration everywhere, street style, old movies and advertisements, graduate designers.
What was the most challenging shoot you ever worked on?
My most difficult shoot was with a celebrity client – unfortunately I have to be professional and withhold the name! The shoot was for a commercial for a very reserved client and my job was to dress the face of the brand in a 60’s house-wife style dress, of which she was not very happy about as her usual style is much more contemporary and figure hugging. We did overcome the issues eventually, and the commercial turned out great. I have found celebrity/high profile clients to be the most difficult as they can be very insistent on what they will and will not wear. Whereas with models, it is their job to model the clothes and they will very rarely question it.
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
My proudest moment would have to be my first print magazine publication. My first one was in Tasmania Style Magazine whilst I was over in Australia, and was a bohemian editorial I had planned, styled and creatively directed for the first time. I still get excited now every time I see my name in glossy pages, and think I always will, but the first one was particularly special.
What would be your dream shoot/collaboration?
That’s a difficult one, there are so many creatives I would love to work with! I guess if we were really pushing the boat out, it would have to be Camilla Akrans, a Swedish fashion photographer working mainly in Paris and New York. She is most famous for her work within Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. I love her instantly recognizable post-production technique and use of strong bold primary colours, as well as use of shadow within the noir lighting. I’d also love to style Gigi Hadid; she has such a strong face I’d create a really striking outfit to compliment her.
What are you working on lately?
I have been super busy recently working on a lot of editorials for various magazines such as Tear Magazine, Tantlum Magazine and Jute Magazine, all of which are set to be published within September, so I’m looking forward to seeing the final images from those. I have just had a recent swimwear editorial “Sunkissed” released for Ellements Magazine that’s available to purchase now. I have also been working with some new music clients recently – Nathan Grisdale and “Britain’s Got Talent” Henry Gallagher, working to create a signature look for each of them and shooting some new promotional content.
www.meganshawstyling.com
Images © Megan Shaw
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