Breaking Through The Fashion Industry—One Style at a Time
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is fast-paced, competitive, and a rather cutthroat business. Aspiring designers, editors, and models press their noses against the glass, admiring the other side. Hopelessly waiting for their golden ticket in—they will never know what it’s truly like until they are immersed in it themselves.
The world of fashion is one that houses a plethora of creative professions, one of which is fashion styling. Stylists are arguably one of the most sought-after jobs in fashion. Getting paid to play dress up, right? While the job does have its perks and can be extremely fulfilling, it requires much more grit and grunt work than one would think
Fashion styling can be a difficult business to penetrate. There isn’t much of a tactical approach or “full-proof” plan that guarantees success in this field. People who have made a name for themselves in the world of styling have all had different experiences and had to face a range of obstacles.
However, there are pieces of knowledge the following stylists have picked up along their creative journeys that can be of use to those looking for a way in.
Amiraa Vee
Celebrity stylist and business owner, Amiraa Vainquer was first introduced to the fashion industry through her modeling career at just 10 years old.
“I always had a dream to become a supermodel... 5’6” and all,” laughs Vainquer.
At this time, she began to gain a deeper appreciation for designers, being in the “spotlight,” (even if it only lasted from when she walked to the end of the runway and back), and inspiring models such as Naomi Campbell and Kim Porter.
“I’ve always looked up to the women in fashion, film, and entertainment that looked like me, women that were dark skin and winning.” Something in her had been ignited.
Vainquer attended LIM College, receiving a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Management. As a budding undergraduate preparing to join the workforce, she began to have a repertoire of completed internships under her belt.
She interned as a showroom coordinator for Burberry, a sales associate at Gucci, and in public relations for Yves Saint Laurent.
“As exciting as it was to work in fashion and learn the ins and outs of the business, and as much as it taught me, it was great, but I was not built to work in a corporate setting,” says Vainquer.
These internships were not only helpful for her to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, but she also gained a deeper understanding of herself and how she would like to further develop her career.
She spent countless hours working under people. As a model she yearned for half-baked validation from casting directors, and as a young adult, working for people that didn’t quite make her feel as though she was good enough.
She says “I didn’t want to keep chasing. I wanted to do ‘me’ and fully accept that I had enough to offer.” Once this clicked for her, Vainquer set her sights on carving out a name for herself as a full-fledged stylist. Her first plan of action with this newfound direction was to host a gallery show.
She spent about six months shooting with one of her favorite photographers in New York. She then rented out a space and decorated the walls with these photos she had been keeping under wraps. She included close friends, family members, and other colleagues in the industry. Vainquer fearlessly debuted her talents to those willing to look.
When a plan to move to London suddenly derailed, Vainquer stayed in New York longer than expected. What could be perceived as a bump in the road, turned out to be a blessing—her extended time in the city led her to get recruited by one of her friends to help with Cardi B’s wardrobe styling team, which really jump-started everything.
Along Vainquer’s journey, she formed bonds and relationships with several people. As someone involved in the industry, it’s crucial that these relationships remain in good standing. A portion of her success comes from her hustle to network and meet the right people.
“Relationships are currency, nurture your relationships. When you leave a good impression on people, you’ll never go without,” states Vainquer.
Morgan Bienvenue
Morgan Bienvenue refers to herself as a brand consultant and stylist, but before that, she was just a girl from Connecticut. Prior to styling, she spent over 11 years in advertising working as a strategist. And when she wasn’t, she styled freelance on the side.
Bienvenue interned for designer Joseph Altuzarra for one runway season, and it was at this moment that she had fallen in love with something she didn’t even know she could.
What started her freelancing career was a moment of spontaneity with a photographer she met off Craigslist, “When Craigslist was a legit way to connect with fashion people,” she adds, needed her to fill in and style an editorial shoot.
She met with boutique and shop owners in the East Village asking to borrow some pieces, and to her surprise they happily obliged. “The second I got on set I felt like I was where I was supposed to be,” she says.
Bienvenue hasn’t always felt so “at home” in fashion. From an early age, her mother saw her take a liking to fashion and encouraged her to attend a FIT school tour. She quickly realized she wasn't the only one with a passion as she stood in a room full of kids hungry to be a part of the industry. In an instant, a wave of imposter syndrome suddenly came over her.
“Everybody was so creative and had such cool outfits on. I was always an athlete, so I didn’t feel I belonged there,” she mentions.
She later reveals that she was fearful about making the decision to freelance full-time.
“It felt like a major risk. Especially when you’ve worked as a full-timer for so long, getting a steady paycheck week after week.” Having known that if worst came to worst, and that she could fall back on advertising, is what helped her make the decision.
Having a range of skill sets is something she would advise anyone. Being adaptive and having more than one thing to bring to the table can really go a long way.
Bienvenue’s most significant setback that led to the ultimate comeback was getting fired from one of her corporate jobs. This was a window of opportunity for her to pursue freelance styling full-time. She says, “It was really the best thing that could've happened.”
Bienvenue makes no secret that the work she does isn’t the easiest task. “I grew up watching The Rachel Zoe Project and she wore her seven-inch platforms, showed up on set, and had lots of assistants help her. I think that’s what shaped, at least in the beginning, what people imagined styling to look like,” she notes.
In reality, the job of a stylist isn’t always so glamorous. “It’s a lot of running around, picking up things, returning things, carrying heavy garment bags, and being available almost 24/7,” says Bienvenue.
Every job has its highs and lows. Although, one thing she finds fulfilling is that her work leaves her in a constant flow state. She says that styling is intuitive, it comes from feeling and emotion—and making a living out of that is amazing.
“It’s a gift to work in a creative field, and to do things that you’re passionate about, and to be around people who love the same things you do,” she comments.
Monica Serrano
Monica Serrano is an operations manager and stylist for Lalaluxe, a Los Angeles-based styling company founded by Nicole Pollard Bayme. Serrano always had the desire to tap into the fashion industry, and as daunting as it can be, this wasn’t something she pursued until later in life.
Serrano came from more of a business background as an International Business major focusing on Finance. However, when it came to interning, she flocked to ones that were fashion related.
After college, she worked as a buyer for Louis Vuitton. While she was there, she had always imagined that this would be the place her career would begin and end. “I swore that would be the company where my profession would really take off,” exclaims Serrano.
As time went on, Serrano craved something more. Something where her creativity could blossom. Louis Vuitton provided her with much security and the moment she chose to leave to pursue another venture, she knew how much was at risk.
“[Louis Vuitton] offers so many benefits; it’s a lot of stability, you already know what your schedule is going to look like, you have your sick days, you have your vacation time. Whether you’re there or not, the job will get done. Sometimes with a smaller company [Lalaluxe] none of that can be guaranteed,” Serrano argues.
Eighteen years ago, Lalaluxe was just an idea, now they are a company satisfying the fashion needs of hundreds of people. From the beginning of Serrano’s career, everything came down to hard work.
We all may have a vision for ourselves, what’s important is working towards that vision day in and day out. Serrano’s biggest piece of advice, to those eager to work in the industry, is to strive diligently.
Working during the Covid-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging moments she had dealt with. “Boats of material would be delayed for three weeks, then six weeks, then eight weeks,” says Serrano. This forced her to act quickly and to change gears at a minute’s notice.
Overall, it was a time full of chaos for Serrano. However, it has conditioned her to excel above the standards set in place for her. She looks back on that moment with gratitude over what she and her colleagues were able to accomplish.
There can be a lot of stressors within this career, and you may experience a breaking point, or second guess the path you chose. At the end of the day, Serrano urges that you have fun, not only when it comes to being a stylist, but even dressing for yourself.
“Fashion is a way of expressing ourselves, so once we get to know who we are, have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to wear what you want,” Serrano exclaims.
After hearing the stories of the women mentioned above, I’ve noticed a pattern of uncertainty, risk, and the drive to fulfill a creative aspiration. As a young adult, it can feel overwhelming seeing your peers on the fast track to their careers. Meanwhile, you’re still in a tango about what you want your future to look like and how you’re going to make it happen.
Know that these women were in a similar position and managed to rise above the occasion. The fashion industry and the art of being a stylist are much too complex to define in a few words. Although, I can say with confidence that it’s far from easy and requires a genuine kind of devotion.
For those interested in styling, and for those who have yet to realize they are, prepare to feel overwhelmed, prepare for sleepless nights, and for curveballs that make you question if you can even pull it off.
But also prepare to feel elated as you tap into your creativity and see your ideas come to life. You will feel the utmost amount of satisfaction knowing that you’ve positively influenced the way a person sees themselves.