Nicky's Rag Tales

When did you aspire to become a stylist? I was alwayscrazy about fashion growing up. I always thought I would be a fashion designer. I spent my days in school drawing clothes in the backs of my copy books and adorned any programmes on TV that involved glamour……..at that time it was the Rose of Tralee, Miss World orHead to Toe. I didn’t discover there was such a job as a fashion stylist until I left college and started a fashion course. I realised it was the visual aspects of fashion I loved and not the designing and making of clothes. Ienjoyed coming up with a story through fashion and creating that image. I knew styling was for me.

Job Description: A fashion stylistis responsible for bringing to life a photographer or director’s vision for a fashion photo shoot, layout, commercial, print advertisement, music video, etc. Fashion stylists oftenlook forlocations, create the mood for the shoot by selecting and setting up the appropriate props, fashions, accessories, and models to fit the theme of the shoot. They coordinate colours and styles andmake surethat all clothes are ready for the shoot, which can include basic tasks such as sewing and ironing garments. A fashion stylist can take what looks like an ordinary outfit and turn it into something great by simply adding a few detailsor fitting it in a particular way. Fashion stylists have an ability to transform the mundane into something that looks visually exciting and desirable creating a look that will sell for the client.

I went to Galway Mayo Institute Technologyto study for a BA in Textile Design. After graduating I went to teach English in South Korea for a few month and after returning I enroled for a one year fashion course. As part of my course I did one month work experience at U magazine. Luckily I was kept on to style the fashion for U magazine for about 5 years as well as working freelance. Since then I have styled for most national magazines and newspapers in thecountry as well as tv and commercials.

I do make overs on a regular basis and they can be quite fun as you are changinghow someoneviewsthemselves andwhat improvements they can maketo theirappearance. Often the person leaves feeling more confident in themselves.

I styled a series of photo shoots in Paris 2 years ago. It was exciting to work with models from all over the world and to work in some fantastic locations.

Think leather is a big trend as well as candy colours, underwear worn as outerwear, digital prints. Something for everyone.

What do you think about the Internet and has it changed the way we interact with fashion.. What Fashion Magazines or websites do you read/look at?

I think thatfashion blogs create good discussion and keep people in the mix of both local and international fashion and whats going on. There is access to fashion 24/7 and not just shop hours. Because of the internet, fashion is 100% accessible to everybody.

To have style is to have a statement you want to make with your clothing. You use your clothing to express yourself. Fashion is more about following atrend that is contantly changing. I thinkRoisin Murphy is one of the most fashionable Irish lady.