Schnapps for fashion
September 9, 2005 | 12:00am
One might say that to shop, rummage through the racks of designers and boutiques and put together outfits day in and out are perks of a stylist's job. To some extent, it has to be true. Flipping through magazines, watching as Madonna and Kylie reinvent themselves with every new song released and keeping our eyes glued to FTV have many of us spending just about every single peso saved for the latest pair of jeans, the trendiest bag and the season’s must-have pair of shoes. With every fashion trend that has come and gone, many have developed a long-lasting love affair with shopping. And if you were destined to earn your keep from being around the newest fashion pieces all 24 hours of the day, then life must be not just a walk in the park but a wonderful stroll around the mall.
Behind every successful fashion show and editorial are individuals who spend endless days and nights preparing with a pre-production meeting, researching for sources of inspiration and collaborating with photographers, designers, models, makeup artists, art directors, and hairstylists. Fashion stylists, as they are now called, have become important players in the fashion industry. And though it is undeniable that a stylist’s job basically involves bringing forth fashion aesthetic, you’ll be surprised that they too often get down on their knees and soil their hands all in the name of a momentous fashion editorial or show.
Here’s a brief run-through on what a day in a stylists life is like, sort of like a lowdown, of what this so-called glamorous job requires. First there’s the call. "Are you free for so and so? We have a shoot with celebrity slash model X and plan on doing an X number of layouts." So the stylist starts surfing the net – style.com or what have you. Around three or four magazines are laid on their desks as they try to research on possible ideas and concepts. They sit down with the rest of the team for a pre-production meeting – details are agreed upon, logistics are ironed out, requirements are listed. They dash from one store to another in search of the right clothes, shoes, accessories and bags. Now, the most boring part: sending out requests for pullout letters. They fax them out to around five to 10 different offices and spend the next two days or so waiting for approval. Till then, they are not too sure if they have enough pieces to put together a winner shoot. Now, some will insist that this is the fun part of the job: going to shops to pick up the clothes. Sometimes it is, but when you’re having a really bad day and you have more than a ton of clothes to carry around, think twice. Oh, and before each shoot, just so you’re sure everything runs smoothly, you carefully tape the soles of each shoe. Each article of clothing is steamed and carefully hung on a portable rack. Otherwise, you risk damaging the merchandise and, horror of horrors, pay (this is a rather common occurrence). By shoot date, several setbacks are anticipated. Expect that not all the pieces will fit perfectly on your mannequin as seen in the photographs. Every stylist’s solution: clamps, masking tape, pins. But despite all that, seeing how a concept materializes into an arresting set of photos, the sense of fulfillment sinks and you are once again set for the next shoot. That is, of course, after each borrowed item has been returned – in good condition.
Here are five young, devoted and talented stylists whose commitment and vision for fashion have resulted in the most fascinating and extraordinary fashion editorials today. They give us their word on style and teach us a thing or two about avoiding crimes of fashion and putting together the ideal look for this season.
Anne Bella, Fashion editor, Preview magazine
Preview’s new fashion editor Anne Bella realized that she was born to style when she got her first Barbie doll. "I would dress up my dolls in different outfits, which is when I realized that I wanted to do something related to making people look good." Anne’s love lies in fashion and finding ways to come up with ensembles that compliment a subject, theme or concept. "You have to have an innate instinct as to what looks good." Determined to learn more about the fashion industry, Anne took up courses in fashion illustration and styling at the Fashion Institute of Technology in ‘99. Back from New York, Anne busied herself working for a retail company and eventually joined Seventeen magazine. She recalls, "Since I had no portfolio to show when I got back, I cut out photos from old magazines and put together my own outfits in my own style." Now, as she takes on more challenges as Preview’s new fashion editor, she vows, "As a stylist, it’s imperative to always be flexible. Though everyone has his or her own personal style, this should not be the main influence. Otherwise, you hinder growth." In her constant search for something new and interesting, Anne says, "As a stylist, you must aim to surprise people."
Inspiration: Afternoon tea
Bag of tea
Hot water
Milk
Sugar cubes
Drink hot or cold. Dip your favorite bag of tea into a pot of hot water until desired consistency is achieved. For more flavor, drop one or two cubes of sugar and several ounces of milk (according to taste). Serve with pastry or sandwiches.
Anne’s work is primarily defined by her fascination for fantasy and spontaneity. Inspired by images from Alice in Wonderland, she interprets afternoon tea in a manner that brings forth a theatrical and vivid approach to fashion styling. "I’m a fan of Alice in Wonderland and since one of the scenes from the film was of her in a tea party, I decided this would be a good concept," explains the ladylike Anne and adds, "I like the idea of escaping from reality so I wanted to do something far from the usual."
Black: "It’s back, so take advantage. It’s the instant solution to looking slim. Make sure to spruce it up with big, chunky accessories."
Edwardian: "Update the trend by matching a lace top, for example, with torn jeans."
Charmaine Palermo, Freelance stylist
Charmaine Palermo began in the fashion industry not as a stylist, but as a model. "I never had formal education but being a model helped me a lot because I was given the opportunity to work with talented and creative people who I consider my main influences," begins Charmaine. Fashion director Robby Carmona, however, saw potential in Charmaine and asked her to style for a fashion show which led to many shoots and shows. "After that first show, I told myself that this is what I really want to do," declares the model-turned-stylist. Not one to take her job for granted, Charmaine looked to seniors in the industry for guidance and kept herself updated through constant reading. However, she proclaims, "Experience is the best teacher. There was always something learned and gained after each shoot and show." With every project that has come across Charmaine’s way, she shares that each one is treated as if it were her last, always giving it 101 percent. "As a stylist, you must pay close attention to putting together everything from shoes, bags, accessories, clothes, and props. Anything to achieve the look or concept," she advises. But creativity aside, she also shares, "There is a lot of work in styling – pulling out clothes, returning them in good condition. You also have to be strong in a sense that you’ll have to anticipate the fact that there will be criticism – something you need to learn and accept."
Inspiration: Cape codder
1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1 lime wedge
Pour Vodka and Cranberry Juice into a highball glass over ice. Stir well, add the wedge of lime, and serve.
The idea behind Charmaine’s shoot is to manifest sophistication and seduction through this popular ladies’ drink. "My style always has an element of sexiness. I like to highlight the skin, enhancing it through the color of the clothes, covering up the subject just enough to create a sense mystery." As Charmaine’s sources of inspiration are infinite – movies, literature, music and nature – she executes this particular layout to create an image that is alluring yet elegant.
Glamour: "This season is the return of dresses, shoes and bags in luxe fabrics like velvet, satin and silk."
Monochrome: "Black and white stripes worn in Edie Sedgwick fashion."
Military: "Join the fashion army with clever embellishments and subtle tonal variations to a quirky take on uniforms."
Patrick Ty, Associate fashion editor, Mega magazine
Way back during his college years, Patrick Ty was always known for giving his friends instant makeovers – offering fashion advice to his block mates and spending endless hours at the malls in search of that perfect ensemble. "A stylist must be fashion-obsessed," says the fashion fanatic. His entry into the publishing industry was brought about by his internship for Seventeen magazine where, he recalls, "It was while I was an intern that I became certain I wanted a career in publishing." True to his words, he became the assistant fashion editor of Youngstar magazine where he began to find his identity as a stylist and established in the industry his penchant for avant-garde fashion. "Working in a magazine validates a stylist. It’s very important to find a mentor as well. To an extent, I guess you must also find your own audience, people who appreciate your own style." he declares. Early in 2005 he became the fashion editor for People Asia magazine and in July, he took on the job of becoming Mega magazine’s associate fashion editor. His work is easily recognized, as Patrick is one of today’s most innovative young stylists in town. He insists, "Marc Jacobs once said, ‘Fashion should be fantasy.’ Anna Sui also said, ‘Minimalism is for those who do not have imagination.’ They are probably right." Always coming up with larger than life fashion shoots, Patrick declares, "You’re only as good as your last work."
Inspiration: Black Russian
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 oz. coffee liqueur
Ice cubes
1 squeeze of fresh orange
Stir briefly or until ice disintegrates.
Patrick is someone who consistently integrates images of opulence and lavish abundance into his projects. For this shoot, he reasons, "I used black Russian as my inspiration for the simple reason that I am in love with the fall ‘05 Russian trend." Guided by images of cold, dark yet resonant Moscow, Patrick interprets this beverage by integrating emotion, mood and movement with his distinct style. He explains, "With beautiful clothes, always try to conceptualize and execute a shoot that tells a story."
Volume: "The easiest way to update one’s wardrobe is by changing the silhouette. It’s always refreshing to see a play in proportions in attire."
Black: "It’s the most flattering of all colors and evokes high drama."
Pam Quinones, Associate fashion editor, Chalk magazine
While other kids were busy watching cartoons, Pam Quinones was filling the pages of her notebook with sketches of women in gowns. Midway through grade school, she was a regular subscriber to Vogue. "During my short stay in Paris, I saw a Frenchwoman in an all-black trench and stiletto boots by a café in Champs-Elysees. That was a fashion moment for me," recalls Pam. She went back to Manila with her very own pair of killer stiletto boots and wore it everyday. It was after college that Pam decided to take up formal training in fashion at Milan’s Instituto Marangoni. Working backstage during Milan’s Fashion Week, Pam realized that she wanted to pursue a career in fashion styling. Her first published works were for Metro magazine. Shortly after, she joined the editorial team of Chalk magazine and shares, "It was an opportune time since Chalk was beginning to embrace the young sophisticated look. Under the editorship of Vicky Montenegro, I was able to stretch out my ideas and skills."
Inspiration: Communard
4/5 parts red wine
1/5 Crème de cassis
Pour red wine into a glass and slowly mix in crème de cassis. For added aroma, add in a few ounces of water.
While aperitif is not a very popular drink in contemporary times, supporters of the Paris commune during the 17th Century used to accompany meals with a good serving of communard. Pam’s in-your-face approach to fashion styling combines practical composition of ensembles with an interesting twist. "My images always have a trace of sophistication even if I’m using the crudest trend," states Pam. For this particular shot, she integrates two of this season’s hottest trends – military and French chic. She explains, "I wanted to create an image that was austere yet powerful. A good stylist must be able to create an image – while collaborating with photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and models – that transcends the photo and becomes more of an experience. It should have soul."
French chic: "All about basic black, black and white mix, newsboy caps, slouchy sweaters and flats. Accessories are minimal, at least for this season. Try a chain necklace or a big ring."
Military (sans the camouflage): "Combat-inspired pieces such as the admiral’s jacket, cargos and boots. Choose from any of these striking pieces and wear them with a great pair of jeans and pumps."
Corine Alegre, Fashion editor, People Asia magazine
An individual who is passionate about her work, Corine, ironically, began as a hesitant stylist. "I was an intern for Youngstar magazine and all the while, I really did not have the courage to go out there. I felt that my work might not meet the standards required in becoming a good stylist but my mentor, Luis Espiritu, gave me that push," recalls the 24-year-old. Since then, Corine has been on a roll, coming up with great concepts, perpetually pulling out clothes from all corners of the city, all for the love of the craft. Her fondness for fashion aesthetics began way back in her younger years. Today, she brings style and pizzazz to the pages of People Asia magazine, styling the most fabulous personalities in town in each issue. She shares, "I used to pretend that I was a princess, surrounded by all kinds of beautiful things. Sometimes, I would pretend that I was a sorceress, rock star, assassin and even a mermaid. The list goes on! I am, in many ways, a dreamer and time-traveler." Her eye for things that are out-of-the-ordinary and whimsical are dominant elements found in her fashion editorials. Corine’s work, more importantly, are consistently reflective of her perseverance, passion and discipline when it comes to styling. She declares, "For me, a stylist’s primary job is to create visual impact and enhance the beauty of any given subject or concept." And that’s exactly what she is always out to do.
Inspiration: Incantations
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz green curacao
2 oz lemonade
2-3 drops grenadine
Combine ingredients except grenadine in a blender with ice. Pour into extra-large martini glasses or four-ounce goblets. Drip grenadine over ensemble. Serve with sugar-coated lime wedges.
One of the very few drinks inspired by spell-binding and numinous encounters, incantations evokes a feel of magic, fantasy, illusion and enchantment. Corine, who declares, "I don’t drink alcohol!", was drawn to the idea of interpreting incantations as the bedeviled drink suggests visions of a dream. Her work, one will observe, highlights splendor and mystery, making incantations a fitting drink for this non-alcoholic drinker. Lured by myth and history, Corine states, "I don’t believe in mediocrity. This is one of the most important lessons my mentor taught me. So for every shoot, I always make sure that I share a piece of myself – with ardor and sincerity."
Victorian: "High collared dresses and strict black form-fitting suits are essentials. Showcase touches of lace, frothy frills and sheer chiffon pair with simple sleek bottoms."
Military: "Structure your wardrobe with a brass-button jacket or coat. Tailored coverups are definitely statements this season."
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