#cncollege

Stylist are responsible for more than just making clothes, hair, makeup, sets, etc., look attractive and appealing, they're the ones who create visual identities, fantasies, moods, making dreams come to life. 

Styling requires a certain confidence from within. You have to trust your instincts and be willing to take risks. A bit of a metaphor for life really. 

Having an eye for styling is a natural talent everyone has at least a little bit of in them, I think. It's so subjective that what's appealing to you may not be appealing to others but could be appealing to some. The key is to tap into that talent, whether it's with your wardrobe, home decor or choice in colour of car. With practice it's possible to flex that muscle and exercise it, producing some fantastic, inspiring, eye catching visuals. And what's even better is the release that comes through tapping into this form of self-expression. Best. Therapy. Ever.

Taking inspiration from the world around you, it's amazing to see how one can translate those thoughts, images, musical rhythms into engaging visual content. The best advice: never close your eyes while riding in a car as you'll miss the inspiring views that race by as you drive along; advice given to Grace Coddington by Norman Parkinson, the celebrated photographer mentor to the genuis creative director of American Vogue. 

At CN College we finished off the course with a denim styling shoot. Below, the mood board that led to Belinda MacBain's and my shoot, as well as some of my favourite shots from the rest of the class. 

This mood board shows the tough, powerful attitude we wanted to portray through our take on "power dressing", using high waisted denim and a fitted, sleek blazer. 

Model: Natalie Feltham @ Premier Model Management, Photographs by Gilbey, Styling by Belinda MacBain and Fiona Grant Leydier

“Tell me about a favourite piece of clothing”. This seems like an appropriate question sitting across from a diminutive Argentinean with a very unique, boho chic style. Milagros laughs and flashes me her gorgeous smile, eyes widening with delight. You can tell her mind is going crazy with imagery of her wardrobe. She looks down at her hands. “My rings!” she beams. I have to admit I’m not entirely surprised by this answer. It’s something I’ve always noticed about her, wondering what stories lay behind them. “If I don’t have my rings I feel like something’s missing.”

  Upon meeting Milagros you would never guess where she was from. Brought up in a very strict Catholic environment, the way she dresses now is a whole world away. Attending Catholic school her whole life she was restricted to wearing uniforms and wasn’t allowed to wear any jewellery. It all makes sense now. With a ring on every finger, she’s finally living out her teenage rebellion in full force.

  “I stop everywhere to look for rings”, she says in her slightly raspy Spanish accent.  You can imagine the size of her collection, constantly evolving as her travels take her around the world. Her favourite piece? One she acquired while in Portugal with her best friend. “We each bought one. I wear it every day”. And therein lies the story I was so curious to find out. It’s even better than I had imagined, a story of love and friendship.