I’ve always had an interest in fashion as you all know by now. I’ve represented, booked, produced fashion shows and/or… collaborated with a variety of designers from reality tv. Various networks have featured reality shows on the “stylist” behind the “A” list celebs that we all love… you didn’t really think that the celebrities dressed themselves did you?

In actually, some celebrities do indeed dress themselves but I’m sure if you watch any of the red carpet shows… you can probably tell which ones that do! Wow, did I really say that out loud? LOL!

A lot of networks feature shows that cater to the fashionista “stylist” lifestyle, some of those networks include: VH1, TLC, the Style network, Lifetime, Bravo, TVGuide Channel, E!, etc., you’re bound to run into one if you watch tv.

I have to admit that I’ve always been a little fascinated by the life of a “celebrity stylist,” so I thought it might be fun to feature a few of them here. Below are a few questions regarding their daily grind, first up is Michael Jeffries, he’s an assistant stylist for Curvy Girls on NuVo TV.

“Curvy Girls is a show that provides an all-access pass inside the glamorous world of professional modeling by shining the spotlight on four full-figured beauties that won’t let anything get in the way of their success.”

Q. Please tell me how does one become a “celebrity stylist?”
A. Well I’ve never been the head stylist, always an Assistant to the Head stylist. I believe that everyone does not become a celebrity stylist the same why, some become a celebrity stylist by knowing the right people and some by determination, hard work and hustling.

Q. Did you attend fashion school? If so, which one?
A. No, I did not attend fashion school; I just have a natural flair for fashion. A school couldn’t teach me the reality of the fashion business only experience and my raw talent.

Q. How much does word of mouth help in your line of work or your reputation in keeping or soliciting new clients?
A. Word of mouth and having a good reputation in this business works hand in hand because if one client’s was not pleased with your work or your performance; word gets around…….your career could be over. The fashion world is very broad yet very small.

Q. How important is it for new or potential clients to see your “styled” clients on the red carpet and/or featured in various publications?
A. I don’t think that it’s that important for potential clients to see “styled” clients on the red carpet and /or featured in various publications, but for me that shows me that I have made it in this business. Moreover, it does help in getting your name out there and the brand that you have created.

Q. Would you suggest a celebrity stylist live in NYC or LA to be taken seriously as a stylist?
A. Being taken serious as a stylist doesn’t depend on where you live, but how you run your business and how good you are at what you do.

Q. What about ATL or DC… especially with all the new movie studios in ATL and the First Lady’s influence on fashion?
A. As I have stated in the previous answer if you are good at what you do, you could live in China and you will still be taken seriously, if you take your craft and your brand seriously.

Q. How hard is it to solicit wardrobe from various designers? Are the designers that you solicit celebrity designers or emerging designers?
A. It’s not hard at all, you get designers or showrooms information, contact them and if they would like to work with you great, if not; you have to keep the process in motion. In some cases they are well known designers and in other cases they are up and coming designers, nice clothing is nice clothing.

Q. What’s the biggest misconception about the aforementioned process?
A. The misconception about the aforementioned process is that the person that came before you is better then you are.

Q. How far in advance do you solicit wardrobe for a show?
A. Wardrobe for a show or project should be solicited as soon as you get that call or email that you will be the head stylist.

Q. What other profession most resembles a celebrity stylist?
A. Personal shoppers or fashion bloggers.

Q. Who is your “dream” label, brand or designer that’s always apart of your style rack for your various clients?
A. I haven’t had the chance to work with a particular label, brand or designer but if I did they would be: Rachel Roy and Tom Ford

Q. Who or what show are you currently styling?
A. Well I will be Assistant styling one of the cast members on Curvy Girls.

Q. Do you have any parting words to share with the readers of the Military Press?
A. Just follow your dreams and if you feel that you are the best at your craft, be the best that you can be and don’t let anyone take that away from you.

Lastly, I will be revealing my new logo for the Veteran Fashionista very soon, so please stay tuned to that!

Until next time my Veteran Fashionistas, as always, stay fashionable!

Jackie Thomas is a proud Navy Veteran. She has represented designers from Project Runway, Project Runway All Stars, All On The Line, etc. She produces celebrity fashion shows all across the country and abroad. She’s also a Guest Speaker for FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in San Diego.

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