The golden age of stylists has arrived and now, beyond the reputable name of their clients, they shine with their light. The phenomenon began in 2010, with the work of Rachel Zoe, who became a celebrity in herself thanks to dressing the likes of Demi Moore, Anne Hathaway, and Eva Mendes. And the boom has not stopped.
Like her, there are big names in the industry like Kate Young; Selena Gomez’s stylist, Dani Michelle; Hailey Bieber or Mimi Cuttrell; by Gigi Hadid. Although they are authentic references of what is worn and have a legion of followers who endorse her talent. But what do they all have in common that legitimizes them as the best stylists in the world? Mainly knowledge.
There are several types of stylists. Apart from hair, makeup, runway, and campaign, this profession is divided into two fields: personal stylists; who help their clients develop an entity around their wardrobe, and editorials; in charge of photographic reports. All of them need to know in detail how the sector works, which are the most interesting brands, know the history of fashion and trends, constantly stimulate creativity, and have a wide contact list. In addition, they must have their own identity.
Said like this, the set seems to be an accumulation of incomprehensible concepts, but it is simpler than it seems because the main artery is nourished by training and practice. It is the specific case of the stylist Micaela Erlanger, known for dressing celebrities such as Lupita Nyong’o, Meryl Streep, and Blake Lively, who after studying a master’s degree in Styling and another in business at the Parsons School of Design, began to grow up as an intern.
“Educate yourself as much as you can. Research as much as you can. It’s not just about choosing a dress,” agrees her professional colleague Elizabeth Saltzman, a London-based stylist who advises Gwyneth Paltrow and Saoirse Ronan. She began working at Vogue magazine as a junior writer, eventually working her way up to senior fashion writer and eventually becoming a celebrity stylist after many years on the magazine’s staff.
To start on the right foot, most experts in this field recommend obtaining a degree or an appropriate qualification, “either through university studies or attending courses on your own,” adds Saltzman. Luckily, at Condé Nast College, the training campus of one of the most prestigious fashion and luxury publishers in the world, and this same head, they have studios that are perfectly adapted to the needs of this work.
This master’s degree begins next October and is held in person at the Condé Nast offices, in the heart of the capital, at Paseo de la Castellana, 9. One of the most exclusive areas of Madrid. It lasts one academic year and thanks to the close relationship that its teachers have with the industry, you will learn from the best professionals in the world. The best? That it is not left alone in the refined theory. It also includes internships in companies, master classes, visits to showrooms and workshops, conferences with great personalities of styling and the audiovisual media, photo sessions, filming,… and all by photographers, stylists, make-up artists, costume designers, art directors who make magazines like Vogue possible or who decide what the biggest celebrities wear both nationally and internationally.
