As the worlds of fashion and television meld together, fashion is becoming more accessible to the masses. The proliferation of fashion reality TV shows gives the impression that almost anyone can be a model, designer or stylist.
All you need is drive and talent, or so these new purveyors of fashion truths would have their viewers believe.
For insiders like fashion stylist Asanti Austin that simple equation could not be further from the truth. After almost a decade in the industry, Asanti confides that to be successful in fashion, it takes more than drive and talent.
Elements like luck, guts, and a tenacious doggedness that just won’t quit should be added to the equation.
“Being creative is like being caught in the winds of innovation and change. A prescient person is able to determine change, nuances and subtleties before it has mass-market appeal. Oversized jewelry is a hot trend right now … I was incorporating that trend into my editorial work six years ago. I didn’t create that trend, but I was ahead of the curve.”
And he should also give himself kudos for incorporating his love of color and texture into editorial shoots, an aesthetic that he developed as an undergraduate in marine biology.
“Aspiring stylists need to understand that to be successful in this industry you have to know more than how to dress someone well. A good grasp of fashion history, and fabrics and textures is important. You should be able to go to a runway show, and from the first two looks understand the designer’s aesthetic and the direction of that collection. Also, working with designers who are established in the industry is key. You can learn so much from them.”
For more information about Asanti Austin, go to asantiaustin.com.
