Get Your Top Styling Tips from Vanessa Davinia

We know how hard it is trying to get a foot in the door within the creative industry and gaining those invaluable experiences. Especially after you have Graduated from University. OR, maybe you didn’t go to University and want to start your styling career. It can feel as though you are completely alone and have no idea where to start. And if you have found your starting point, how to grow as a creative, how do you network and build up clientele attraction? More importantly, who do you turn to for help? With so many questions we have asked ourselves at least once in our life time (..okay..try a million times!) we caught up with Creative Stylist, Vanessa Davinia to talk about all things styling. With over six years of experience within the industry, this article features Vanessa’s top tips on what to bring with you on shoots, how to build up your clientele network, and of course, FASHION WEEK! "I have been in the fashion industry for over ten years although my career as a Fashion Stylist started about 6 years ago. Being stylish and having a creative personality has always been one of my favourite traits and this has stuck with me from secondary school up until now. I loved going shopping, helping friends with their outfits and helping them feel good about themselves." - Vanessa Davinia Wanting to make a career out of doing what I love I decided to start looking into personal and fashion styling. This then led me on to assisting and shadowing known stylists to understand the fashion styling industry a little more. Once I believed I was confident enough to go out on my own I then decided to start building up my own clientele and styling for individuals which then led me on to being hired for London and Paris Fashion week and ongoing shoots. The Most Effective Way to Grow Your Clientele… is to network and attend events. Attending press days really helped me understand the styling industry a lot more and fashion events helped me to meet new clients. Start following PR companies via social media and email them asking to attend press days, this is a great way to get started in the fashion industry. When Assisting on Shoots… it is always handy to carry your own styling kit. It may not be as advanced as the head stylists but yours will gradually grow the more shoots you do and more clients you get. Styling kits include clips, safety pins, nipple covers, belts, accessories, steamer, hangers and more. I have a full list of essentials available to purchase on my Style Guide. You can contact me to purchase this. Social Media is a Fantastic Way to Get Involved with Shoots… as this gives you direct contact with the head stylist. You can send them a DM or even email them and ask If they’re looking for any styling assistants. If you are not comfortable or familiar with social media, then check out websites like Fashion workie as they have styling and visual merchandising job roles. Fashion Week is a MUST… whether it be London Fashion week or in another country. From designers to stylists, photographers and more, this is a great way to meet new creatives and get amazing experience in the fashion industry. I started working backstage at London fashion week in 2014 and went on to working at Paris fashion week from 2017. To start my journey off I began emailing designers and asking if they needed any stylists or backstage dressers to help with models and getting them dressed for their shows. This then snowballed where I then began being hired by companies to assist with styling and backstage dressing. Be sure to apply once the fashion week schedules are released as this is when they add the designers who are showcasing to the schedule and may need assistance with their shows. Overcoming Challenges in the Fashion Industry Can Be Quite Daunting or Challenging… BUT as you progress in the industry it will become easier. Always stay true to yourself and always be open to constructive criticism as this will help you on your fashion journey. If you’re finding it difficult to get work experience, try reaching out to stylists or photographers via social media. Most of the time creatives who have shoots planned will be grateful for that extra bit of help on set. Always credit the team when posting and ask questions whilst on set this will show you’re interested. Words by Vanessa Davinia Be sure to check out my main Instagram: @VANESSADAVINIA Interns and Behind the Scenes work: @VANESSADAVINIA_SOCIAL