Guest Post: A ‘Stylist,’ you say?

Posted by Jennie on Monday, May 21, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Here goes nothing…I’m diving in to what could most certainly be deemed quite the controversial of topics:

What makes a stylist?

It seems that every second person and their grandmother these days are self-ordained fashion stylists, hailing this trend and that colour and blah blah blah… Which is quite bizarre really, given that a lot of these ‘stylists’ don’t exactly seem to know what they are talking about…

Practically every model, TV personality and self-proclaimed Irish celebrity/socialite is sporting the title ‘stylist’ amongst their lengthy list of professional titles.

But what exactly entitles them to such stylist status?

What maketh a fashion stylist?

Goodness knows there are quite the few budding fashion stylists in Irish fashion circles, and quite a few more who are successful, well accomplished and working hard in this field. These troopers have studied fashion, lifestyle or business, worked hard in major fashion fields both here and abroad, and then braved the fashion circles at home here in Ireland. Hats off to them. Sincere talent, genuine hard work and hard neck…and some hard-won business relations… have produced some talented Irish fashion stylists.

Now, what right does a social wannabe have to add the term stylist to her CV?

What educational or professional work credentials specify that qualification?

What experience and portfolio of work allows it?

These are the questions that need answering.

Hard Work? (Patricia Field)

Like any other job, hosting the title ‘fashion stylist’ should imply a certain professionalism, a set of qualifications and credentials to back it up and a serious work ethic.

Why a former Miss Thing or whoever, live on television, stuttering and failing to remember the word ‘wedge sandal’ be hailed a stylist is beyond me? And most certainly does not carry promise for her capabilities in such a position.

Where outright stylists are struggling to gain work and recognition, wannabes and has-beens are successful in developing a profile and gaining press coverage. But is this a good thing? Is this situation casting a positive light on a promising aspect of the fashion industry that Ireland is nurturing?

Let the accomplishments and CVs do the talking please.

And for goodness sake, share some of the spotlight with those who genuinely deserve it.