Sally’s Styling Seminary: A Stylist’s Role on the Runway

Seeing as how fashion month has just ended, I thought it would be appropriate to write about what a stylist’s role is on runway shows. On some shows, I merely choose shoes for the looks, and on others I am involved six months before the show, from creative conception to the completion of the show. Stylists cover the gamut for a designer by bringing in an outside perspective and fashion expertise of what is relevant, irrelevant and “new.” Stylists are needed on a runway show to edit the looks, ensure the designer is showing the most innovative pieces from a collection and that the hair, makeup, and models are on target with everything else happening in the world of fashion. A great stylist can take inspiration from the designer and translate it into every element of the runway show, from the manicure to the music.

When I am working with a design team from the beginning of the creative process, I can spend the six months before thinking about inspiration, hair, and makeup. It gives me a chance to fully flush out the ideas and details for all of the “creative,” giving the designers much more bang for their buck. Working with a designer and his/her team from the get go creates a more complete picture of the intention of the collection, and helps me figure out how to better style the show. I edit, make recommendations, and style the collection to be relevant to what is going to be happening on the runways. While designers and their teams tend to be in their amazing self-made bubbles, we stylists are out there seeing everything, allowing us to make powerful suggestions for shoes, accessories, and new silhouettes that are truly original.