Stylist Spotlight: Michelle Wu
There's no real, set in stone blueprint on how to become a stylist. That's why it's so important to hear multiple perspectives on how to break in to the fashion industry and navigate your way through it once you get there.
Here at The Fashion Mentor we like to bring you those different perspectives. With that said, meet the very first stylist we are highlighting in our "Stylist Spotlight" series, Michelle Wu.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for sharing you story with us. What inspired you to pursue styling as a career and how did you get your first gig?
I will say Rachel Zoe is my idol and she inspires me a lot.
It is so important to build your portfolio. When I was a designer, I attended many fashion shows and at one of the fashion shows, I got the opportunity to present my collection alongside two other designers from Project Runway. This was actually how I got my first styling gig because one of the photographers attending the runway shows approached me to work together.
Walk us through your typical shoot, tell us a bit about how you prep (pulls) to how you keep everything in order while on set.
Based on the requests from your clients, you will have to pull from various showrooms. Usually it takes me couple of days to prepare for a photoshoot. Sometimes showrooms send you a pull sheet, detailing every item you borrowed. But in most cases, you will have to take pictures of everything and make sure you have it all organized by the end of the photoshoot/music video.
Is there a project/editorial that you're most proud of?
I will say I love each of the photoshoots I have done so far. I always do my best for each work, so I can't choose a favorite! I am proud of each shoot for different reasons.
What would be your advice to those trying to break into fashion and styling?
Work hard and never give up.
KEEP UP WITH MICHELLE AND HER WORK THROUGH HER INSTAGRAM @MICHELLEWUSTYLIST !