Name Kim Gray
Age 30
Works for herself (www.kimgray.co.za)

FACT CHECK
Various publishing houses offer intern-ships in their styling departments. Go to www.magazines.co.za for a compre-hensive list of titles printed in South Africa, then contact them directly to set up an interview.

What does a stylist do?
Stylists interpret a look for a client, whether it’s fashion, decor or lifestyle. During a shoot we ensure the clothes look their best on the model by watching over the photographer’s shoulder for folds or creases or if a garment needs adjusting or pinning. We’re responsible for props and ensuring garments are in the same condition when they’re returned.

Where and what did you study?
I completed a two-year diploma in make-up special effects and stage design at City Varsity. I followed that with an internship at Marie Claire. An internship really is invaluable. You learn all the aspects of the industry, from model castings to sourcing and returning garments.

Describe a typical day at work.
It usually begins with a client briefing, then it’s back home to email suppliers, fashion houses and designers, and brief them on the pieces you’re looking for. A lot of your day is spent driving around sourcing items at various shopping centres and designer boutiques. Once you’ve put your looks together, it’s an early start at the shoot getting the outfits ready – steaming them and presenting them to your client. The following day is spent returning garments.

Is it easy to find work as a stylist in South Africa?
You need a lot of drive and passion. Many people want to be stylists. I regularly get emails from graduates who want to assist and learn.

Is the job financially rewarding?
If you’re busy and get regular work it can be, especially if you land advertising jobs.

What personality traits should a stylist have?
You need an eye for fashion and style. And you deal with lots of different characters, so being able to handle people is key. You quickly learn not to take things personally as we don’t all have the same tastes and vision. Being organised is very important – never be late for a shoot.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Happy clients and flipping through a magazine or driving past a billboard that I’ve styled.

Is there anything you don’t like about it?
I don’t enjoy doing returns. People assume styling is glamorous – it’s not! It’s incredibly ‘schleppy’ but it beats sitting behind a desk.

What advice would you give aspiring stylists?
Work hard, be passionate and expect to make a lot of coffee and do lots of returns for an established stylist or magazine – it’s the best way to learn and the contacts you make along the way are invaluable.