As avid
fashion devotees, what we see on glossy pages or on social media looks like a
chic snapshot in time. But as part of Team
Fake Bake, we already know the hard work that goes on BTS to make sure
everything is picture perfect. But what’s it actually like to be in charge of
what goes on? We caught up up with super
stylist Jess Walsh to ask her what the truth is, what her styling tips are
and what Spring/Summer 2019 has in
store for us. Jess has worked with leading brands like Lavish Alice, River Island and Boohoo as well as stylish celebs we
love from Laura Whitmore to Vanessa
White. Oh, and did we mention she’s a natural in front of the camera and a
bit beaut herself.
Over to you, Ms. Walsh.
Jess, tell us how you got into
styling….
“I always
wanted to work in fashion from a
young age and, at 14, was lucky enough to get some work experience with a well
known department store in their buying/marketing department. I did make the
decision, though, to keep going with my studies and achieved a 2:1 in Fashion Promotion with Styling at
UCL. I have literally taken every opportunity and run with it: one of my
first sessions was for VERY, and I
also started styling clients for events. I was then lucky enough to meet top
stylist Gemma Sheppard, who was
working with X Factor at the time.
She became my mentor, and still is
to this day. Gemma has been
brilliant with advice and opportunities
and has helped me build confidence and
resilience in this competitive industry. Gemma also helped me with
experience: I assisted her with a shoot for Ashley Roberts’ new shoe launch, and soon saw my name appear in
glossy credits! Since then I have done such varied work, and even set up a River Island Style Studio in Liverpool,
but I knew I wanted to go out on my own, so I launched Styled By JW last October.”
We’ve read your CV! You have so much
prestigious experience but do you have any particular highlights?
“One of my first standout jobs was going on location
with Megan McKenna to Dubai, for Miss
Pap, who Megan had just created a range with. It was super glamorous and
Megan was so professional and easy to work with. I do love working with top bloggers, too, and Dubai really is a
creative hub right now for them. Even on their way to meet me, they are
already styled to the max.
I really,
really enjoyed styling at the NTAs as I
got to work with Sir Tom Jones and his backing dancers - he’s a legend, and
of course, part of The Voice on ITV1 so that was brilliant fun. I’ve worked
with Kidz Bop for their You Tube Channel
and I have to say, I have a hugely supportive family and they love seeing my
name pop up in OK! Magazine. It’s
actually a tough physical job and you have to be super-organised, from the
original layouts to finally sending back every item of merchandising, it’s all
down to the stylist! But the final looks are always, always worth it!”
Fashion is so fast paced now. How do
you keep up with incoming trends but put your own stamp on them?
“My first
port of call has always been vogue.com
as it really is best for the latest designer shows, brands and collections. I
also love WGSN that keeps me
informed about up-and-coming colours and textures as well as related make-up
and hair trends. Drapers Online also
keeps me up-to-date about the professional side of the fashion industry. As
well as my favourite glossies, of
course, socials are invaluable for
me to spy on inspiring fashion artists. I am lucky that I get invited to lots
of brand events, and I also love festivals for spotting street styles. This Spring/Summer I have been doing a
lot of tonal styling, which means
dressing in different variations on the same shade from head-to-toe. Bleached denim is also huge right now.
I am lucky that I work with really accessible brands, that most of your readers
can get into, also.”
Who are your own style inspirations?
“Olivia Culpo is a current favourite of
mine - I know Fake Bake work with Olivia
a lot, and she just has immaculate style doesn’t she? There are so many past
and present figures - I am obsessed with fashion history as a subject, too! I
met Chloe Sims recently and was so
impressed with her - I haven’t styled her - yet! - but she knows a lot about
fashion and isn’t afraid to take risks!”
How is the fashion world currently
feeling about the tan?
“As we move
towards summer, most of us do feel
better with a tan, let’s face it! I work with so many celebrities and
models who are literally obsessed with skincare, so of course, they are all faking it! The fashion industry
loves a warm complexion, no matter what your base shade is, and we are all
about the glow, too! I think clients like different looks now for different
occasions, depending on what their overall image will be. This summer’s fashion colour palette is really varied:
beige, oatmeal, Tutti Frutti shades, mimosa, citrus, sage green, dusky blue,
the list is endless! But Living Coral
is the shade of the season, and a beautiful, golden glow works really well with
that.
For me
personally, I like a classic look, so for that I go for Fake Bake Original as it is the first self tan I ever tried. I
always go back to it - as it’s the best! For a lighter formulation, I adore Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Serum -
plus, it smells delish! I’ve just styled the new Barry M Campaign and their shade range is so impressive - it’s all
linked.”
What is your most coveted style item,
that you don’t own yet?
“ A Cartier watch - I am putting it out
there into the Universe……”
Finally, do you have any advice for
would-be stylists reading this?
“Start as
soon as you can, and get as much experience as you can - and if you get offered
some intern experience, take it -
when you begin, it is all about building
up your contacts and learning what works. Study - art, photography, textiles, there are so many useful
subjects as you really need to know about how fabrics, colours and shapes look,
drape and photograph. Photography and
digital tech are so important, as you’ll want to learn all of the tricks of
the trade. Work, work and network.
Retail experience helps you to get to know the customers and in your local
area, approach noted names - and introduce yourself! Networking isn’t just about
who you meet it’s also about what you can offer - and hopefully, one day you
won’t just be looking for a mentor, you’ll be a mentor yourself. And finally, you are your own brand. Stylists aren’t
just BTS now - people want to get to know you. So start a blog, brush up on
your socials skills and get to know other creatives, and get started. Then it’s
all down to you, a dose of luck, and a whole lot of hard work.
I have the
best job in the world. It’s not a 9-5 one, it is so varied but I get to work
with fashion every day, and see the finished result either in print, on screen
or online.
Cartier, here I come……”
Jess Walsh, we are right behind you, sister.
All featured Fake Bake
products are available at www.fakebake.co.uk
Follow Jess and her pro
account on Insta @styledbyjw
Follow Jess and her
personal style on Insta @jessica_walshx
To find out more about
the degree Jess studied go to www.uclan.ac.uk
Cartier image courtesy
of @cartier
All other images
courtesy of Jess Walsh
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