The Business of Style: It Takes a Village

As the Creative Director of Nolcha, it is my job to find and then cultivate emerging talent in all avenues of the fashion industry. With that goal in mind I had the privilege of lending a hand for the Styling 2 Final Project at the Miami International University of Art and Design.

The scenario went as follows… bring in Internationally acclaimed photographer Mark Richard in to the class where the students style a graphic black and white themed editorial with an Elite supermodel using true vintage pieces from C. Madeleines (http://shop.cmadeleines.com) A recipe that couldn’t go wrong… right? Well…

In the immortal eyes of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club and even Gossip Girl there will always be a teachers pet. There will always be a slacker and the wallflower, who through only observing will fall through the cracks.

So here is what happened. First the students were gathered in a studio as the photography team set up the backdrop and lights. Two jumped to my aid as I elevated the paper sweep and secured the set. The rest were on their Blackberrys. Richard asked the group what area of fashion they wanted to specialize in when their coursework was completed (the potential for internships and jobs at their fingertips of course) and one literally said “No Idea”. Great.

The first shot was styled, the model descended from her perch to pose for the camera. Students were asked to hold set pieces, put together the next look and generally participate in what would be their “final.” A handful jumped at the chance to work on set. Four or five stand-outs grouped and discussed future shots. There were at least twenty in the class. Not good odds.

The professor diligently went back and forth between guiding the styling concept and making notes on who was working and who wasn’t. Being a veteran of the fashion set himself, he has first hand knowledge of what it takes to be a real represented professional stylist. His choices were thought-out and methodical. His concept was strong. His editorial could have easily be placed in the pages of W. But alas, he was not working for himself… he was working for the students!

Here is the lesson to be learned. You are a student. You have six professionals in a room that are all excited about creating beauty on the spot. Use that to your advantage. We are here to help. We are here to educate. We are here to hire! And for God sakes, do not make us put up our own backdrop!