Basia Richard may have started from the bottom, but now she’s here – through a cool cat attitude and enough talent to have the biggest names in the industry book her in advance, it is no surprise that Richard has worked with Hollywood’s bold and beautiful. From Selena Gomez to Victoria Justice, all will gladly vouch for the celebrity stylist, and now she’s about to spill the beans on how to ditch the fashion junkie title and gain one which is much more appraised.
You Are Where You’re From
An internship at an agency or fashion house could either make or break your entire career. Basia explained: “A lot of this industry works by recommendations. Intern for a stylist, become their assistant. The key is to develop a relationship with these stylists so they can recommend you.” Since celebrities are “very private people, they like to have people around them who they’re comfortable with,” she elaborated.
“Internships teach you how to start a job, how to finish the job, how to go from the show room to costume houses.”
Your Lookbook Is Your Signature
“When I was an intern for a stylist, I got to work with celebrities like Jeremy Piven and Christina Aguilera,” Basia said. “From there, I started to put my lookbook together and was able to work my own jobs and get clients on my own. … As a celebrity stylist, you will be working with lots of different personalities and fashion tastes, so you want to make everyone happy and make them comfortable,” added Basia.
Invest In Your Digital Best Friend
“I spend a lot of time [on the] computer doing research, and I would have never imagined there would be so much computer work,” said Richard. “I’m researching different looks, making appointments, gathering all the pieces for a look. It’s a lot of screen time!”
Ready, Set, Work!
Putting aside the glitz and the glam, brushing shoulders with celebs and coming up with head-turning looks that will be featured in magazines everyone, the gig also requires a lot of exhausting, draining and sometimes seemingly neverending days. Being a celebrity stylist means to “Be prepared for anything,” Basia shared. “And wear comfortable shoes!”
