The role of a fashion stylist, whose unique position in today’s culture is setting trends through their work which is then adapted by the masses, has evolved over time from behind the scenes to being stars in their own right with recognized names like Rachel Zoe, Carine Roitfeld, Kate Young to name a few. They communicate to the world through their celebrity muses and some even go on to diversify beyond the world of fashion styling.
Even with the proliferation of instagram/street style stars, the true fashion stylists working in the industry today are seen as fashion powerhouses, so much so that The Hollywood Reporter has been releasing their Power Stylist list since 2010. Their 6th annual 25 Most Powerful Stylists list, released earlier this year was surprisingly void of any black fashion stylists, which is disheartening to see especially with the continuing controversy of lack of diversity in the fashion and film industry. A-list celebs, dressed by black fashion stylists, have been slaying the fashion game but for whatever reason THR saw fit not to include them. We decided to spotlight those fashion stylists you should know that are hot in the game right now, holding the sartorial fashion power. With any industry when you see people that look like you doing what you aspire to do, the hunger and drive to get there is less frustrating. Here’s to hoping we see one or more of those listed below in THR’s list next year.
Shiona Turini
“One of the joys of fashion is that it gives you the freedom to experiment, but it’s much more important to know your body and know who you are when it comes to your own personal style.”
Shiona Turini’s journey into fashion began as PR coordinator for Yves Saint Laurent and over time she held titles at major magazines including Teen Vogue, W Mag, Cosmopolitan and was part of the team that launched CR Fashion Book. These days Turini is spreading her wings as a creative consultant working on different projects including Amazon fashion, styling credit in Beyonce’s Lemonade visual album, NY Mag’s The Cut, and Dior to name a few. With an instagram following of over 83k, the Bermuda native is only getting started.
Ty Hunter
“It’s about really living and finding motivation to do the things you want to do”
You can often see Ty Hunter on the red carpet with Beyonce–primping her, fixing her and carrying her train. He has been Beyonce’s stylist since her Destiny’s Child days when Mama Tina enlisted his help to create designs for the group, and he’s curated her looks over the years. Though he is now stepping out on his own with his first entrepreneurial project -TyLite, rumors that he was dismissed from the ParkWood Entertainment’s team couldn’t be farther from the truth as he walked the Met Gala red carpet with her in another Givenchy stunner.
Edward Enninful
“It’s about changing people’s perceptions of people.”
Edward Enninful’s marked his 25th year in the fashion industry this year (2016) and he celebrated with an avant-garde short film titled “The Seven Deadly Sins of Edward Enninful.” The short was filled with some of the models he has worked with throughout his career including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn. The Ghana born, London raised Enninful began his career as a model and at age 18 transitioned to i-D Magazine as the Fashion Director making him the youngest person to hold that position. Working under Italian Vogue EIC Franza Sozzanni, a huge supporter and photographer Steven Meisel, he noted propelled him to mature as a stylist. That led to a stint as contributing fashion editor for Vogue until 2011 when he was named W Magazine’s Fashion and Style Director. Enninful has been credited with being part of the recipe that helped resucitate W Magazine, with his risqué styled editorials.
June Ambrose
“It’s important to make your mark and find your signature. That’s really important because your mark is going to give you confidence and your signature is going to give you longevity.“
You can’t have a list of influential Black fashion stylists without June Ambrose. The celebrity stylist has literally gone from behind the scenes to front of camera over her two decades long career. After quitting her job at an investment firm, she took a gig at Uptown MCA Records. She has been credited for taking hip hop’s aesthetic to the next level with the shiny suits, furs and designer labels styling some of the most memorable videos for Puff Daddy, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige and who can forget Missy Elliot’s inflatable rubber contraption in the music video for “The Rain.” The mother of two is a published author, had her own show “Styled by June” and is now focused on her HSN line of accessories and apparel business.
Rachel Johnson
“I draw inspiration from men like Sammy Davis Jr. and Marvin Gaye…They were men who, no matter what was going on inside their personal beings, were viewed for their raw confidence and poise on the outside.“
Rachel Johnson is the fashion stylist credited with taking NBA stars from baggy sports gear to tailored suits. She has a profound understanding of men’s suit tailoring often donning menswear herself. Her top clients are Lebron James, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Victor Cruz.
Jason Rembert
“Celebrity styling is very gratifying and instant. One day you shoot a video, the next day you shoot a magazine cover, the next day it’s a movie premiere…I’m doing a different job every single day.“
Zayn Malik’s sultry and fashionable, video for his single “Pillowtalk” that featured his girlfriend Gigi Hadid was styled by none other than Jason Rembert. Best known for his work transforming and upgrading the style of Rita Ora and Malik, Rembert’s work has appeared on the cover and in the pages of W, Essence, Athletes Quarterly, Billboard, Paper magazine to name a few. Some of the celebs he’s styled include Chris Rock, Jason Derulo, Ciara, Nicki Minaj, Taraji P. Henson (her sexy W Mag cover for example). Rembert, known for pushing boundaries in fashion, got his start by assisting on editorial shoots for Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and W magazines. He’s with the Wall group.
Law Roach
“I am there to pull everything together flawlessly, add my two cents and expertise.”
Chicago native Law Roach’s fashion styling career has truly been the example of patience, perserverance and hard work because we’ve had the opportunity to see him grow his career since Deliciously Vintage days. Roach, aka LuxuryLaw finds his creative peak working with the freshest stars in Hollywood. He got his start in fashion as a vintage broker and he then operated vintage stores in Brooklyn and Chicago. His keen eye and fashionable sense has helped Zendaya make countless Best dressed lists. He’s also worked with Arianna Grande, Ruby Rose, Tamar Braxton and appeared on the BET network’s “Who What What” show. Roach is the co-creator of Daya by Zendaya shoe line.
Olori Swank
“I try to find beauty in everything. Keep your eyes open and draw from your everyday experiences and surroundings.“
This blue-haired beauty chose a career in styling over her dreams of becoming a medical doctor. She learned the fashion business on her own and has styled celebs like Keyshia Cole, Angela Simmons, and Donald Glover. You can also see her featured on CNN, OWN Network, and BET.
Wouri Vice
“The evolution you see is my growth as a stylist, pushing envelopes and being able to do new things.“
Name the top magazine, his work has graced it; name the top photographer and he’s probably worked with them. Wouri Vice, though OG when it comes to the fashion styling game, his work is more relevant now as it was when he was getting his start. He’s credited with helping Alicia Keys evolve to a more sophisticated and classic style profile. Beyond styling celebrities like Andra Day, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson, he also offers fashion advice and commentary on BET and Essence Magazine.
Khalilah Williams-Webb
“I’m always looking for what’s next.”
Khalilah Williams-Webb (Khalilah Beavers) has found a niche elevating the style of athletes, most notably basketball player Carmelo Anthony, whether that’s for the red carpet, ad campaign or editorial. Besides owning her own boutique in Brooklyn, Shirley + Alice, she curates looks for some stylish players including Matt Harvey, Rudy Gay, Brandon Bass and Jordan Brand campaigns.
Memsor Kamarake
“I work in the fashion industry but I hate dictating trends. I believe that you reallyshould follow your own beat.“
Being the personal and on camera stylist for TV personality Wendy Williams and her eponymous show often times does not leave much time to dabble in other work but Kamarke’s stint in fashion began long before then. He’s been stylist and fashion director for VIBE magazine and styled editorials that’s appeared in numerous US magazines.
Jason Bolden
“I am a Lifestyle Curator and serve my clients by helping them cultivate a look that elevates them while staying true to the essence of who they are.“
Stylist Jason Bolden has proven himself to be more than just a stylist, he’s also a clothing and eyewear designer, co-founding JSN Studio that launched the line’s first sunglasses collection this spring. In 2012 he launched the clothing line 5th and Mercer with client and business partner Lala Anthony. When he’s on JSN studios duty, Bolden is styling clients including Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and Tamera Mowry.
Eric Archibald
“I grew up in New York and I love getting dressed up to go out, and I think clothing speaks as a language.“
Archibald has been working his fashion styling chops behind the scenes on many A-listers and ad campaigns. Most recently as part of the highly lauded styling team (36 people) for Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade as well as a few courtside outfits she’s rocked. He is known for creating stellar red carpet looks and most especially for his work with Jennifer Hudson. His celebrity clients include Britney Spears, Cheryl Burke, Nene Leakes, Usher and Collection ELA.
Ugo Mozie
“Style represents a way of life, culture, background and how someone feels. Fashion represents an industry and business. Styling is the art of translating someone’s inside character to reflect their outside image.”
Nigerian born Ugo Mozie is not one to be quiet about his accomplishments. For such a short time in the game he’s worn many hats including fashion editor of a magazine, US PR Director of Vivienne Westwood, launched a clothing line (Aston Mozie), dressed pop stars including Justin Beiber, Chris Brown to name a few, worked on Sex and the City 2, and launched a hat collection all under 30.
Diandre Tristan
“Good fashion inspires confidence.”
Diandre Tristan is best known for his spirited appearances on Braxton Family Values with his client Tamar Braxton. But beyond that Diandre hustled his way into a celebrity styling career. After college he toured with Kelly Price and then transitioned to commuting back and forth between his home in Washinton D.C and New York City until he gained Robin Roberts’ attention. His clients now include Robin Roberts, Tamar Braxton and Barbara Corcoran.
Atiba Newsome
“When styling a celeb while shopping or pulling you have to basically get in their head and try to figure out what they’ll love without them actually being there.“
Before being known my mainstream media from his appearance on Oxygen Network’s House of Glam, Atiba Newsome got his start styling artists on Bad Boy records roster. He interned for June Ambrose to better understand the business. His decades long career has blossomed and his celebrity clients include Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Sean Combs, Adrienne Bailon. Atiba is the official stylist for the Bad Boy reunion tour that kick.
Timothy Snell
“There are three tenets that I tell every woman. You need shape, slim and smooth before you put on a garment. That’s my rule of thumb.”
Timothy Snell is a fashion stylist for all women however he boasts an expertise in plus-size fashion. He currently hosts Curvy Style, a show on Centric TV that focuses on styling for curvy women. He has worked with Queen Latifah, Angela Basset and Tisha Martin-Campbell.
We’ve Got our eyes on:
Kareem James
Zerina Akers
Courtney Madison
Apuje Kalu
Eyob Yohannes
Ade Samuels
Kanayo Ebi
Did we miss anyone? Tweet us @socialife_chi or let us know below
With contributions from Jorie Goins
Photos via: Getty, Instagram, Vogue
