are stylists looked down upon? it doesn't seem like you've made your job seem all that inviting or enjoyable and hot me wondering if stylists are simply not well treated in general or if you've just been singled out. not too sure which seems more realistic but thought I'd ask anyway. no need to answer if you're uncomfortable
Honestly, I am not fond of this ask.
It isn’t that you’re outright rude or wrong for how you have perceived what I have said about some of my personal experiences - but that is how you chose to view it.
I said from the start that this blog likely would dispel any grand notions that being a stylist to the stars is as dazzling and fun as it seems. Frankly, I’m quite happy that you’ve been let down in some way or have a new perspective on what this career field and industry actually is like; grueling, demanding, and very much not without complaint. Kudos for being shocked into this realization that glitz and glam are a mask and what lurks beneath is not too pretty.
Stylists are an ambivalent role in the intersection of both the fashion world and the entertainment industry. Both incredibly important and yet viewed as having little presence, simultaneously catering and demanding in what we aim to achieve with our clients/artists. It is also a job that is filled with all types of persons; some of us are bold and daring and handle matters with a very take charge attitude while there are also those that are cold and calculative that prefer to lord their authority, and there even those that are quiet and observant types that utilize being overlooked and unimposing to their advantage and produce truly inspired styles. None of us, however, should be likened as an assistant and demeaned by a misconception in an outsider’s understanding of what it is we do and why.
Some stylists prefer to delegate the task of running around and pulling sets and dealing with the responsibility of exchanging their name with a label when a bargain is struck for their designs. I am not one of those and very much enjoy personally overseeing these things because I happen to enjoy work that tires me out as well as the satisfaction of knowing everything is being taken care of in my own hands. I guess you could say I have control issues, but I don’t personally think that is what this is. I just like feeling useful and I also struggle with the anxiety of leaving anything important in care if somebody else’s standards. Many stylists fall to these extremes; more than happy to take it easy and delegate their responsibilities however they can, or do too much and eclipse the others that are also working on the same team. There’s always some divided sense of priority and integrity on the line. I, and a great number like me, might tend to do a lot of running around on account of a client’s interest but we are not their PAs and simply seek to ensure the final results of our hardwork will be secure, having seen to it ourselves.
As for what I find satisfying about a job/career that is more like a battlefield than I ever expected when I was first drawn in by it, it is that I sincerely find delight and pleasure at being the mastermind and artist behind some of the styles and looks that make fans and consumers go weak at the knees and scream profanities. The public losing collectively on behalf of something I am responsible for greatly uplifts me. I also struck a fortune with my exclusive clients as they always find a way to credit me and sing praise of me online or in their inner circles There’s no better promotion and/or/of reputation booster quite like being cited publicly for why an artist looks so good.
Stylists can seek their own fame publicly and reveal themselves if they so desire, but I am not fond of being Known and prefer to hide myself between the racks of styles I have crafted. I will always choose to find quiet satisfaction and glory in the way my artists look due to my own diligence and leave behind the fanciful constraints of fame.