Q1. Having studied at London College of Fashion, why is it that you chose to base yourself and your business in Glasgow?
I moved to London when I was 17 and graduated when I was 20, so really I just wanted to come home and see everyone properly for a while, then I just got settled into a routine and stayed! The reason the business started was because there really aren’t many ‘ready made’ fashion jobs in Scotland, and if you want to work in that field and live up here you need to do things for yourself.
Q2. Why did you decide to become a stylist rather than a designer?
To put it bluntly, I couldn’t design a plain white t-shirt! There’s a huge difference between having an appreciation for design and actually having the talent to design. Stylists and designers do completely different things; stylists consider the whole image, not just the clothes, to create something magical and to embroider and enhance the designer’s vision.
Q3. What is involved in the styling process?
Well, it depends on the sort of styling. Obviously commercial and editorial styling and completely different to personal styling, which is what I do. Personal styling is so much more about understanding people and their lifestyles and how clothes fit into that.
Q4. Do you have any tips for people who are looking to become stylists themselves?
Get a really solid, relevant degree. It’s fine to graduate with say, and English degree, but you’ll need to work ten times harder than someone who has a degree in fashion. Also, be prepared to work long and hard for no money for years; the fashion industry is super competitive and you need to be very resilient and resourceful to get ahead. Also, always remember to be nice to people no matter how tired or frustrated you are, a smile goes a long way.
Q5. You own a store as well as doing the freelance styling, which do you enjoy most?
I love both; they’re very different, but if I’m honest I prefer the styling aspect as every client is different and every day is different.
Q6. How difficult is it to source the items in your store?
Very, it takes time to build a network of contacts to get the really top notch vintage.
Q7. Like everyone involved in fashion you must have a style icon, who is yours?
It’s a toss up between Joan Crawford, Patsy Stone and Jean Shrimpton.
Q8. If you had to choose to live in another time based on the fashion of that era, where would you choose?
Without a doubt the interwar years (1918-1939) from the decadent 20s to the sleek, glamorous 30s, I’d love it. My own vintage collection is full of clothes from this era, I just think the fabric, the design and the workmanship are superb.
Q9. Do you find Glasgow to be an inspiration in your styling?
Not particularly, I find my clients to be the biggest inspiration when I’m styling. I think Glasgow style is pretty flashy and juvenile and it doesn’t appeal to me at all, but I’d say that about most British cities, not just Glasgow!
Q10. Finally, what are you top 5 tips to great styling? And what are your top 5 style don’ts?
Top do’s:
Do invest in jackets and coats, nothing finishes a look more eloquently.
Do wear vintage wisely; nothing looks worse than a tatty old 60s dress matched with a moth eaten old fur coat. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s vintage.
Do spend wisely; it’s always better to have a really gorgeous, leather handbag to wear with few outfits than a hundred plastic ones.
Do pay attention to hair and make up, and glasses if you wear them. They have a huge impact on your overall look.
Do choose the best fabrics you can afford and look after them properly, they’ll last a lifetime.
Top don’ts:
Don’t match your accessories, it looks frumpy and unoriginal.
Don’t wear clothes that are too small, it will make you look bigger than you are.
Don’t dismiss the classics as boring. The perfect Breton, the perfect patent heel, the perfect trench coat, all classics that will add so much to your wardrobe.
Don’t follow the crowd. Just because everyone else is wearing too much eyeliner and ripped tights doesn’t mean you have to.
Don’t take on a whole trend at once, take one key item and blend it in with your own wardrobe, it’s so much more subtle and original.
You can find Jade at http://www.the-dresser.com/
