Interview with Sara Darling

Here's my recent interview with stylist Sara Darling: 

1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a freelance fashion/wardrobe stylist, fashion editor and journalist

2. Why did you want to become a fashion Stylist?

I have a degree in journalism and started my career at The Face magazine in the late nineties. I was working on reception, hoping to work my way up, but kind of fell into styling.

3. Did you have any experience in fashion before becoming a stylist?

I have always been interested in fashion, and used to wear some crazy home -made ensembles, but I didn't realize I could make a career out of it before I worked at The Face magazine.

4. Can you describe what type of stylist you are and the work that you do e.g. Personal?
I am a working stylist- so I do whatever styling that is involved to pay the rent! This ranges from fashion editorial shoots, to brand campaigns, TV commercials and music videos. I am currently in Beirut, working with a Dubai client on their fashion brand launch shoot.

5. What has been your dream job or your dream client?

I worked with Helena Christensen on a Habitat campaign, and I shot a high fashion editorial in the middle of the Cannes film festival which was crazy but fun!

6.  Who has been an inspiration to you?

I love the eccentricity of London and the UK as a whole. People are really adventurous and eclectic.

7. What have been the most valuable lesson or challenges that you have learnt in this industry?

Remember people's names!!!

8. What are some of your favourite places to shop?

Charity shops, TK Maxx in the sticks for the best rummaging, and foreign countries for unusual local finds.

9. What tips would you give anyone who is starting out in fashion?

Get used to loooooong days and lots of running around- its not all champagne for breakfast- that comes later!

You can have a look at Sara's portfolio here

Thanks for your time Sara x

Jewellery Editorials

When you’re flicking through your pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar or Elle you normally come across some jewellery editorials. These are pages are there to promote jewellery brands from designers or the high street.

Usually the Editorials are styled to enhance or draw attention to the jewellery, which is understandable as customers will need to see the pieces. A stylist would normally style the jewellery pieces on a model or with other props. If the jewellery is styled on a model it is normally exaggerated as the stylist would use many jewellery pieces to create the look which would be perfect for an editorial and also helps to promote the jewellery brand. 

The stylists job would be to create a look which is contemporary but not over- powering. Emphasis is normally on how the jewellery pieces are styled and how well they fit together, so colour and proportions and the brief would normally need to be considered. Have a look at the examples above. These examples are all styled creatively with a theme in mind.

Here is a Chanel AD Campaign which is to promote the Chanel Brand, but the emphasis is also on the jewellery pieces that are styled to create an Indian inspired look. 

Chanel’s Metier d’Arts Paris-Bombay Collection is styled by the former Paris Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld and shot by Karl Lagerfeld.