It’s a stylist soiree and you’re all invited! ‘The Art of Styling: Irish Design in Focus’ hosted by multi-disciplinary creative, Zeda, presents everything you need to understand about working as a stylist, the obstacles and challenges, and what exactly is it that they do
Colin Horgan Designs
Tech Powered Luxury podcaster Ashley McDonall
Zeda’s past work as a stylist
Aoife McNamara wearing her own designs
As a fashion stylist myself, I’m all too aware of how the job can be misunderstood and under-appreciated. Some people look at you as a glorified shopper, or as the least important element of a photoshoot team (in fact, it takes a village to pull these shoots together and photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists and fashion stylists all play an equally vital role).
Zeda’s past work as a stylist
In reality, stylists act as location scouts, directors and dressers. We liaise between publications and talent. We dip our toes into set design and prop making when needed. And, on top of all of that, we carry an un-godly amount of clothing around the country!
“We cover so many bases,” agrees stylist and creative Zeda. “And we’re glorified steamers!” she adds with a laugh about the hand-held ironing tool that’s an essential part of every stylist’s kit.
The Dublin-based stylist’s CV includes work for Stellar magazine and musician Erica Cody, as well as covering Copenhagen fashion week for RTÉ.
“Everyone always tells me ‘I love styling but it’s so hard to get into as a job’ — and it’s the truth,” she says. “Then some people don’t fully understand the job. So, I came up with the idea of a stylist soiree.”
The inaugural event, entitled The Art of Styling: Irish Design in Focus, will take place on November 13 as part of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s Irish Design Week. Held in Belvedere house — a Georgian townhouse in Dublin 1 — it will be hosted by Zeda.
Tech Powered Luxury podcaster Ashley McDonall
Speakers will also include Tech Powered Luxury podcaster Ashley McDonnell, and stylists Aisling Farinella and Anne O’Shea. “I want to discuss how to get into styling and the obstacles that come with the job,” Zeda says.
“This way it’s informative for people who don’t have knowledge on styling, but also for stylists who are currently working — you can never know everything. I also want to look to the future of where we think the job will go.”
Colin Horgan Designs
The free — but ticketed —event is open to members of the public and will also include a showcase of Irish design. Styled by Eoin Gavin, it will feature pieces by Aoife McNamara, Colin Horgan, Emerald & Wax and more.
Aoife McNamara wearing her own designs
“It’s the perfect match, a lot of Irish stylists have given Irish designers their start by putting their clothing in publications,” says Zeda, who adds that more will be announced in the lead up to the event.
“My aim is to make it informative and fun. Once we learn — we party!”
To book, see dcci.ie
