The life of a celebrity fashion stylist is more than just playing dress up. Atlanta-based wardrobe stylist, Kim Maxwell has made a full time career by creating sought after looks for entertainers and TV personalities. This job is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s all about having a great eye and knowing what’s going to be hot today, tomorrow and next year for your client. Styling may sound glamorous on paper but it takes a long time to gain recognition for your work. There are many stylist that are household names: Mariel Haen (Rihanna), Rachel Zoe (Cameron Diaz) and of course Pat Field (Sex and the City). Kim is paving her own success story. She already is an accomplished writer, scribing a guide to styling called Career Diary of a Fashion Stylist while also teaching a on-line course about her craft as well. Her past list of clients include The Dream and Jagged Edge. There is no stopping this lady on the rise.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What inspired you to pursue a career as a stylist in the music and fashion industries?
I have always loved fashion since a young child. Especially looking at movies and reading fashion magazines. I wanted to be that person who coordinated the wardrobe for the people in the magazines and on TV. Once I researched and discovered the title was a fashion stylist and that is person who did all of this, I decided that is was the career I wanted to pursue.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: When did you have that “a-ha” moment and you knew this was your calling to be a full-time image-maker?
Well it was a two part process for me once I did my research and read about the career and the careers of other fashion stylists like June Ambrose, Tameka Foster, Rachel Zoe, and Andrea Lieberman and the second part was once I did my first test photo shoot. I was like this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: You are based in Atlanta, why do you think that “the A” has become a recognized Mecca for all things hot in the entertainment business?
I think “the A” has been recognized Mecca for all things in entertainment business because of our Music Industry/Entertainment Industry here in “the A”. Some of the most popular people in entertainment are from or live here in Atlanta and rep Atlanta to the fullest. There are so many talented people here in music, art, fashion, makeup, and sports. It is like having a big melting pop full of some many talented people. “The A” is rich in music, entertainment, now movies are coming here, we are building a representation here for art and fashion also.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Have you had any setbacks or challenges in keeping your business thriving in such a tough field?
Yes, with any dream or business there are going to setbacks and challenges. I think this is what makes you a stronger person and a better businessperson. I’ve had financial set backs by being a” starving artist” and making sacrifices for a dream and career, let me elaborate I could go out and get a 9 to 5 job and have the car that I want and other luxuries or I can go into business for myself and work on accomplishing my goals, and drive the same car I had for years and live without luxuries to work on a dream that is more than a full time 9 to 5 job to me and the rewards at the end will be greater. There is nothing more like living your dreams, it is very hard, but nothing like it.I’ve had challenges of being in a market where most of the time it all about who you know and not really about your talent, and challenges of being in a recession where budgets are cut which means budgets for your rate and wardrobe are cut to. What I have done is made the best of out it, made a way out of no way, and been supported by GOD, my family, and friends who love and support me, which in return has given me the drive to continue and not give up on me or my career. I always say this career is 95% work and 5% glamour. I use to say 90% work and 10% glamour but that percentage has changed over time. Lol
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What was the motivation behind starting your on-line fashion styling course.
Well the motivation and the proposal of having my own course came from, Susan Cox, the owner of Cox Productions and Photostylingworkshops.com. Susan, who is a professional photo stylist and professor at Mesa College, came to me after she had her class read my book Career Diary of a Fashion Stylist. She liked my perspective on fashion styling, how I handled my business and career, and wanted me to teach a class online for her company. She took a change on me, saw something special in me, and not only humbled but appreciative of that.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What advice would you give to a budding fashionista who would like to become a stylist?
A Fashion stylist career is not only based on your talent, but also based on whom you know and the network of people you have met. You have to have thick skin and be ready for rejection. You will hear five no’s before you hear one yes. So Be prepared and ready for that. Having a great support system of family and friends around will help you through your hard and bad times.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Describe your typical day getting ready for a project or shoot?
Calling my assistants and getting them prepped on the project, contacting wardrobe vendors I will be using for the project, consult with the client, pull wardrobe for the shoot, a pre production meeting with the photographer, magazine editor, art director, artist management, client, or publicist. Researching fashion trends and prepping wardrobe- steaming clothes and coordinated wardrobe.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are the hottest trends that you know will be coveted this fall?
Distressed Denim, Lots of Color/Bright Colors and Prints, oversized jewelry and accessories.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Where do you like to shop?
I LOVE, LOVE Forever 21! Ann Taylor, and H&M. Luxury Stores – Neiman Marcus, Vintage Stores- Lucky Exchange, and Local Boutiques- Cherry Bomb and Fabrik.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words, describe your STYLE & SUBSTANCE?
My style is classy, sexy, sophisticated couple with a slight trend and classic pieces. My substance is GOD.
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