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 LORI
MESSERSCHMITT
FASHION STYLIST
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
 ori
has a passion and an amazing eye for fashion and it
shows in her work. EFM first noticed her work through
fashion photographer Tim Richardson. Besides
collaborating with Tim, Lori's work has been seen in
Bergdorf Goodman, Nieman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, and
Gilt Group.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career as a fashion stylist
began?
Lori Messerschmitt:
I was actually working for an
internet software company, bored out of my mind.
9/11 happened very close to my downtown office and I
decided to quit and follow my heart. I took some
design classes and then applied for a full fashion
design program, but then I met Victoria Bartlett and
things changed very quickly.
EFM: H ow did you know that
working in the fashion industry was something that you
wanted to pursue?
LM:
I had studied painting and art
for years and to me fashion was a living form of art
that I could have immediate impact on.
EFM: So
far, what has been your most memorable moment?
LM:
There have
been so many...but my favorite of all was meeting and
working with Tom Ford.
EFM: How long have you been
working in the fashion industry?
LM:
Years, but it seems like minutes everything moves and
changes so quickly.
EFM: 'Today' do
you think that it's hard to become a fashion stylist?
LM:
Absolutely and yet not at
all. Becoming a respected, legitimate stylist is
extraordinarily difficult, but every thirteen year old
with a fashion blog can also be one in their own way.
EFM:
Living in New York, where there are many 'fashion
stylists'; do you find it a stiff competition?
LM:
Yes, the more
people there are in a boat, the harder it is to steer
it. On the other hand, many of my closest friends
are fashion stylists and we help each other out when
it's needed.
EFM:
How important do you think it is to assist an
established stylist?
LM:
I think it's very important, no matter how brief.
You need to learn the business from the ground up as
with any other business. A lot of people have this
illusion that it's all fabulousness. There is also
a lot of politics and skill required to be successful.
EFM: Do you think that it is
important to have an agent?
LM:
Right now, I don't have
one. I'm always on the fence about it.
EFM: Describe your
personal style?
LM: If
vintage and modern had a dance off, my style would be
the photos.
EFM: What advice can
you give to the aspiring fashion stylists?
LM: Don't
tell yourself you can't do something, 'ever'.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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