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 KATHRYN
TYPALDOS
FASHION STYLIST
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
 athryn
is a freelance stylist. She has worked as an
assistant for five years for former W Magazine Fashion
Director, Alex White. For a year and a half now,
Kathryn has recently established herself a solid career
in the fashion industry and is definitely one to keep an
eye on. Kathryn shares how her career started, the
W Magazine photo-shoot, "Behind The Muses", how
important it is to have an agent, and giving advice to
aspiring fashion stylists.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career as a fashion stylist
began?
Kathryn Typaldos:
I initially thought I was going to pursue a career in
the art world but when I was at my youngest sister's
high school graduation dinner I met this woman who was
the headmistress of a school in Manhattan; I told her I
had just graduated college and was interested in art and
fashion (the day after I graduated college I worked at a
J. Mendel sample sale!). She ended up being the
headmistress of the school that
Alex's son was attending and ending up introducing me to
Alex. I started interning for Alex for a brief
period of time and ended up being hired as the
accessories assistant at W and ran the W accessories
closet for one year before becoming Alex's assistant.
EFM: How did you know that
working in the fashion industry was something that you
wanted to pursue?
KT:
I went to Wesleyan University
and graduated with a degree in art history and
studio art. I was always interested in the
relationship between fashion and art/music/culture,
in particular how it was expressed editorially.
I think how I ended up in fashion was quite
serendipitous and dependent on the circumstances at
the time. But, I have always been seriously
immersed in fashion via magazines, movies, music,
vintage, etc. And have a firm commitment to
self-expression through wardrobe, hair, make-up and
styling as a whole.
EFM: So
far, what has been your most memorable moment?
KT:
My most
memorable moment was when I was sent to Detroit on my
first major shoot for W Magazine in 2006. Bruce
Weber was shooting a major editorial with Kate Moss, who
was styled by Camilla Nickerson. I was so honored
to be in the presence of such iconic people. It
was a really magical and surreal experience that
solidified the fact that I wanted to work in the
industry - to watch how story unfolds and evolves and
how many different people shape, collaborate and
participate in the aesthetic process is truly amazing.
EFM: 'Today' do you think that
it's more difficult to become a fashion stylist?
KT:
I think that the original definition of "fashion
stylist" is changing due to the explosion of celebrity
culture and the internet. I think that the term
"fashion stylist: is more vast and vague now which, in a
sense, offers more opportunities. I think that the
world of editorial and print in particular is evolving
at a rapid speed which is exciting and scary at the same
time. I think that if you know which aspect of the
industry you want to participate in, than it is quite
feasible and manageable.
EFM: You
assisted one of the best in the industry, Alex White;
what lessons have you learned from her?
KT:
Alex was such an
influential person in my life. She served as a
real mentor to me within the context of W and outside of
work. Her commitment to her work was inspiring.
It was very clear that she sincerely loved what she did,
which I think is extremely important considering how
much work is involved in this craft. She was
immersed in all degrees of the creative process which I
think has become an important element in my work ethic.
It's not just about clothing and particulars. It
is about the larger picture, the collaborative process
with other like minded people.
EFM:
How important do you think it is to assist an
established stylist?
KT:
I think it varies case by
case. For me, it was extremely important and
significant. You learn so much and I think it
helps to shape your own aesthetic voice. It's also
important because you get exposed to amazing productions
and meet other creative people to collaborate with in
the future.
EFM:
Your work was recently seen in W magazine 'Behind The
Muse'; can you tell what was the preparation like?
KT:
The preparation was amazingly stress free, one I got
to work with incredible wardrobe from designers who's
work I beyond admire so it was quite effortless.
It was a really cool experience. I've been a fan
of Max's (Fashion Photographer) work in addition to all the designers and the
musicians who were involved, so I felt really honored to
be able to participate!
EFM: Do you think that it is
important to have an agent?
KT:
I think it depends on
personal preference. I don't have an agent yet.
I wanted to forge my own relationships and work before
pursuing an agency. I think having an agent is
like being in a relationship. It has to be the
right fit and both people involved have to be really
committed! I'm going to start looking for an agent
at the end of the summer as it's difficult for me to balance
everything at the moment.
EFM: Describe your
personal style?
KT: Such a
hard question! I go through such phases so I guess
eclectic would sum it up best. Right now I'm
obsessed with grandmas and sportswear (i.e. mesh sports,
sneaker and track pants) so I guess you could call me a
sporty granny right now! I also found that boys go
bananas for girls in sneakers so I'm in a super sneaker
phase right now. I just custom made my own NIKES
which are hot pink, purple and orange with a silver
swoosh.
EFM:
How would you describe your work ethics?
KT: I'm
hyper organized and a bit OCD which I think you need to
be since stylists have so much merchandise to keep track
of! I used to run the closet at W so I am a firm
believer in neatness and visual organization. I
also strive to respect the work of my peers. I
think a work environment founded on mutual respect is
key?
EFM: What advice can
you give to the aspiring fashion stylists?
KT: I think
that working with one or multiple stylists can really
help to shape/define the type of stylist you want to be.
You should always be open-minded, flexible, humble and
committed to working hard. My favorite part of my
job is being able to collaborate with other people,
finding a great team of creatives who constantly push
and inspire you is supremely important.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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