stilist

A stilist is a professional who curates appearance to achieve a specific visual concept. The term is used across languages and can refer to a fashion stylist, a hair stylist, or a makeup and styling professional who collaborates on fashion shoots, films, television, advertising campaigns, and events. In fashion and editorial work, a stilist selects garments, accessories, and coordinates with designers, photographers, models, and producers to create cohesive looks. They may build mood boards, source clothing and props, arrange fittings, and oversee the wardrobe throughout a shoot or show. In hair and makeup styling, practitioners guide the overall look, ensuring consistency with the concept and lighting, whether they perform styling themselves or direct others.

Training and career paths vary. Many stilists come from backgrounds in fashion design, merchandising, or communications. Practical experience, a strong portfolio, internships, and networking are important. Work is often freelance or contracted by magazines, production studios, fashion houses, or brands. The role may be specialized (fashion, hair, or makeup) or broader, covering multiple styling disciplines.

Key skills include trend awareness, color theory, fabric and garment knowledge, understanding body types, budgeting, organization, communication, and project management. Negotiation and sourcing abilities help with obtaining garments, accessories, and services within deadlines and budgets. The exact duties of a stilist depend on regional practice and industry segment, with some contexts emphasizing creative direction and others focusing on wardrobe coordination.

See also: fashion stylist, hair stylist, makeup artist, personal stylist, wardrobe supervisor.