Graduate Interview: Abi Arcinas
We really hate to play favorites but Abi happens to be one of our favorite grads. Why? Well Abi has worked her tail off for us as an intern. Abi has driven all over LA for us, has steamed clothes for us, has carried pounds and pounds of garment bags for us, and the list goes on and on …
All of Abi’s hard work has paid off though, as Abi has been working (paying jobs) non-stop lately. From commercials to music videos — Abi has proven that being driven, hard working, and willing to bite the bullet and work for free for a bit, really pays off.
Check out our interview with Abi and find out how she got her start and what she is up to today …
School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Abi Arcinas: I’m obsessed with fashion and have been since the very first time I flipped through the pages of my older sister’s ELLE magazine (back in the early 90′s)!
I never thought I would actually end up working in the fashion industry though, it wasn’t really an option when I was growing up. My life plan was to become a doctor. I was never really into that whole world, but went along w/what my parents expected me to do. I worked as a Phlebotomy Technician while attending college for various Medical degrees, but I never actually ended up following through with anything.
Fast-forward to 6 years ago. I moved to LA with the intention of transferring into a Medical program for Radiology.
Long story short. The school ended up not accepting me as a transfer, so instead of pursuing other Radiology schools,
I started looking for fashion schools instead. And I ended up at the Art Institute, and graduated w/ a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing and Management.
SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
AA: Yes, I did. During school I interned at showrooms and fashion PR firms.
I also worked as a clothing boutique manager.
SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
AA: I have no idea…. I guess I’ve always wanted to do it. Ever since I can remember, people have always told me that I have a great eye for style.
But I probably didn’t start thinking seriously about it, until I started attending fashion school.
I’ve done the personal shopping thing for awhile, not “professionally” but I’ve done it for friends and family forever, they always ask me to go shopping with them, or for them, or help them revamp their closets, etc.
SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
AA: Either February or March of last year.
SOS: Which classes did you take?
AA: Class 1 and 3
SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
AA: The most valuable thing I learned, was that working as a styling intern is very important. You have to start somewhere. It was difficult for me to adjust to this, since I’ve been in the workforce for a long time now, and it kind of felt like I was going backwards to have to be an “intern” again. I interned while I was in school, but only b/c I had to do it to count towards school credit.
But I will say that interning pays off, and if you’re a dope intern, then you will become a paid assistant in no time!
SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
AA: I don’t know that anything was necessarily shocking to me, but I definitely learned a lot that I didn’t know going into the class.
SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
AA: Yes, I have! I had a full time desk job when I actually took the classes, so I really didn’t have any free time to intern.
But I got laid off from my job in January of this year and have been assisting ever since. It started off kinda slow interning here and there, but I quickly became an assistant and the past few months I’ve been super super busy! I’ve worked on a couple of music videos, TV appearances, a short film, concert tour, and commercials….
I just finished assisting on a commercial for Virgin Mobile.
I also just booked my own gig, styling a look book for a boutique.
SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
AA: I love the whole rocker vibe…. Black, Black, and more Black!!
SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
AA: I wear a ton of black, but my personal style isn’t very rock and roll.
I like to mix California casual w/the whole streetwear/urban vibe.
I own an extensive collection of NIKE sneakers, it’s kind of an obsession.
I’m also obsessed with jackets and jewelry. Jewelry plays a huge part in my personal style, I think I have about 100 rings in my collection!
SOS: Who is your dream client?
AA: This is a hard one for me, I would love to style anyone who is down to take risks with fashion.
Even though neither of them really need any help in the styling department, I’d love to work with Rihanna or Kelis.
Not sure if Kelis works with a particular stylist, but Rihanna’s stylist is amazing.
SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
AA: Another hard one….
There are so many amazing designers out there, but to name a few: Marc Jacobs is great, love what he does with his own lines, as well as LV. Also love Alexander McQueen [RIP], Alexander Wang, Viktor & Rolf, Rick Owens, Christophe Decarnin (Balmain), and Nicolas Ghesquiere (Balenciaga)
SOS: Favorite trends?
AA: So happy that platforms came back sooner than later. I love a great black platform w/a 5 inch heel, paired with super skinny jeans.
SOS: Trends you wish would die.
AA: Juicy sweatsuits.
SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
AA: I’m a total budget shopper, even though I have expensive taste. That’s why I tend to do a ton of online shopping. Gilt Groupe is AMAZING!! They are an online sample sale, with real designer stuff for up to 75% off of retail prices.
And I love eBay! I just bought a pair of brand new, never been worn, JBrand jeans, that retail for about $215, for 60 bucks on eBay, last week.
SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
AA: Like I said before, interning is sooooo important.. Just get out there and do it!! I know it’s hard to rationalize working and not getting paid, especially if you aren’t in school.
But put in some time and hard work and it will pay off.
Also, jump on Luke and Lauren’s requests for interns! If you help them out and you are on point with whatever job they give you, they will definitely help you out in return.
I speak from personal experience : )
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