Graduate Interview: Jill Pineda
Jill Pineda graduated from School Of Style just a few months back and is already assisting Kim Kardashian’s stylist, Monica Rose! Jill was so on it while she was assisting us, that we just had to recommend her to Monica. Monica has had nothing but nice things to say about Jill. Our grads make us so proud!!
Of course that’s not all Jill has been up to since graduating from School Of Style. Keep reading to find out more …
School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Jill Pineda: I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and I moved to LA about 8 years ago. I’m a model/dancer turned fashion stylist. I also blog about fashion and I’m a regular contributor for Examiner.com style edition. As a child I’ve always been artistically inclined and Math deficient but somehow I still ended up having a degree in Banking & Finance.
SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
JP: Yes, while growing up my parents ran a successful clothing business. My dad would design the clothes then have them manufactured in our factory. My mom on the other hand was in charge of our showroom and the marketing side of the business. I literally grew up surrounded by sewing machines, different kinds of fabrics, threads, buttons, zippers and everything you need to make clothes. I designed my own outfits and I quickly developed an eye for fashion and style. I learned the business at a young age and even taught myself how to sew. It was a fashion playground for me and I loved every bit of it!
SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
JP: As soon as I learned that you can shop for a living! Seriously, I love shopping and coming up with different outfits. It got to a point when my friends and family would consult me about what to wear for important events. It’s a lot of fun and I was good at it so I wanted to pursue it, but it was only after taking a class and interning for the school of style, that I decided to take it to the next level.
SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
JP: May 2011
SOS: Which classes did you take?
JP: I took Class 1, The Business Of Styling.
SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
JP: How the business works and how to stay in it. That styling is not just about pretty or expensive clothes. There’s so much to it!
SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
JP: The amount of work that’s involved before and after they actual styling of people/shoots/shows.
SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
JP: Yes, I’ve been so lucky to work with Kim Kardashian’s fashion stylist, Monica Rose and I’ve recently started working with another huge stylist, Paula Tapabilpa. Both are super amazing stylists and are awesome mentors. I’m learning so much from them!
SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
JP: I’m versatile and I like to customize outfits based on my client’s body type, personality, lifestyle and personal preferences. People are so different in so many different ways so I try to work with what makes them unique and enhance they already have. When it comes to editorials I love couture, rock and roll and edgy/avante gard. The more imaginative, the better.
SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
JP: My style is pretty versatile too. It constantly changes because I like to experiment and I tend to dress according to my mood. My favorite looks however are often minimalist, chic/glamour or urban.
SOS: Who is your dream client?
JP: Oooohhh I would LOVE to work with Lady Gaga! I love how her style is so out of this world. It’s never boring and you never know what to expect. Working with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss, Diane Kruger, Victoria Beckham, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Zoe Zaldana, Rachel Zoe, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Olivia Palermo, Angelina Jolie (there’s too many of them to mention) would be a dream come true too! It would be awesome to do editorials for Vogue magazine also. Even better if it was Vogue magazine September issue!
SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
JP: Chanel, Balenciaga, Gucci, Miu Miu, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Chloe, Calvin Klein, YSL, DVF, Dior, Burberry, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Christian Louboutin, BCBG, Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang, Givenchy ( I can go on forever! )
SOS: Favorite trends?
JP: I’m really loving how the 70′s trends are back in style. I like bright colors, platforms and metallics . I also like bohemian styles, menswear and over-sized tops.
SOS: Trends you wish would die?
JP: Harem pants, they make you look like you have diapers on.
SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
JP: Zara, Nasty Gal, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Nordstrom, Hot Topic, Ebay, H&M, Forever 21, Flea markets, goodwill, DTLA and any shop close to me.
SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
JP: Realize that being a stylist is fun but it’s hard work. Most of the time it’s not glamorous at all. You have to love what you’re doing and be willing to get your hands dirty. Also if you’re just starting out as an assistant or an intern do not treat it as just an assisting job or an internship. Treat the job as if it’s your own company and the key stylist is your client. Take care of all the clothes as if you spent your own money on them. Be responsible and be willing to learn. Lastly check your ego at the door. Best of luck!
[...] We interviewed Jill a few months ago but she has been so busy working (styling and designing her own line of bow ties) that we had to play catch up with her again. Check it out and please take a look at her cute bow tie video below too!! [...]