Graduate Interview: Lindsey Nolan
Lindsey is a School Of Style grad who went from having virtually no experience in the fashion industry to a girl just finished working on a Fuji Film commercial. Not bad, huh? She is also currently working on a music video for Katy Perry. Wonder who hooked her up with that job … Could it be the School Of Style graduate program??? Yes, it was. Keep reading to learn more about Lindsey and to see what other jobs she has cooking right now.
School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Lindsey Nolan: Hi! I’m Lindsey Nolan and I’m 23 years old. I’m originally from the Washington DC/ Northern Virginia area and still travel there often. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a business management degree in May 2009. I have been in LA for three years since having moved away when I was 10. I currently live in the South Bay, which is incredibly inconvenient work wise, because I love the beach! Lastly, I just got a new kitten named Sushi, he’s an orange doll face Persian!
SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
LN: Not really, I worked at Nordstrom for a while when I was searching for what to do after graduation. During my time at Nordstrom I was offered a PA job in the wardrobe department on the set of the ABC family TV show “Greek” working for costume designer Carol Beadle. It was by total accident that I fell into this opportunity. My friend was a PA at the time on a different production and just asked around for me in the hair and makeup department if they knew anyone in wardrobe. Anyway I got very lucky, someone passed my name to Carol and the rest is history. To be honest I kind of didn’t realize how great of an opportunity was until later when I saw how well respected Carol is in this industry. Not only that but I was very lucky to have started in TV because you build relationships with many people just based on the amount of time you spend working together. Much more so than something more short term like commercials or music videos etc.
SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
LN: After having completed SOS and having done my first test shoot on my own I knew I loved this. The feeling of having absorbed so much knowledge and creativity from one another in each test shoot experience is addicting.. There is so much opportunity for growth and people from all walks of life are in this field… its just fascinating to me to talk to people and hear their experiences.
SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
LN: I graduated in November 2010
SOS: Which classes did you take?
LN: Class 1 & Class 3 and plan to take the new Class 2 in February
SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
LN: How to build a portfolio and get work/present myself as a legitimate stylist. It really connected all the pieces of the puzzle that I’d been missing. Also how to tape shoes properly J
SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
LN: How small this industry really is. It seems that everyone knows everyone so it’s never good to leave anyone with a bad impression of yourself.
SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?
LN: OH YEAH! I just finished working on a Fujifilm Commercial where I got to pull from various costume houses and was the only assistant. It was the most responsibility I’ve had yet. Plus, I’m currently working on a music video for Katy Perry, which is by far the hugest thing I’ve done yet! So many thanks to SOS for hooking me up!
SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist?
LN: Street glamor. Sparkle and leather kind of stuff… but not too much of either. I try to add an element of pop and unexpectedness to every look through the use of surprising color combinations or mixing textures. Sometimes it’s through an accessory that’s unique. I don’t always achieve it I’m still learning what looks good on camera, what looks too commercial and what risks to take.
SO: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
LN: No it’s pretty much the same trendy, rough, glam, urban… Some combination of all that
SOS: Who is your dream client?
LN: Probably someone like Little Boots or Duffy. I’m into the 60′s inspiration many designers are using and I think both those girls pull that off exceptionally well. Also someone like M.I.A because she seems like she rock something crazy fun! I tend to favor musicians because I’m fascinated by the evolution of style that has transpired throughout rock n roll history.
SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
LN: Marchessa, Rachel Roy, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and the list goes on and on…
SOS: Favorite trends?
LN:
· Head jewelry (hard to get right but when it’s done well it’s stunning)
· Bellbottoms (about to make their comeback debut)
· Rompers and bodysuits (effortlessly chic)
· High-waisted anything (so flattering)
SOS: Trends you wish would die?
LN:
· Juicy sweat suits
· Slouchy flat boots, heinous they make people look fat and messy
SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
LN: Independent boutiques like Katwalk, Mandarin, LF Main, Fred Segal and others like Francesca’s, Diesel, Miss Sixty, and Aldo
SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
LN: Present yourself like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t. Ask questions when necessary. Assume nothing… mistakes are made by assumptions. Be calm and cool, I’ve been told multiple times that my having a calming presence is a great asset. Finally, don’t give up, instead try a different approach!
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