Graduate Interview: Maja Ahlund
We recently checked in with SOS grad Maja Ahlund, who graduated from School Of Style back in 2009. Since graduating she has been very persistent and has followed the leads we give on our super-special Graduate Mailing List. All of her work has paid, as she has been busy styling ever since.
Maja has even assisted super-stylist B Akerlund on jobs with Kanye West, Adam Lambert, and The Black Eyed Peas just to name a few. Pretty impressive, right? To find our more about Maya read our interview with her below and be sure to check out her brand new blog!
School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Maja Ahlund: I am a 24 year old girl from Sweden, currently studying for a bachelor in Communication at CSUN. I know being a stylist doesn’t require you to have a specific education (except, of course, for the School of Style), but for me personally an education is important, and if not for personal benefits, it’s always nice to fall back on. After I finish my bachelor, it would be a dream to go to NYC and continue with an MBA, alongside working in the fashion industry.
SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?
MA: Although fashion has always been a great hobby, I didn’t have any professional experience before attending School Of Style.
SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?
MA: I have always been interested in the styling aspect of fashion, as it is one of the more creative parts of the field, but I didn’t know for sure until after attending School Of Style.
SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?
MA: I believe it was in October 2009, then I took class 3 year about a year after since I spent some time in Sweden in between.
SOS: Which classes did you take?
MA: 1 and 3.
SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?
MA: I learned everything there is to know: how to steam clothes correctly, bringing the right equipment, tips for assisting, inventory, the creative part, and much much more… There is a lot to take in, but you get to review it when you get your first assistant gig.
SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?
MA: What hard work it is….
SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style? ***please explain****
MA: Oh yes. Thanks to Luke I was able to get in touch with one of the most successful stylists out there- B. Interning for her has given me opportunities to assist her and her first stylist Renie in their work with some of the most talented artists out there, Kanye West, Adam Lambert, The Black Eyed Peas to name a few. I have Luke and School Of Style to thank for all of that. As Luke constantly send out emails with stylists that needs help etc. there is no problem to get in touch with great stylists. School of Style also encouraged me to take job opportunities when they come my way- therefore I volunteered at some fashion shows during fashion week in LA, which was a very good experience.
SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:
MA: A lot of what we see out there today from our greatest stylists has an edgy and rocky style. I am definitely influenced by that as well- I love black and believes it to be a very safe color, although my personal taste is more classic. Not in a Ralph Lauren-preppy kind of way, but more in a old-school kind of way. I love mixing the best from the 60′s to the 70′s, and putting it together in a modern form. I am also a junky for exclusive fabric- If I had my own line everything would probably be in different types of silk combined with chunky accessories.
SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:
MA: I would say my personal style is pretty safe and classic. Recently I have gotten more and more inspired by the 60′s and from time to time I like to make a statement by wearing something edgy. To me it’s all about the accessories, you can make any basic outfit look fab with the right details. Right now I’m loving different types of head pieces and hats.
SOS: Who is your dream client?
MA: There are so many… The first one that I come to think about right now is Gwen Stefani. I think she has done an amazing job in creating her signature look and manage to be bold, sexy, and stylish without being vulgar. Working for her would be a great challenge.
SOS: Who are your favorite designers?
MA: There are too many, but to name a few: Karl Lagerfeld that does an amazing job for Chanel, Chloe for their timeless classic looks, Balmain that does edginess like few others, and Zuhair Murad which is a master when it comes to dresses.
SOS: Favorite trends?
MA: Spring and summer 2011 is a lot about different shades of nude, as well as bright bold colors such as fuchsia, orange, cobalt blue and bright purple. I love all of these color trends and look forward to dressing up in silky summer dresses with strong colors. I also love that the hem has gone down a notch, we see less of the miniskirt and more of the midi and maxi- very fortunate.
SOS: Trends you wish would die?
MA: The overly chunky shoes, where it looks like the foot has been dipped in cement. Not very flattering.
SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?
MA: I love the vintage shops on Melrose, and to gather inspiration from designer stores at Rodeo Drive and interpret the trends my own way. I very rarely buy branded bags or items new- they look so much better vintage (and is nicer for a student wallet).
SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?
MA: Get out there and network as much as possible, don’t be afraid to be pushy if there’s a job you really want, that’s how I got my first gig…
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