We just love hearing from our grads! Last week one of our NYC graduates, Javi Sanchez, checked in with us so we just had to hit him up for a graduate interview.  Javi went from having zero experience in the fashion industry, to taking our class, to working on a GQ Italy shoot.

Not bad, huh?

But that’s not all. Javi has also worked in other areas of the industry since graduating from School Of Style. In addition to styling Javi adds buying, fashion show production, and fashion writing to his resume.

Keep reading to find out what else Javi is up to and his magic formula for success in the fashion industry.

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Javi Sanchez: I’m from a small town in Louisiana – Hammond which is nearby Kentwood where Britney Spears is from. I remember my mother taking me the downtown Macy’s when I was kid. That’s when I knew fashion was my calling. Did not know what it was but it was something in fashion.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

JS: No.

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

JS: After so many commented on my personal style, the way I dressed to various events and parties, school, etc. I thought to myself “I can do this”.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

JS: Summer 2011.

SOS: Which classes did you take?

JS: Class One.

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

JS: Everything! Listen to what Luke has to say. Take good notes! I think the most important thing was to always be super stealth when working on the set. Don’t get star struck. People notice your hard work.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

JS: How stupid things that people trying to make it in this industry – the small things – always cost them the next call back for a future opportunity working with an amazing stylist or photographer. Don’t be late for shoots!

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

JS: I’ve assisted James Valari, Allison Mazur for GQ Italy. Worked at a buying company in Midtown, and a small start up fashion buying company. Did a CD cover shoot with photographer Heather Courtney. Fashion Week production, CD release party for NAHM Nari Manivong and Alexandria Hilifiger’s fashion label. I’m also a fashion writer for the Washington Blade.

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

JS: My style is everything, every trend, look that is both appropriate for the brand, person, or client that I’m working for and revamp it to make it look better. It can be any look such as sporty with an Swiss edge or 90’s grange with an individualistic sense of style.

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:

JS: No, it’s not different.

SOS: Who is your dream client?

JS: Kate Moss

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

JS: So many but I gotta go with Gareth Pugh.

SOS: Favorite trends?

JS: I like that everything seems to getting back to the basics. I like the rolled up khaki pants to your ankles to showoff your colorful wool socks paired with kick ass Doc Martins. I’m seeing a lot of that in New York

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

JS: Uggs and anything 80s.

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

JS: TOPMAN

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

JS: Be yourself, listen, be on time, take initiative and have fun!

Find Javi online on Tumblr and on Twitter.

Happy Saturday! To celebrate the start of the weekend we have are spotlighting a truly amazing stylist, Lori Messerschmitt. Lori is next level talented and is here to share her wisdom with all of you. Lori has worked with some highly respected artists such as Tom Ford and Steven Klein! We said next level didn’t we? Well that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to find out what else Lori has worked on and to see images of some of our favorite shots from her portfolio.

Oh and PS- Lori also uses School Of Style graduates for interns/assistants and spills some of her intern/ assistant pet peeves. Good things to know if you are a SOS grad!

School Of Style: What made you want to become a stylist?

Lori Messerschmitt: Realizing I didn’t want to design the clothes, I just wanted to create a fantastic story around the woman.

SOS: How long have you been styling?

LM: 7 years

SOS: Who are some of the artists that you have worked with?

LM: I work predominately with fashion models. I’ve worked with a few musicians but the biggest one, I am unable to disclose.

SOS: Who have been some of your favorite directors/photographers to work with?

LM: Tom Ford and Steven Klein.

SOS: How did you get your start as a stylist?

LM: Begging, borrowing, and interning.

SOS: How long did you work as an assistant?

LM: 4 years.

SOS: Where do you find inspiration for your work?

LM: The street and old films. Music … Anywhere really.

SOS: What was your most memorable experience as a stylist?

LM: Meeting and working with Tom Ford.

SOS: What is your favorite aspect of the job?

LM: Being able to have my fashion opinion expressed and respected.

SOS: What was your most disastrous experience as a stylist?

LM: Losing a Proenza Schouler sample that was supposed to be into production the following day.

SOS: What is you least favorite aspect of the job?

LM: Having to be responsible for every tiny little article on the shoot.

SOS: What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

LM: Working on a video for Givenchy.

SOS: Do you have a signature style?

LM: Personally? I’m dance fight meets vintage rouge.

SOS: What is your favorite piece in your closet right now?

LM: A silk frock from a detacher and my vintage green satin YSL pumps.

SOS: What trends do you love right now?

LM: White.

SOS: Any trends that you are completely over?

LM: Everything comes back at some point or another, but I’m totally over non-ironic fanny packs.

SOS: Name your favorite shopping destinations?

LM: It’s very very top secret!

SOS: What qualities do you look for in an assistant stylist or an intern?

LM: Responsibility and someone who looks two steps ahead instead of only doing what they are asked. They think about the future and plan for it, constantly.

SOS: What are your worst assistant pet peeves?

LM: Asking me something more than twice and not writing it down the first time.

SOS: What’s your best advice for someone looking to get into wardrobe styling?

LM: Intern first, it’s more work than glamour.

SOS: Where can we see your work?

LM: WWW.LORIMESSERSCHMITT.COM

It’s been a while since we’ve featured a stylist in our Stylist Spotlight but we are back with a great one! Today we are spotlighting Negar Ali.

Negar is a ridiculously talented stylist who has worked with some major A-list celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Hudson, Eva Mendes, Tom Hanks, and Beyonce. Just to name a few. Not only has she worked with some major celebs, her work has been featured in major publications such as Elle magazine, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, In Style and W.

Impressive, huh? Well that’s just the tip of iceberg. Keep reading to find out how Negar got her start, what she has been up to during the last 12-years of her styling career, what she looks for in the perfect stylist assistant, and much more.

School Of Style: What made you want to become a stylist?

Negar Ali: Originally, I wanted to be a foreign correspondent!! I was living in New York at the time and all of these incredibly renowned stylists like Edward Enninful and Carine Roitfeld were asking me to assist them on shoots. I did and I really loved it. That was over 12 years ago.

SOS: Who are some of the artists that you have worked with?

NA: Reese Witherspoon, Eva Mendes, Keira Knightley, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Hanks, Usher, Rihanna, and Beyonce.

SOS: Who have been some of your favorite directors/photographers to work with?

NA: Mario Sorrenti, Michel Comte, Mark Seliger, Carter Smith, Rankin, Norman Jean-Roy, Jill Greenberg, Bryan Barber, Anthony Mandler, Liz Freidlander … The list is very very long.

SOS: How did you get your start as a stylist?

NA: While in college, I worked at PAPER magazine and that’s where it all began.

SOS: How long did you work as an assistant?

NA: 2 years

SOS: Where do you find inspiration for your work?

NA: I do tons and tons of research, old movies, books, in nature, on the street. There is inspiration everywhere, if you pay attention.

SOS: What was your most memorable experience as a stylist?

NA: Costume designing a film called the Living Wake in Maine. I met my husband!

SOS: What is your favorite aspect of the job?

NA: I have had the pleasure of collaborating with incredibly talented and brilliant artists. The collaboration and the process of creating with people whom I admire is what its all about.

SOS: What was your most disastrous experience as a stylist?

NA: Being tremendously over-budget is never fun.

SOS: What is you least favorite aspect of the job?

NA: Schlepping!

SOS: What is your greatest (styling) accomplishment so far?

NA: Even on the smallest jobs, there is always a bit of magic that takes place. My hope is that there is something in the looks/images I create that may inspire others. That to me is the ultimate accomplishment.

SOS: Do you have a signature style?

NA: I am a chameleon. I enjoy working in all genres.

SOS: What is your favorite piece in your closet right now?

NA: Don’t make me choose between my babies!

SOS: What trends do you love right now?

NA: I’m loving a tailored look for fall.

SOS: Any trends that you are completely over?

NA: Slogan t-shirts

SOS: Name your favorite shopping destinations?

NA: Isabel Marant and Celine in Paris. Bergdorf’s and Jeffrey’s in New York. Des Kohan in Los Angeles.

SOS: What qualities do you look for in an assistant stylist or an intern?

NA: A strong work ethic and a highly organized person. Multi-tasking is a must!

SOS: What are your worst assistant pet peeves?

NA: Laziness and someone who says “like” a lot.

SOS: What’s your best advice for someone looking to get into wardrobe styling?

NA: Its all about paying your dues, work hard and keep your eyes and ears open.

SOS: Where can we see your work?

NA: On my agency’s site, Margret Maldonado.

Our next Class 3 is fast approaching (and fast filling up) so in honor of that we present to you more of our Class 3 favorite images …

There are only 6 spots left for our November 12-13th Class 3, so please sign up today to get a spot!

Have you seen The Rise of the Planet of the Apes yet? A fantastic movie that features the a very fantastic Tyler Labine. Luke Storey styled Tyler a few months ago for an article in Penthouse magazine (yes, that Penthouse magazine). Tyler was not only a super-cool guy, he was hilarious!! We had a blast working with him. Check out the behind the scenes pics …

Lauren keepin’ it real on set

Tyler and Luke

Tyler and Miguel

We practically had to beat it out of her ;) but we finally snagged an interview with School Of Style grad and our new assistant, Mikaela Adams.

Mikaela graduated from School Of Style in February and her styling career was in full swing a few weeks later. She started out by interning for our friend and stylist, Roman Diaz. Roman reported back that Mikaela was beyond amazing so we immediately snatched her up as our intern.

In between unpaid gigs for us, Mikaela gained experience with some really talented stylist. Mikaela has assisted on Vogue and Vanity Fair shoots. She has worked with celebrities like Katie Holmes, Kate Bosworth, Christina Hendrick, Emily Blunt, and Alessandro Nivola — just to name a few.

Pretty impressive, huh? You can see why we had to hire her for ourselves :) Keep reading to learn more about Mikaela and how her career is taking off at the age of 20!

School Of Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Mikaela Adams: I am 20, I grew up in Modesto California, Went to school at FIDM and currently going to school at Los Angeles Technical College majoring in Fashion Design. I have had a flair for fashion since I could walk, playing dress up in my mother’s closet was a daily routine! After high school I went to FIDM for about 5 Quarters and realized it wasn’t for me.

SOS: Did you have experience in the fashion industry before attending School Of Style?

MA: I went to FIDM and i also Interned for 7 months with a Design Company called Dimepiece Designs

SOS: When did you know you wanted to become a wardrobe stylist?

MA: I have always been the go to girl for my friends whenever we would go out. I would pick out all their outfits from head to toe. I never knew it was even a job till I was watching a show called Candy Girls and there April Roomet was styling the girls for a photo-shoot. I was obsessed with knowing more about the job. I went to FIDM for about 5 quarters majoring in Fashion Design . One day while in class I said forget trying to be a Fashion Designer it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t cut out for it. I want to be a stylist. Soon after that I found The School Of Style.

SOS: When did you graduate from School Of Style?

MA: Feb 2011

SOS: Which classes did you take?

MA: Class 1, 2 and Tour of Style

SOS: What was the most valuable thing you learned at School Of Style?

MA: The most valuable things I learned from School Of Style was how to behave on set. That right there alone can mess up your career as a stylist. You have to know your place as an intern and assistant.

SOS: What was the most shocking thing you learned?

MA: The most shocking thing I learned was how much money and time goes into every job.

SOS: Have you been able to find work since graduating from School Of Style?

MA: I have been fortunate enough to find actually a lot of work after I took the classes . My first job was with Roman Diaz he was working with a boy band managed by Perez Hilton and they were performing for his birthday party. My second job was with Luke& Lauren all in one week he had a magazine cover with Steve-O and album cover with the band Switchfoot. After that Luke hooked me up with stylist Katie Mossman for the cover of Vogue Spain with Katie Holmes and most recently Harper’s Bazaar which comes out in November which was with Kate Bosworth, Christina Hendrick, Jack Huson, Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola. I have also worked with Haidee Findlay, Levin for Instyle with Helen Mirren. Now I work full-time with Luke and Lauren as their assistant!

SOS: Describe your ”style” as a stylist:

MA: As a stylist I love showing off a persons silhouette according to how their body is shaped . I love making people feel confident and sexy!

SOS: Is that different than your personal style? If so, describe your personal style:

MA: Yes, I am more about wearing how I am feeling that day.

SOS: Who is your dream client?

MA: Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Kelis, Kanye West, Sarah Jessica Parker the list could go on for days :)

SOS: Who are your favorite designers?

MA: Karl Lagerfeld, Rick Owens, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen , John Galliano just to name a few!

SOS: Favorite trends?

MA: I am loving that the 70’s are back and also color blocking

SOS: Trends you wish would die?

MA: This trend is dead but I see a lot of people trying to bring it back velour tracksuits with Ugg Boots NO!

SOS: What are your favorite places to shop?

MA: Melrose, Robertson, Downtown, and Silverlake!

SOS: Any tips you would like to share with other stylists who are just starting out?

MA: Honestly to make it in this business you have to really want it you have to be passionate , because your life will become your job as a stylist. Listen to everything Luke and Lauren tell you in class. What they tell you in class will make or break you in this business. Good Luck!

Up until our last two School Of Style Class 3′s, we had never ventured into menswear territory for our students. The thought never really crossed our minds until one of our students asked us if we could bring a male model for him to style during Class 3. I actually don’t know why we didn’t think of it ourselves considering Luke Storey is a menswear master …

Anyhow, here are some cool final menswear images from our last Class 3. Enjoy!

A few months back Luke styled musician Kyle Nicolaides for his album packaging- photographed by Miguel Starcevich. You might not have heard of Kyle but trust us, you will. Kyle is super-talented and was really fun to dress. I mean, you’ve gotta love a man who lets you dress him in a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt.

Here are the final images from the shoot and if you keep on scrolling you can see a video from Kyle. Yay!