A fashion stylist is a creative professional who selects a wardrobe for published editorials, advertising campaigns in print, television and online, as well as music videos, photo shoots, and live performances. They can also work with celebrities, models, actors, musicians, artists, sports and political figures for public appearances. A fashion stylist will provide inspiration and knowledge about how to be presented and will usually work to a set ‘brief’. A fashion stylist is often part of a larger creative team assembled by the client, collaborating with a fashion designer, retailer, photographer, producer, director, hair and makeup artists to put together a particular look or theme for a specific project.
The job description and responsibilities of a fashion stylist may vary greatly depending on the assignment. Stylists in the editorial and celebrity fields, work primarily with designer samples. These are shown during fashion presentations and are loaned to members of the fashion press during the four–six months before retail sales of the product begins.