Celebrity stylists who are responsible for dressing the rich and famous for everything from concerts to red carpet and TV appearances have revealed the lavish perks that come with their job – while being paid up to £2,000 in a day.
Alexis Knox, 35, from London, who has been styling for over 15 years, has worked with stars including Lindsey Lohan, Bruno Mars and Little Mix, while stylist of over 25 years Rachel Fanconi, from London, has dressed Helen Mirren, Dawn French and Joanna Lumley.
Miranda Holder, also from London, known as The Feel Good Fashion Coach, boasts a portfolio including Boy George, Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade and Vanessa Williams.
FEMAIL was told by the fashionistas that clients often travel to exotic countries, get freebies from designers and enjoy lavish events.
The perks can be a drag on your relationships with family and friends. You may also have to rush to find the right garments and work up to 18 hours a day.
The fashion professionals share their experiences of making celebrities look camera ready…
Alexis Knox
Alexis (35), who lives in London has been styling international locations, including Milan and LA, for more than 15 years. Miley Cyrus and Bruno Mars are just a few of the many stars that she has dressed.
Alexis Knox, 35, who lives in London, explained that the role of a celebrity fashion stylist can pay anything from £200 to thousands of pounds a day. Pictured with Alexis Knox and Lindsey Lohan, an American actress
Alexis said: ‘I didn’t study fashion or styling, 15years ago there wasn’t even a styling degree. After I completed my illustration degree, I relocated to London and worked with experienced fashion stylists in all aspects of styling.
Styling can pay a variable salary. Anything from £200 a day to thousands of pounds a day. There are times when there is no cost at all. Other times, you can get business travel and chauffeurs.
Celebrity styling has the added benefit of giving you a glimpse into other worlds.
“You can also see the process behind images that could become viral or famous.
Alexis (pictured) said that her experience working with professional stylists helped her become a stylist.
Alexis stated that she was praying for success when given the task of covering Miley Cyrus’s chest (pictured with pastys at Wembley Stadium).
Alexis explained that the work of fashion stylists can be very physically taxing as they must maneuver between different locations and in any weather. Alexis styling Craig David
A lot of designers or brands will give you freebies to help promote their products. You can get anything from five-star hotels in exotic locations to clothes and shoes, dinners at restaurants and evenings out.
‘It can be highly glamorous at times and then other times it’s super unglam – running from store to store half an hour before they close in the rain trying to find your client’s preferred knickers. It can also mean long hours spent waiting in the rain to film clients so that you have time to retrieve their thousands-worth of jewellery and clothes.
Alexis explained that Miley Cyrus wanted her dancers topless and to have pasties on their skins. Her nipples were made like glitter balls.
‘I’ve never had my eyes glued to so many breasts before. I was praying not one of the glitter ball pastys exposed a breast live on air – Safe to say no t*** were revealed.
Alexis has styled Little Mix, as well (pictured). She revealed that she often has to sacrifice time with her family and friends to accommodate the demands of clients.
‘I love characters and people, and I love how clothes can express and entertain. For me I’m not obsessed with trends, I prefer to get to know a character and help a person elude that with their outfit.’
Alexis said that celebrity stylists have to be flexible with their schedules, as they are required to meet clients at weekends and nights.
She shared a favorite memory. It was quite comfortable for her at times, she even intentionally showed off her breasts and lowers while on-set. Images were taken and released.
Alexisknox.com offers more information
Rachel Fanconi
Rachel has been a fashion stylist since 1995. Her clients include Helen Mirren and Dawn French as well as Joanna Lumley and Kate Bush. From London, the 50-year old works with Neil, her husband, and is responsible for their menswear business.
Rachel shared that the experience gained while she was studying Fashion Promotion at London College Of Fashion helped her decide to be a stylist. She explained that although starting salaries are often around £16,000, it grows with experience.
Rachel Fanconi (55) from London stated that being a stylist has many perks, including previews and special discounts on clothing
Rachel (pictured), who has worked with Dawn French and other stylists, said that being a stylist involves a lot collaboration with photographers, make-up artists and hair stylists.
Rachel stated, “I have a variety of jobs. It can take anywhere from two days to two months travelling with someone. The perks include early previews and discounts.
‘It’s been great to get to travel around the world and work with people that I’ve long admired in some of the most beautiful locations. I’m very lucky.
‘The job itself often feels like we’re playing because at its best styling is really collaborative. I find the team-work element the best thing, your client has got to love the look and as a stylist you’re generally working as part of a group around someone – there will be a makeup artist and a hair stylist and of course photographer if you’re shooting – and everyone has to unite to make something beautiful – it feels really rewarding when it all comes together.
“You might think that the last-minute tasks would prove difficult, but this is what I love about my job. You can’t help but feel excited when everything comes together.
“It was the most difficult thing about adapting during the pandemic. The rushing around London suddenly stopped and everyone had to order everything online. It took some getting used to but I am so glad that the retail sector is back.
Rachel was obsessed growing up with clothing. She said it isn’t uncommon to work more than 12 hours in a day but she enjoys every aspect.
“I make an effort to be efficient with my time and work closely with others to manage returns, couriers, and invoices. Rachel stated that the ultimate goal is for my clients to be able to do three weeks worth of shopping within three hours here at my studio.
Rachel shared that her adaptations have been necessary since the pandemic. She launched Zoom’s personal shopping services and offered styling through Zoom. Rachel Styles Helen Mirren
I styled the Breast Care Fashion Show, now called breastcancernow.org years ago. Each look featured 25 inspiration women and men, each with 100 delivered looks.
‘It was a mad project, emotional and a real challenge to complete but just the most fun – my mum and dad came to the show and it’s such a happy memory.
‘Over the last year, we’ve launched a new personal shopping service aimed at helping anyone who wants to take the stress out of dressing and be inspired with some new ideas informed by the tricks and hacks I’ve learned over the years helping celebrities prepare for public events.
‘Sessions take place at the studio in London or we can bring everything to you, we came up with the idea of making an experience that’s like shopping in a boutique curated just for you after seeing how many clients were unable to create the time to shop.
This is how we create the exact formula when working with celebrities clients. We prepare them outfits ready for their back to back events by creating a train of well-constructed pieces.
‘During the pandemic I’ve also conducted sessions on Zoom which works surprisingly well and I think is something we’ll continue to offer as it’s been great to be able to work with people around the world.’
Rachelfanconi.com
Feel Good Fashion Coach
Miranda Holder, from Hampshire, founded The Feel Good Fashion Coach, after a life-changing car accident in which she nearly lost a leg and faced partial paralysis. She says that her recovery was helped by the fact that she received fashion magazines from friends.
After she had overcome imposter syndrome and studied at Central St Martins, London, she went on to be appointed fashion editor for luxury magazines. She revealed that her clients include Boy George, Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade and Vanessa Williams as well as Little Mix, as well as Hollywood Film Directors.
Miranda Holder, 42 (pictured), from Hampshire said that she is a fashion stylist and has to work breakfasts in addition to attending her client’s concerts.
Miranda stated that “No day is the same.” One day you can be planning the next season’s looks over a working breakfast, the next you are standing in the wings at an artist’s concert ensuring the look you’ve created for them ticks all the boxes once they step onto the stage under the spotlight. The unpredictable nature of work is what I enjoy. You never know what you will be faced with next.
‘When I’m not styling an actual shoot or working with a client, I appear regularly as a fashion expert on TV and am a regular media commentator – frequently called upon to discuss all things from the latest Royal looks to shopping vintage. I also host my own podcast – ‘Fashion Weekly Podcast with Miranda Holder’
“I can recall when Boy George was in high-profile music video shooting and a designer created a custom piece. He had fallen ill so he couldn’t deliver his work to him on shoot day.
Miranda stated that she was privileged to have had the chance to study from the best and most talented people around the globe. Pictured: Miranda styling Boy George
Miranda worried that Boy George would be her last job after she failed to connect with a designer.
“I was worried I would not be able get her. I thought that this was my final job. How could I make it work without these key pieces of clothing? George had to hear me admit that I was missing the most essential look in my wardrobe.
“It was the first occasion I’d ever worked with him. I was very nervous, but he was incredible and so supportive. His words were ‘darling, there are no wardrobe malfunctions only wardrobe moments’ and he trusted me to work it out.
“The shoot ended up looking better than I planned. His creativity is truly amazing and I am in absolute awe since that first day.
Miranda explained that the industry isn’t regulated, which allows for pay to vary from £500 – £2,000 a day.
She continued: ‘You get to work with some incredible people and be privy to a fascinating world, attend film premieres, glittering galas and parties with guest lists I’ll dine out on for years to come. And you get to learn from some of the most successful and talented people in the world – it’s amazing what pearls of wisdom you can pick up along the way.
Miranda (pictured), a woman who works up to 18 hours per day, says she gets started on projects with a moodboard
“I am privileged to be introduced to many interesting people, but my greatest honour is when clients fully trust me. For many celebrities their image is an integral part of their brand, and as a stylist it’s crucial that they have the utmost confidence in me and my ability.
“You become their confidante and part of their lives. It is important to maintain discretion and have clients who refuse to acknowledge that they are stylists.
“Some days, I work only for 3 hours while others are for 18 hours. The job is what matters. Flexibility and adaptability are key. Working towards a shoot starts with the discussion of the overall theme, colours and palettes. Then I make a moodboard.
‘Then there’s the preparation stage which involves putting selects together, this can be very time consuming as I meet with designers and PRs who are shortlisted. A shoot itself can be as short as two hours if the client is very busy, but it’s not unusual for music video shoots to go through the night.
‘Then there’s all the returning of the garments and administration at the end of the day. There are many assistants that I can rely on and who make my life easier. Others include wardrobe editing, VIP shopping, attending events, as well as going with the client to make sure they look great.
Miranda (pictured) recommends that fashion stylists network with PRs and designers as well as find mentors.
Miranda recommends that those who are interested in fashion styling consider The London College of Style. They offer ongoing support to get started.
Miranda stated that she believes it is important to never give up. She also said: “You need to be persistent in knocking on doors, and eventually they will open.” Get yourself out there, attend fashion week, visit the PRs and designers attend the parties and be open to possibilities. Your next job opportunity could lie right in front of you.
Finally, find a mentor. Nothing can prepare you to do the job well. You will need to be willing to do the dirty work.
mirandaholder.london