Smokin' Seventeen: A Stephanie Plum Novel
LucyLove
Fashion designer’s are not the only creatives flooding the Nigerian Fashion Industry with talent, there are also Make-Up Artists, Photographers and Stylists contributing to the successful growth of the industry. We love our mini-series features here at BN Style, and we decided to spread our love to the new faces in styling working in the Nigerian Fashion Industry. This feature is about celebrating these young people, their persistence, accomplishments and passion. Penetrating the fashion industry is never an easy task, and we want to commend them for their effort and zeal!
LucyLove is a Stylist, Make-up Artist and Fashion Publicist. Although a first-class graduate of Law from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, she had her heart set on the fashion industry from an early age. With completed courses in Foundation make-up at the Saks Academy London, a High level make-up course at the London School Of Beauty and with a Diploma in wardrobe styling from Istituto Marangoni, LucyLoveis more than your everyday lawyer. LucyLove has worked with some of the big names in fashion and beauty home and abroad: Mac Cosmetics, Louis Vuitton, Victor and Rolf, FAB Magazinze, ThisDay Style, Deola Sagoe and Iteun Basi just to name a few
While she continues to build her portfolio and make her name in Nigerian fashion, I thought it would be nice to have a chat with Lucy about the journey so far.Read on…
Ijeoma Ndekwu: Why did you go into styling?
LucyLove: Fashion styling is something I have always wanted to do as cliché as it may sound, I went into styling because I view clothes and make up as a means through which any human being can express themselves, be it fashion editorials, runway shows or personal styling. A designer’s collection or a simple ensemble tells a story. A headwrap can say; I am embracing my African side today, Black and proud! or a red bodycon dress can say; I feel confident and I’m going to shove it in everyone’s face.
IJ: How long have you been styling?
LL: I have been styling on and off for four years, I couldn’t do it full time as I was earning my Law degree from University of Leeds and I was doing fashion and beauty school part time so those years are filled with memories of endless work.
IJ: Are you a stylist full-time?
LL: Yes I am. I’m a fashion stylist and make-up artist. I’d like to say it’s the best of both worlds.
IJ: What does the job entail?
LL: Where do I start? Besides having my jaw drop every time I see a magnificent piece from a designer? Before every shoot, runway show, personal shopping, celebrity styling or wardrobe consultation I create fashion mood board documents as a briefing for the client to know exactly what the styling and make up would be. The next step is hunting for pieces, I have an extensive list of designers and their signature pieces. Nigerian designers are an absolute pleasure to work with so getting pieces can be done in my sleep. The final step in interpreting your vision which really gets my creativity working, it’s a fantastic and fun feeling when you see your vision come to life through clothes and make up.
IJ: Who are some of the clients you have worked with?
LL: I have worked with fashion houses and celebrities, I’d mention a few; Deola Sagoe, Ituen Basi, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Louis Vuitton, House of Fraser, Sasha P, Waje, ThisDay Style and a lot more inspiring people. I do brand fashion brand styling, fashion pr and personal styling. Also, I am fashion editor for 360nobs.comwhich I absolutely love.
IJ: What do you love about being a stylist?
LL: Being a stylist means I am living my dream, what’s not to love about that? I love making people look incredible and showing people how to wear the latest trends through fashion spreads and shoots. I love interpreting a designer’s vision for a collection, I love it ALL!
IJ: What do you dislike about it?
LL: A lot of people think because I am a stylist and make-up artist, I should always be dressed to the nines with a full face of make-up every day. I rushed to Shoprite the other day to get a tub of ice cream in ripped jeans and an oversized tee, I bumped into an acquaintance and I got the “Na so stylists dey dress” speech.
IJ: In your opinion, what is the worst kind of client a stylist can have?
LL: Hahaha. In my books, there is no such thing as the worst kind of clients. In fact I love clients that are perfectionists and meticulous, they really challenge you and question your every move. I love that because I am confident in my skill.
IJ: What’s your no 1 style tip?
LL: My number one styling tip is most certainly; statement accessories. You can wear a basic tee shirt and grey jeans, but when you pile on a ruby cocktail ring and a bib necklace your look is instantly upgraded. Another styling tip is confidence, if you genuinely believe in your outfit and your sense of style, your confidence will ooze and draw people towards you.
IJ: What advise do you have for people who want to go into styling in the Nigerian Fashion Industry?
LL: You must have a passion so fierce that your interest in fashion can never wither, and you must have thick skin. Anyone worth their 2 cents has thick skin, my mother and someone else taught me the value of thick skin.
IJ: Can you say you have fully penetrated the Nigerian Fashion Industry?
LL: Hmm, I think the question is; will I ever be able to say I have fully penetrated the Nigerian Fashion industry? I don’t know because I am never satisfied with my career, I constantly strive to do more, put in longer hours and push myself more. If you ask me this question in the next 10 years, I would still be unsure.
IJ: What are some of the challenges you face working in the Nigerian Fashion Industry?
LL: I think every day there are challenges. The Nigerian fashion industry is still very very young so I see the set backs as a necessary evil. If I still face such set backs in 10 years then Bella would be the first to know of my disapproval. But for now, I am not willing to judge. I am willing to play a part in helping it grow, after all I am a contributor to the fashion industry.
IJ: Where do you see yourself in 10yrs?
LL: I’m starting my own make up artistry, image consultation and fashion styling firm in due time. In the next 10 years, we will be the “go-to” people for all things fashion and beauty.
View a few photos of LucyLove’s work below:
