Fashion Forward

Got an eye for fashion and think you can cut your teeth in this industry? Top fashion stylist Cheah Wei Chun provides a peek into his glamorous world

Typically, in Asia, a fashion stylist organises the whole photo shoot (if it’s for a magazine). He or she will choose the photographer, model, makeup and hair people, and perhaps even the concept and mood of the shoot. If it’s for a commercial, a stylist might be called on to just provide the clothes according to the brief. But there can be many variations on this, depending on the experience and working style of the stylist.

I work differently from other stylists as I am a graphic designer by training. I was formerly creative director for BluInc Magazines Singapore. Prior to that, I specialised in corporate design. Now, with my own company Clanhouse, I pretty much do everything. I meet the client, get the brief, discuss concepts, coordinate the shoot, direct and style, and even do the design and postproduction work for the final ad or editorial.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I am based in Singapore, but the majority of my clients are in KL. During heavy shoot months, I fly into KL practically weekly. Otherwise, I work from Singapore doing design, retouching, coordination and billing.

Shoot days are typically the most hectic, but also the most fun. We try to start early and usually work into late afternoon or evening. It’s hard work, but if it’s a good shoot, the excitement and energy carry you through.

Are there particular qualifications one needs to be a fashion stylist?

Most fashion stylists do not have related paper qualifications. Many get their start by assisting more established stylists. I believe my graphic design training and magazine background help me visualise how to crop and flow images much better, and to imagine how pictures might work with logos and typography.

What qualities are needed to succeed in this field?

Talent, versatility and perseverance. I find the rarest quality to be versatility – the ability to style the most exciting high-fashion shoot and then switch to something very simple and mass market, yet in both instances to produce beautiful and compelling images.

What advice would you give those interested in being fashion stylists?

Find a stylist you admire and be his/her assistant. But be prepared to be underpaid and overworked! Or join a magazine publisher and work your way up. We’ve hired junior stylists and the talented ones usually go from doing simple product shots to full-fledged fashion spreads fairly quickly.

Be very knowledgeable about fashion; not just about what’s current, but also fashion history. You can’t style a 60s-type spread if you don’t know who Jean Shrimpton and Peggy Moffit are.

Also, be interested in people’s tastes. Why does your mum or aunt think this girl looks pretty? Why does your teenage niece think this pop idol is cute? Why does everyone think this celebrity is not as pretty as another celebrity? This is essential in making images that appeal to the right people.

Name: Cheah Wei Chun, 41 years
Job Designation: Creative consultant
Company: Clanhouse
Website: http://clanhouseonline.com
Length of time in industry: 18 years