Stylist Spotlight: Dutch Davis
Meet Chicago/LA-based stylist Dutch Davis. Chances are, you've seen his work while scrolling through the gram and didn't even know it. Now you get to put a face to the name, here's his story:
Tell us a little about yourself and your career so far? When did you realize you wanted to be a stylist?
My name is Dutch Davis, born and raised in Chicago. I fell in love with fashion at the age of 12, moved to New York after graduating high school and jumped right into styling and assisting. That's when I started branding myself as a fashion stylist. I realized I wanted to be a wardrobe stylist the summer of 2008 when I watched the movie The Devil Wears Prada. I legit was take aback by the world of fashion from just that movie and it was my goal and dream to work in the fashion industry.
What inspired you to pursue styling as a career and how did you get your first gig?
My unique style and people loving the way I dressed sold me on being a stylist. I remember saying to myself, "I can make money from shopping and playing in clothes while people pay me to dress them. Like wow this is what I want to do."
I got my first gig from a stylist in New York who I assisted named Sam DeSalu. One day he was double booked and ended up giving me a gig in Chicago. I just went with what I’ve learned and ever since then I’ve been styling on my own.
Just by looking at your work, we can tell you’re a very creative person. What inspires you?
The things that inspire me are the things that most common minded people will find to be abnormal such as being “overdressed” I love the drama of just being very casual in a ball gown but in chipotle like that does something to my soul. But I get most of my inspiration from the late & great Alexander McQueen he was so brilliant! He designed his collections down to the T; every detail was on point down to the fashion show set up. I loved that everything was bold and daring yet still so fashionable.
Walk us through your typical shoot, tell us a bit about how you prep (pulls) to how you keep everything in order while on set.
I feel as though I’m one of those people who work well under pressure such as I like to pull a day or two before set day. I also like to finalize lookes on set because the mood and energy might be different you sometimes just don’t know what you’re walking into. I hardly ever do fittings lol thank God everything works in my favor lol.
Is there a project/editorial that you're most proud of?
I’m most proud of the editorial shoot I did for this swimsuit brand named Bfyne. We shot in the Tijuana desert with a live zebra, like it was a moment. Also I'm proud of my first major red carpet moments, the Emmys & Vh1 Hip Hop Honors. It was two carpets in one day with one client and she was voted best dressed for both. I felt so iconic omg just to know that behind the scenes chaos, it was a long crazy day but all so worth it!
What would be your advice to those trying to break into fashion and styling?
I would simply say stay consistent, be professional and always keep great relationships everyone you meet comes back around twice.
