Stylist Spotlight: Lauren Taylor
Interested in menswear styling? Then you should get to know stylist Lauren Taylor. In just a few short years, she is already making waves and solidifying herself as one to watch in this niche. Keep reading to get the scoop on how Lauren started working with top male talent such as Scandal’s Joe Morton, after being in LA for just 3 years. Let’s hear her story!
Tell us a little about yourself and your career so far? When did you realize you wanted to be a stylist?
I've lived here in LA for a little over 3 years (I moved here to pursue styling). I lived in NYC for 6 years where I worked mostly in advertising before deciding I needed a change. I ran a fashion blog while at the ad agency so I was able to attend NY Fashion Week for years and after being immersed in fashion more I realized I love working with people and thought styling would be right up my alley. I transferred my job here to LA and started getting styling gigs on the side. I'm about a year and a half full-time styling now.
What inspired you to pursue styling as a career and how did you get your first gig?
Attending NY Fashion week really helped me see fashion up close and in real time. Seeing all of the designers garment construction had me really inspired but I know I had zero talent as a designer nor did I want to work for a magazine. After researching and kinda doing some soul searching styling became the obvious choice.
My first job I cold emailed all of the publicists and managers I could find contact information for (seeing that I wanted to work with tv/movie actors) and luckily one immediately called me to ask me to style a shoot! I probably sent out 100 emails and they were the only ones to call.
Just by looking at your work, we can tell you’re a very creative person. What inspires you?
Literally everything inspires me. Traveling, movies, food, fashion bloggers, make up artists, you can find so much inspiration just being present and in the moment. It really helps.
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 am such an overthinker mixed with OCD with organization. I typically have an idea of what we are shooting (whether or not theres a mood board involved) so I go through my spreadsheet of showroom/brand contacts to see who will have what I need. Im always being complimented by showrooms that I dont pull much but that is because I always have specific things I need in mind.
For shoots I always just have a system of photos of everything before shooting, taking pics of looks on set and when the talent is done having them hand me their items so I can hang them back myself. I know that with shoots its typically fast paced but just taking the time to re-hang things saves so much time later when you are packing up. Im normally the first one done because I clean as I go....not at the very end.
Is there a project that you're most proud of?
No not yet. I love all of the clients/shoots I've been on but I always try to find room for improvement. There are milestones I hit though that I am proud of though: styling my first year at awards shows, having a client on Ellen & Jimmy Kimmel.
What would be your advice to those trying to break into fashion and styling?
Research research research. I always tell people to use Instagram to your advantage. See who other stylists are tagging or following. If theres an actor or actress you really want to work with find their publicist or managers contact. If they don’t have one then find their contact and let them know you want to work with them. I've gotten so many jobs due to the client being impressed I sought them out. Don’t let anyone tell you one specific formula to follow. Yes assisting is the best way to break in but use your instincts. Be a go-getter. There's so much work out there so if you are having trouble breaking in just start creating. Build a team and just start somewhere.
