About this Episode:
There’s a mind-blowing amount of nuances that go into being a freelance fashion stylist and who better to share all the deets than someone who’s styled for Emmy award-winning TV shows?
We have the pleasure of being joined by the esteemed freelance stylist with over 25 years of experience, Darshan Gress. With a diverse background in styling for TV shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, Darshan has now transitioned into personal styling for high-level executives. From the importance of networking and creating authentic relationships to the nuances of styling and the impact of social media, Darshan provides a wealth of knowledge for aspiring stylists. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of freelance styling and uncover the secrets to building a successful career in the fashion industry.
Learn all about the challenges and rewards of freelance styling, the significance of networking, and the art of storytelling through clothing – all while getting a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. Whether you’re a budding stylist, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about the ins and outs of the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging anecdotes sure to pique your interest!
Episode Highlights
Introduction
- Heidi introduces Darshan Gress, a stylist with a rich background in TV shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, now focused on personal styling for high-level executives.
Career Overview
- Darshan shares his path from studying at FIT in New York to becoming a freelance stylist, emphasizing the value of networking and early experience at VH1.
First Styling Job
- He recalls his first job at JG Hook in Times Square and reflects on key takeaways, including technical skills and the importance of structure in the profession.
Business Focus
- Darshan highlights treating styling as a real business—prioritizing negotiation, financial stability, and educating clients on the value of high-end service.
Clientele and Social Media
- He explains why he prefers LinkedIn over Instagram for client outreach, especially to reach executive-level clients, and shares plans to improve his digital presence.
Networking and Relationships
- Stresses the power of authentic relationships and word-of-mouth referrals, particularly in TV production where trust and reliability are key.
Personal vs. Commercial Work
- Clarifies that he prefers personal styling over costume work, pointing out the unique dynamics of TV, commercial, and print styling.
Agents and Freelance Stylist Tips
- Darshan talks about the shifting role of agents and encourages stylists to be proactive in finding work. He offers advice for those starting out in cities like NYC or LA.
Virtual Fittings and Tailoring
- Discusses how he manages virtual fittings, especially for executive clients, and underscores the importance of having a reliable tailor.
Styling Kit Essentials
- Outlines must-have tools in a stylist’s kit and the need to prepare for various shoot conditions to ensure smooth sessions.
Personal Client Focus
- Talks about his growing focus on private clients outside the entertainment industry and his shift to a more formalized business model via an updated website.
Thrifting and Vintage Shopping
- Shares how he uses thrift and vintage shopping to build unique looks that align with each client’s professional identity and aspirations.
Humility and Experience
- Even after 25 years in the industry, Darshan emphasizes humility, often assisting others and offering consultations to newer stylists.
Personal Passion
- Concludes with his deeper purpose: empowering people to grow their businesses and align their personal style with professional success—not just trends.
Key Questions and Responses
1. How do you manage to build and maintain your client base without a significant social media presence?
- Darshan focuses on networking and building genuine relationships. He maintains connections through organic interactions and word of mouth, finding most of his clients on LinkedIn. He emphasizes quality over quantity in client relationships.
2. What challenges have you faced in explaining the cost of your premium services and how do you handle it?
- He highlights the difficulty in conveying the value of high-end styling. Darshan addresses this by thoroughly communicating the quality, expertise, and personalized approach he brings to each client, educating them on what they receive for the investment.
3. What advice do you have for someone starting as a freelance stylist in cities like New York or LA?
- Darshan advises gaining hands-on experience and finding a niche to set oneself apart. He stresses the importance of starting as an assistant to build skills and contacts. Networking and humility are key components of this process.
4. How do you handle the physical demands of working in television while maintaining a balanced lifestyle?
- Darshan splits his time between New York and LA, balancing work with lifestyle needs. He acknowledges the physical demands and emphasizes the necessity of a balanced life, which sometimes requires transitioning to different types of styling work.
5. Can you explain the importance of business skills in styling and any overlooked areas for freelancers?
- Darshan underscores the importance of treating styling as a business, including understanding financial stability and budgeting. He notes that many creative stylists overlook negotiation and selling themselves, which are crucial business skills for success.
6. What are the key differences between personal styling and costume design for TV shows?
- Darshan explains that personal styling focuses on dressing real people and understanding their personalities and goals, whereas costume design is more about creating characters for TV. Personal styling involves a more personalized and relatable approach.
7. How do you view the role of social media in the styling industry, and what impact has it had on your career?
- While Darshan doesn’t prioritize social media, he acknowledges its significance. He recounts advice from Gary Vaynerchuk to build a stronger social media presence. Although he sees potential missed opportunities, he still prefers cementing strong, authentic relationships.
About Darshan:
Darshan Gress is a personal fashion stylist, costume designer, and style expert who has overseen the wardrobe for Emmy award-winning TV shows on platforms such as Netflix, NBC, Bravo, among others. Her career has focused on styling industry leaders both in front of the camera and in real life.
Based in New York City and Los Angeles, Darshan firmly believes style and success go hand in hand and is dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve professional and personal success by helping them visually show up with confidence in a wardrobe that authentically reflects their personal style.
Darshan’s most recent work includes styling Editor in Chief of Elle Magazine, Nina Garcia, on Project Runway, as well as creating looks for entrepreneur and Sprinkle’s cupcake founder, Candace Nelson, on Shark Tank. As she continues to expand her career, she values the experiences and lessons she has learned by sharing with others and has begun to mentor the next generation of stylists.
Connect with Darshan:
Visit her Website
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