I met Mark E. Menzie when we both were members of Black Retail Action Group's Fashion Institute of Technology chapter. Post grad, Mark has been keeping very busy. Between styling, working and hosting events, he's even been building a small magazine of his own, AhMuseSing. Impressive.
Louneska: So, how and why did you get into styling?
Mark: I got into fashion styling by accident during my freshman year of college while studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Clothing can act as a form of non-verbal communication and that always intrigued me. People send messages all the time just by getting dressed be it a movie, television show, or first date. I loved conceptualizing outfits for class everyday, was a hard worker and stayed curious.
L: Take me down the path of what it's like for a stylist from the point of forming a vision to the wrap-up.
M: The picture you see in a magazine is the end result of a lot of people who work hard and love what they do, extra points if they actually get paid for it. The first step is finalizing your vision which is usually provided by the photographer or magazine you are working with. Next step is you guessed it - the clothes! A good stylist has connections and is able to pull key pieces and looks from any designer showroom, but still relies on their favorite vintage shops for that one special piece. Sometimes it can even be that one personal piece such as a necklace from your own collection that completes the look. Once all the clothing and accessories are called in, they are packed up, shipped off to the photo shoot and returned to their rightful homes after the model does his/her thing on set.
L: How did you get your feet wet into styling?
M: It began with an internship position with the popular make over show 'What Not To Wear', from there I continued assisting other fashion stylists such as Keegan Singh - who is signed to Streeters. Since then I have been able to work with some of the most talented people in the fashion industry such Barnaby. Some of my projects include television commercials for Macy's, music videos, and a lot of editorial work for clients such as Vogue America, Vogue Bambini, Details, Interview and Love magazine. My favorite part is seeing it all in print three months later!
L:What has been your favorite project to date?
M: My favorite project to date has been the video shoot for the LVMH owned brand NOWNESS. It was two days long and allowed me to have the most responsibility. I also lost some designer underwear, so finding and returning them to their proper showrooms was fun.
L: What would be your dream project to work on?
M: My dream project to work on would probably be a cover story for Teen Vogue. I loved the magazine growing up, have both editions of the handbook signed by Amy Astley - the editor in chief and am really happy to see how they have grown with their readers over the years by creating such strong content and evolving into a lifestyle brand.
L: What advice would you give a young person looking to go into styling?
M: The advice I would give a young person looking to go into styling is to give it your all. Don't be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder during New York Fashion Week and say, "Hi! I'm (insert name). I recognized you from (insert magazine) and would love to get into fashion styling. Are you looking for an intern"? Believe you me, it works every time.
M: Ahmusesing is a tween girl's lifestyle blog that covers beauty and fashion from an aspirational place. Our target demographic may be young, but she sees dollars signs and thinks business when reaching for her favorite nail polish at the local beauty supply store.Each digital issue informs readers about fashion allowing her to dream big and think bigger. We include confidence tips and interviews with industry leaders like make-up artists, designers, and fashion stylists.
You can follow AhMuseSing and connect with Mark via the Facebook at The AmuseSing Facebook Page.
You can follow AhMuseSing and connect with Mark via the Facebook at The AmuseSing Facebook Page.
Are you a rising stylist with questions or comments for Mark? Add them to the comment box below!
Until next time!
xoxo,
Louneska
Hello Mark! im an aspiring stylist that grew up in nyc and was wondering if you think it would be best to start over in another state. I feel like berkeley college will not get me into the internships i need.
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ReplyDeleteHi Melly! You should know as a New Yorker that this is one of the best places to be as a creative individual. Go out to parties where the fashionistas dance all night, network with them and remember you can intern for anyone, even remotely nowadays. Utilize your off seasons at school such as summer to do longer stints at fashion jobs. Should you move, remember to stay focused, but always stay busy. That enabled me to really build my contacts and broaden my knowledge of the industry. You have to connect the dots very quickly in fashion. In other words, be a people person, work hard and go for what you want!