Paolo Casseb

Meet Fashion Stylist Paolo Casseb who tells us all the ins and outs for aspiring stylists and how he got into the industry himself...

EQ: How did you first get into styling?

P: I studied Media & Communication at Goldsmiths College (University of London) and specialized in Photography which cultivated my eye for fine detail and led me to styling and creatively directing my own work.

My first time on an industry shoot was assisting creative Terry James-Lynch shooting with photographer Cameron James-Wilson. I then went onto assisting celebrity stylist Nayaab Tania.

I’ve been styling on and off, here and there for years now but it was only in October last year that I decided to give it my all and go full time.

EQ: What is your favourite part of being a stylist?

P: My soul yearns to be creative. I love being on set and working with kindred spirits creating something beautiful. I feel like I’m doing exactly what I should be doing with my life.

“Blessed. Stressed. Still well Dressed”

EQ: And what is the most challenging part?

P: No one ever considers; that our kit changes with every single job.

Stylists relay on other people e.g. PR companies and brands to give us the tools to be able to do our job.

It takes a very LONG time to build trust, to build up your name, your reputation and ultimately, you as a brand in itself. Which is why I say; as much as I’m a stylist and I’m a creative; I’m also in a business of building relationships and that’s about 85% of the job!

I love it, I’m a peoples person and I love networking and you have to just really go after what you want and not be shy. You don’t ask - you don’t get! What’s the worst that someone can say; “No”? Take the L and keep it moving!

“Network on set, be attentive, and keep GLOWING!”

- Paolo Casseb

EQ: What has been your most memorable moment in your career so far?

P: I got a call to cover a job for another stylist to shoot a cover with Anitta. Being Brazilian it was like getting to work with Beyoncé or Drake. I can’t describe it. I was freaking out because we had a day to call-in looks, half the delivery didn’t show up on time and I was late on set. I wanted to die! Thankfully her flight was delayed from Paris and she was just finishing hair and makeup when I arrived.

Anitta and her whole team were so lovely and complimentary. I had been travelling for a few months prior the shoot and I heard Anitta played all over Latin America. So; to get that call the week I got back was major!

Last week I got to style Clean Bandits ‘Drive Remix’ Video and that was insane! We had 2 days to pull together 16 looks. Mad.

Also, seeing your work and your name in print never EVER gets old.

EQ: Talk us through your fashion must-haves!

P: SHOES! I love shoes! Shoes can make an entire outfit I think. I use to be a Personal Shopper / Stylist in Selfridges Men’s Personal Shopping and I would spend all of my money in the Shoe Galleries.

I also love a statement blazer over anything and a heavy vintage leather biker jacket.

Lastly; sunglasses (preferably big enough to hide all manner of sin!)

EQ: What is your advice to aspiring stylists?

P: Network! Go to events, make friends. Make friends with: makeup artists, hairstylists, nail techs, photographers. Get a job in a photography studio. Learn about lighting and set etiquette. If you work in retail; make friends with buyers and VM. Collaborate with the makeup artist on counters. Learn as much as you can. Be hungry for it!

Also, starting out is the hardest. People don’t know you or your work… No one loans for test shoots… So; use your initiative and shoot your friends, your friend’s friends, message people on social media - collaborate and build your brand! No one is going to give it to you on a platter. Network on set, be attentive, and keep GLOWING!!