Michelle Washington's forte is to create "TRUE FASHION" for clients and magazines – which means, "being clever" and seeking out the "hottest" styles from new and unique designers. Her fashion knowledge stems from years of fashion experience and a diverse history with various popular fashion brand names and designer labels such as: Nike Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, American Eagle, and many more. Michelle is currently a fashion instructor for Westwood College where she teaches: Fashion Event Planning, Intro to Fashion, Textile, Fashion Retail Management, Multicultural Retailing, and Fashion Buying at Westwood College. Although she is a New Yorker at heart, her fashion travels have led her to Hong Kong, Thailand, Taipei, Italy, and France.
She takes a few moments to talk style with us and shares some of her favorite fashion inspirations.
ymib: Whats your personal style?
Michelle: My style is anything from urban eclectic to shabby chic. I dress in a style that’s fun, but not “trendy”. This may sound funny coming from a Fashion Stylist, but I don’t conform to trends…especially when I am in an industry that is responsible for defining the next trend.
ymib: What are your most essential pieces in the following places?
Home: My mahogany hand carved djembe drum, candles, and African masks
Closet: My assortment of men’s driving caps, cashmere wraps/shawls, and my large selection of shoes
Handbag/clutch: My black patent leather clutch
ymib: What do you love most about your job & teaching fashion?
Michelle: The best part about my job...I would truly say that it is the people I get to work with. I have been lucky enough to work with the most amazing mix of people over the years. Some were humors, eccentric, endearing, lovely, interesting, intelligent, wise, but all of them have interesting stories and valuable experience to learn from; whether it's been from the world of TV, film...you name it. There's never ever a dull moment and I wouldn't change it for the world.
I love teaching, mostly because I am surprised that I have something that students want to learn. It is easy to take what I do for granted, but the student’s fresh perspective and inquiries make me very grateful and appreciative.
ymib: What are some of your future goals within your life and within the fashion industry?
Michelle: I plan to increase Fashion Styling work with overseas designers and magazines.
ymib: Any shopping tips, especially for those that buy clothes while shopping, and then once they get home they seem to hate what they just bought?
Michelle: It is easy to buy on “impulse” and it is also easy to have “buyer’s remorse”. Try to keep in mind what you have in your wardrobe and buy accessories (and clothing) that will help to bring new life to outfits that need a new look. Secret: I still have a few sweaters that I bought back in college, basic colors and shapes…you would never know that they are old because I update the look with new items.
ymib: What's your spring 2008 forecast?
Michelle: When I went to New York Fashion Week for Spring 2008 Collections…I saw so many beautiful things! 2008 will have a revive of black and white, metallic will continue into the Spring season, and African fabric patterns are a new couture favorite.
ymib: Could you please share with us your favorites of the following?
Designers: Zac Posen, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Venexiana, Gwen Steffani’s L.A.M.B., & Diane Von Furstenberg.
Magazines: YMIB, Vogue, Elle, Essence, Marie Clare, TCHAD, 944, Frankie, Fringe, Oyster, Nylon, Zink, and LA’G Magazine
Fashion Books: Tim Gunn “A Guide to Quality, Taste, & Style.
ymib: What was your process and inspiration like on your journey to becoming a Fashion Stylist & what has been your most memorable moment thus far?
Michelle: The process wasn’t easy and the journey was difficult. Having faith and following my dreams sustain me towards my goals. International travel continues to inspire me and creates new memories.
ymib: What is the process like once someone hires you as their Fashion Stylist?
Michelle: Depending on the project or Magazine, my Assistant will find out if the client has a concept or if they want me to go with my own ideas, a schedule and date will be set, and flight plans if necessary.
visit her website at: styleology.net
