Meet the Stylist: Courtney Smith
17-04-2014
FC: Did you know from a young age that you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
Courtney: (Pictured right) Yes always, I was constantly sketching and drawing dresses, putting on hideous fashion shows for my family and cutting-up clothes to make ‘my creations’ whenever I could. I like to think that becoming a stylist was a natural progression!
FC: Did you study fashion at college or Uni?
Courtney: Yes, I studied Fashion Design at college and then did a postgrad in Fashion Media at The London College of Fashion which had styling as a module. It was a great place to hone my skills, and I worked in fashion retail for years part-time too which definitely helps you stay on top of new trends and learn about products and fabrics.
FC: How did you start out in the industry? Did you do any placements, internships?
Courtney: Like I said for me it was almost a natural progression; working part-time in a top London boutique while in college helped me get a small platform to begin styling from. Once I had worked with a celebrity clientele there I set myself up as a freelance stylist and never looked back.
FC: What makes your work stand out from the competition?
Courtney: I think every stylist or photographer or designer has a niche or something that makes their work different. I have been told that the people in my imagery are empowered and strong, visually I guess that’s something I put across.
FC: How much of your own personal style influences the looks you put together?
Courtney: None. I take each project as a new creative direction; my work is influenced by the client, the trends, the season, movies, music, locations, everything… everything but my own personal taste… otherwise it wouldn’t be very dynamic.
FC: Any up and coming projects you are working on that you can tell us about?
Courtney: I have lots of new international shoots happening over the next six months, and I have a new youtube channel launching soon which I am very excited about.
FC: What advice would you give to those wanting to follow the same career path?
Courtney: Work your little asses off, and enjoy every minute.
Thanks Courtney
