It’s common to feel stuck in your job. Career changes seem exhausting, and the thought of having to go back to school in order to change things up can be daunting. Here at CourseHorse, we know it’s possible to score your dream job without going back to a formal, four-year college or graduate program. There are plenty of resources around the city to get you where you want to be. We’re here to help you find them.
9 STYLISTS WHO FOUND SUCCESS WITHOUT A FORMAL DEGREE
Rachel Zoe and the late L’Wren Scott are two examples of superstar stylists who made it big in the fashion industry with no formal degree in fashion. Today, it’s uncommon to see formal, four year stylist degree programs. Instead, more and more aspiring stylists are turning to certification courses, like those offered through School of Style, the first school dedicated to teaching wardrobe and personal styling. They’ve put together a list of some of the most successful, self-taught stylists in today’s fashion world to prove that it’s never too late to do what you love.
1. Cristina Ehrlich – Before becoming one of the major celebrity stylists of our time, with VIP clients such as Penelope Cruz, Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Amy Adams, Jessica Pare, and Allison Williams, she was studying to be a dancer in NYC. She decided to pursue a career as a stylist under the guidance of her mentor, Irene Albright – owner of the Fashion Library (a real XXL closet filled with designer gems).
2. Elizabeth Stewart – While she studied journalism and worked for a time at WWD in NYC, her passionate spirit led her to move to Paris to style covers at Fairchild publications. She ended up in Los Angeles, which is now her stylish ‘playground!’ She’s dressed Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, and Julia Roberts.
3. Kate Young – Kate studied English and the history of art at Oxford before deciding to break into the fashion world. She eventually became Anna Wintour’s assistant at Vogue, and built up her reputation as a stylist. She ultimately became one of Hollywood’s top stylists with A-list clients such as Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, and Emilia Clarke.
4. Johnny Wujek – This former model debuted his career modeling for a Dolce & Gabbana charity show at Steven Spielberg’s house. He gained so much on-the-job training that he managed to build up his career and become personal stylist to both Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj. Not only is Johnny super major, he’s also known to hire School of Style graduates.
5. Brad Goreski – This Canadian celebrity stylist and TV persona, known for his polished look, studied art history in Los Angeles and became familiar with the fashion industry during his internships at W Magazine and Vogue in NYC. He accumulated knowledge and a network through his time as an editorial assistant, and eventually went on to style Jessica Alba, Demi Moore, Christina Ricci, Rashida Jones, and Minka Kelly. We should also note that Brad is a School of Style mentor and guest speaker. Not to mention, he hires School of Style graduates.
5. Erin Walsh – One of Hollywood’s top stylists was initially a theatre major at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Later on, as an assistant to Vogue’s Phyllis Posnick, she translated her natural storytelling talent into fashion editorials and other projects. Her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Interview, Elle, InStyle, and Vanity Fair while her celebrity clientele includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Kerry Washington, Leslie Mann, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Sudeikis and Dane DeHaan.
6. Penny Lovell – This London born-and-raised ‘vintage junkie’ got her first job at the age of 15 at a trendy boutique as a window stylist. She later worked at Burberry’s PR department and ultimately moved to NYC as a freelance stylist. Her final stop was Los Angeles, where she built up an A-list clientele, including Anne Hathaway, Rose Byrne, Taylor Schilling, Ginnifer Goodwin, Laura Carmicheal, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She has also worked for W, Japanese Vogue, Interview, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, and InStyle.
7. Joseph Cassell – He earned a degree in musical theatre and opera, worked behind the scenes in the recording industry. After years of accumulating knowledge about fashion and styling through styling for various artists’ albums and tours, he is now Taylor Swift’s personal stylist and is praised by all.
Ready to get started on a new career path? Check out School of Style’s upcoming classes, as well as other classes in NYC and LA that will help you get where you want to be. All available on CourseHorse.