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I-ELLA Chats with Fashion Stylist Mia Morgan
Ever wondered just how to become the next it stylist? Well thanks to Mia Morgan--film costume designer and fashion stylist for amazing stars like Beyonce and Kate Hudson--you can find out how! Check out our exclusive interview with Mia for her top tips to breaking into the industry, as well as some of her favorite styling moments and her easy advice for editing your closet.
I-ELLA: You grew up in Detroit, Michigan--how do you believe this shaped where you are today?
Mia: Growing up outside of Detroit set the foundation for who I am today. The work ethic that I learned in the Midwest is something that keeps me grounded and focused to this day. It was a super creative place to be at the time. I was very self-expressed as a teenager, especially in the way I dressed. There was a great music and art scene. Being an individual was something that was celebrated in the creative circles I traveled in.
I also worked for Linda Dresner at the time and was exposed to all of the best designer clothes in the world. It was my first exposure to high fashion, and I am grateful that I got to work with the best. Linda has the most amazing sense of style and carries all of the top designers from Jil Sander, Azzedine Alaia and Chloe to Dries Van Noten and many more.
I-ELLA: Please tell us about your first experience designing for a film.
Mia: I was working in the indie film world at the time. It was very exciting back then because there were a handful of cool indie films that a certain group of people were making. It was a dream come true for me! The first film I costume designed made me feel so alive and inspired. I really love to get into character development and the psychology of why a person would wear what they do. In film, you can be so creative and the actors were so thankful that the wardrobe helped them get into character. I knew I had found my calling.
I-ELLA: What is the biggest misconception about the life of a stylist?
Mia: Being a stylist looks so different from the outside. The job looks glamorous from the outside, but there is a lot of work to do on the inside. Although having great taste and being talented is essential, there are many other aspects to styling, especially when you are starting out. You can expect to have really long days. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride at the beginning, so you have to really want it.
I-ELLA: What are the first three steps to getting started as a stylist?
Mia: One, get an internship or assistant job with a top stylist. There are only a few in the industry that really make it, so I would try and work for the best person you can find. Expect to assist for at least two years, if not more. Many elements are different with every project and you need to learn to think fast on your toes. There is no room for error. Learning from someone you admire is essential to understanding the ins and outs of the business.
Two, build a book. It takes many years to build a book that you can be proud of, and it will require a financial and time investment to do so. If you are assisting someone great, you’ll often meet photo assistants on shoots that are also building their books and you can test with them.
Three, develop your contacts. Having the right relationships is key to getting the clothes that you need when you need them. Create relationships with showrooms and vendors, and never burn bridges. You never know where someone is going to be on their next job and they often remember the little details. Always return clothing to the showrooms in the same condition you got them.
I-ELLA: What inspires you?
Mia: I am most inspired by people who are artistic and self-expressed. Style is unique to each person, and people that have built their own style personality inspire me. I am also inspired by nature, music, art and movies.
I-ELLA: What is your most memorable styling moment?
Mia: There are many, but I would have to say the first time I was blown away was when I got to work with Jackie O when I was first starting out on Madison Avenue. After that experience, I wasn't intimidated by anyone. I'm grateful I got to work with the best early on.
I also styled a book a couple of years ago called Hollywood Pinups, shot by Timothy White and published by Harper Collins. The book was made up of celebrities dressed as pinup girls, including beauties like Kate Hudson, Molly Sims and Susan Sarandon. The shoes were all from Christian Louboutin. I loved having a whole range of Christian Louboutin shoes to pull from. What a fantasy!
I-ELLA: You have some amazing clients, including Beyonce, Kate Hudson, Eva Longoria and more. Is there anyone you have not yet had the chance to work with that you would absolutely love to style?
Mia: Yes! I love Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson. I think Krysten Ritter is really cool.
I-ELLA: If you were not a stylist, you would be ______.
Mia: A travel writer, a horticulturist or an astronaut.
I-ELLA: How often do you edit your closet? Any tips for our members?
Mia: Four times a year. My rule of thumb is that if it's not my style, in style or a classic designer, it's out. Also, get rid of anything you've never worn if it's been sitting in your closet longer than two years. Get rid of anything that you don't feel good in, is too fussy, isn't flattering or itches.
I-ELLA: What’s your spring must-have?
Mia: Color! Color blocking is great and a fun way to be sophisticated and playful at the same time.
I-ELLA: What's next?
Mia: I'll be attending a good number of shows and parties this fashion week. I always love to be out and about bumping into friends that I only see that time of the year. I am styling the Joanna Mastroianni show and really looking forward to it!. Joanna always uses the most amazing fabrics and is making some incredible accessories. There are going to be some real show stoppers!
Mia’s Top I-ELLA Picks: These Christian Louboutin Pumps, this vintage black dress, these Chanel over the knee boots, and Paula Abdul’s Givenchy boots and Burberry studded bag.
