Interview with Style Assistant, Ellis Herz

1. Introduce yourself? Name, age, where you are from? I am Ellis Herz and I am from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I live in NYC and have loved living there the last three years. I am studying integrative design but I went into school pursuing sustainable textiles and now focus more on mixed media work.

2. How did you first get into styling? I was 15 years old and I met a stylist, who was my fake aunt growing up. She came to Philly and I told her I was passionate about styling. The only fashion I had in Philly was reading editorials as a kid, flipping through the magazines in such a way that fueled my imagination and curiosity. I was doing anything I could do to get into the industry. She invited me to help style a shoot for Vogue Australia. I loved it so much. I continued to work on weekends and for the rest of the summer.

3. What is a misconception you had about the fashion industry before working? There is this idea that is super glamorous. When I walked into the office, her assistant told me that the work is hard and it is not romantic. It's about adapting to what people want, and in the end it all pays off in time. Styling is a lot of free labour, yet all careers require free labour for employee entry.

4. What makes a good stylist vs a bad one? In my opinion, I have a pretty conservative view of fashion. My favorite stylist is Patty Wilson, I love using shape and making it more weird, yet not necessarily digestible.

5. Who are some of your inspirations when it comes to fashion? I really love punk music, I love Glastonbury fashion and festival looks from the early 2000s. I love Kate Moss and Pete Doherty. I also am influenced by natural dyes, weathered vintage clothing. The styling job can be less personal, as you are working in a team. The brand gives you a moodboard, and shoots can be strict if it's coming from a campaign, the main focus is always the product.

6. Is styling a fixed trait or can it be learned? It can definitely be learned, everyone has their own style and experiences. You can pull from your own desires and passion as well. I think the way styling can be creative is shifting, the stylist I worked for moved to LA and to do celebrity styling full time. It is heartbreaking that campaigns aren't ads relevant anymore with the use of social media marketing. There is something so cool about not knowing who someone is and where the shot came from. I prefer being more influenced by the work.

7. What is the hardest part about assisting on set? It depends on the team, but if you are working with a fun team the environment can be great. It is a very small world and you can have more freedom if you know the team well. As an assistant, you don't have any creative control, but it is a very social job. It is about having fun and maintaining professionalism, while also reading the room and finding the in betweens. It can be very intimidating. It varies and depends on the stylist, some are very intense and disorganised. Some people project while some people stay composed, it can all be very situational.

8. What is the best way to start styling? Follow a stylist on instagram. Email there assistant, DM them, give it a shot. They find it interesting if you are proactive about it, the ones who make the fastest are the ones who are proactive. School of style can be an outlet as well, to make connections and break into the industry.

9. What is your personal styling process? For personal stuff, this is a bit boring but weather or a statement piece is my go to when it comes to building looks. What I have that is new or exciting. For work, it usually comes from reading a mood board, seeing what's available, the PR agency, then going to fast fashion companies to buy a bunch of stuff.