INTRODUCING FASHION STYLIST/COSTUME DESIGNER, LISA SMEDLEY.
Lisa, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I grew up with a mom who was the top model in Ohio doing commercials, fashion shows and TV ads, so I was surrounded by. Fashion my whole childhood. I knew without a doubt that once I graduated, I would pursue a career in fashion as it was my passion. I left at 18 yrs old to attend college in Los Angeles and to pursue a fashion career. After graduating, one of my teachers gave me a high recommendation to apply for a job at Saks 5th Ave in Beverly Hills. This was the chapter and stepping stone that changed my life. While working at Saks, I took advantage of working with celebrity clients who needed a one on one relationship with me. I was able to pull clothing for them. For their events, work wardrobe and trips they would take. It was there I learned how to work on client’s budgets, pull wardrobe to fit their lifestyle and activities. I learned about the top designers and was always eager to learn more about the trends and classic styles that my clients would ask for. After working at Saks for two yrs, co-worker of mine had a boyfriend whose cousin was at that time starting an Agency where she represented hair, makeup and wardrobe, told me how I would be great at styling for entertainers for their projects.
I called the agent who, at the time, was Crystal Wright Agency. After meeting with her, she quickly took me under her wing, Crystal was tough on me and it definitely help me become a strong costume designer and fashion stylist with a great work ethic. I started assisting her top costume designer at the time. I learned, watched, asked questions, sometimes did work for free while staying positive, disciplined and never once saying to her, “Thats not my job!” Whatever was needed of me, I did. When Crystal saw my drive, creativity, & always giving 100% plus, she put her trust in me and convinced a manager to let me style his artist who was coming out with his first album (this was 1989)! The artist was Chuckii Booker. My portfolio had very little in it, but I was determined to work on the project, so I researched, did mood boards and did all I could to prepare myself to meet with them. I got the project and they loved how I styled him. He and his manager started recommending me for other jobs. I later met a director who ended up using me for all his projects. He worked with every hot artist back in the 90s. I worked with great artists such as Boyz to Men, Color Me Badd, Stevie Wonder, Guy featuring Teddy Riley, Ralph Tresvant, D’Angelo, Envogue Celine Dion, Bobby Brown to Whitney Houston to name a few! I styled artists for all the award shows, Grammys, MTV, Soul Train and Billboard awards.
However, at the height of my career, both my parents became terminally ill, where I took a 10 yr break from the industry to care for them as well as be a mom. After my mom died in 2014, I decided it was time for me to go back to my passion. The hardest part was reinventing myself and convincing producers and directors to hire me with a gap of not working in the industry. Due to caring for my parents. After some people telling me it was too late or it would never happen again because I was too late. I reached out to my old agent who now is a mentor and with a lot of very hard work seven determination I called everyone I was interested in working with, took classes from Crystal to refresh my website, hired her to coach me, stayed up on countless nights researching what ways I could get my name back out, and I even assisted costume designers I admired to get my name back out and learn new ways of working. Eventually, the calls started coming where they were hiring me for their projects. I then met an awesome costume designer who looked at my then over 15 yr experience as something that she was looking for as a costume buyer and ACD and gave me my first job as a costume buyer for her movie. I have sincere gratitude to her as well as she has trained & introduced me to the world of film. I began to branch out to commercials and now presently working on everything from music videos, red carpet, commercials, TV, movies to personal styling for your everyday woman and man who doesn’t have time to shop for a full wardrobe or needs a makeover.
I work on projects all over from the west coast, east coast to the mid-west and South. I have been able to have assistants I trust to start on a project in another state if needed when I’m in between jobs. I currently have two assistants I work with; Lauren G. in the south and Maya I. in the midwest and sometimes both at the same time. I have been truly blessed to do what I love, where I have worked on TV and movies with some of the biggest name actors. as well as the most legendary artist of our time. I take none of it for granted. Each costume team, producer and director I work with is always an experience I am grateful for. I presently at the request of many have decided to add speaking to more High School, college students and other aspiring costume designers and fashion stylists who want advice on how to not only get into this business but have longevity. For me the key has been a strong work ethic, having integrity, building great relationships, staying true to my passion, to what feels right, staying humble, constantly looking at ways I can grow, learn and surrounding myself with positivity.
I am looking forward to working on more exciting projects as I have some great ones this year and growing myself every day to be the best at what my passion is.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have had some bumps on the road. When I first started assisting, it wasn’t consistent, so I worked for free many times and would many times go from my full time job of retail to styling a free photo shoot till the wee hours in the morning to then turn around and go to work after 3 hours of sleep just so I could keep building my portfolio while being able to pay my bills. I worked for free for photographers because it was like a catch 22. Everyone wanted me to have experience, yet I couldn’t get hired unless I had the experience. But I was determined, not afraid to give my all and work hard! My other big challenge was coming back to what I love after the death of my parents, where I had to reinvent myself. I again had to not listen to the negative people who said it was too late for met but instead follow my heart, surround myself with positive people that were encouraging and who helped me grow. I now am blessed to work on a multitude of great projects and most importantly, to give back as that’s my passion as well.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a Costume Designer and Fashion Stylist. Every project is different with different needs, and visions whether its a director where I am bringing their vision of each character on screen to life, while adding my personal flair. It is so more than shopping for great looks! It can be a character from the era of the 50’s,60’s, and 70’s film or TV where I have to research to make sure I don’t miss one detail from the era when creating characters. . For film /movies/ TV and commercials its what the director is asking for, what the script or story board says about that character and the mood of their character, For music videos, red carpet and personal styling it’s considering the event, their body type, their likes and dislikes in fashion, colors and style.
I am extremely detailed oriented. I do extensive research on each project, so I am prepared for everything especially the hiccups. I am taking everything into consideration when I am working with a client. I am sometimes shopping and researching from sun up to late hours to find that perfect look, the one look that the script referenced to, or the right fabric to create the look. I am known for making sure there are more than enough options for every type. For example, a director for a commercial told me he wanted to see a few tie options. I brought him a whole rack of ties in every color and style. He loved it. Always best to have many options because you never know if the director may change his mind on what he wants, the character may change, or the client may even decide that day they don’t like a certain look that’s when you say “No problem!’ I have options!” Also, interning is a great way to learn this business, so I try if the project allows having a intern.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
As a Cinti girl who moved to Los Angeles for college and lived in Los Angeles for over 15 yrs, I honestly never thought I would be in ATL working! However, ATL is the hot new Hollywood. Most people I work with are here by way of LA! I love the fact that even though ATL has a lot of projects going in the entertainment field, its still family oriented which being raised in Cincinnati is something I appreciate. What I like least is the traffic! There are times where I have to grab something at a moment’s notice and sometimes it takes my assistant or me 20 min to get to a place thats 5 min from us! Also, the training and level of getting into the costume world is more intense in LA and New York, therefore, many of the professional learning is not experienced here in ATL for those who want to know that aspect. So I hope that more aspiring costumers take the time to learn more techniques. You never know when you may need that skill down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: fashionstylingbylisa.com
- Email: fashionstylingbylisa.com
- Instagram: Lisa_loves_fashion_
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