Editorial Stylist

🎯 Role Definition

The Editorial Stylist is the creative force responsible for the visual execution of our brand's fashion narrative. This role bridges the gap between marketing concepts and final photographic assets, ensuring every image is aspirational, on-brand, and commercially effective. You will own the styling process from initial concept to on-set execution, collaborating closely with photographers, art directors, and marketers to produce best-in-class content that captivates our audience and drives engagement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Stylist Assistant
Fashion Closet Coordinator
Visual Merchandiser
Personal Shopper

Advancement To:

Senior Editorial Stylist
Fashion Director
Art Director
Creative Director

Lateral Moves:

Prop Stylist
E-commerce Styling Manager
Brand Content Creator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative styling concepts for all photoshoots, including seasonal campaigns, e-commerce, social media content, and print lookbooks, ensuring alignment with the Art Director's vision and overall brand strategy.
Curate and source a wide range of apparel, footwear, accessories, and props from internal collections, external brands, PR agencies, and showrooms to build compelling and cohesive looks.
Create detailed mood boards, style guides, and shot lists for each project to clearly communicate the creative direction and styling narrative to the entire production team.
Provide expert on-set styling for both on-figure and still-life photography, ensuring perfect fit, drape, and presentation of garments while making real-time adjustments to achieve the desired shot.
Collaborate intimately with photographers, art directors, hair and makeup artists, and models to create a cohesive and powerful visual story that resonates with our target audience.
Manage the end-to-end process of sample trafficking, including requesting, tracking, organizing, and returning all borrowed items in a timely and professional manner.
Maintain and meticulously organize the studio style closet, building a robust inventory of essential props, basics, and accessories to support diverse creative needs.
Conduct continuous research on fashion trends, competitor landscapes, and industry innovations to ensure our brand's styling remains fresh, relevant, and forward-thinking.
Build and nurture strong relationships with PR agencies, brand representatives, and designers to facilitate access to key products and exclusive samples.
Prepare all wardrobe items for photoshoots, including steaming, ironing, pinning, and making minor alterations to ensure pristine condition and perfect on-model fit.
Work within established budgets for prop sourcing and wardrobe rentals, diligently tracking expenses and seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising creative quality.
Ensure styling consistency across all brand channels, upholding brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries to keep visual content exciting and new.
Proactively partner with the buying and merchandising teams to understand key product pushes, seasonal themes, and inventory levels to inform styling choices.
Oversee and direct styling assistants on set, delegating tasks related to wardrobe prep, organization, and on-set support to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Participate in post-production image reviews, providing expert feedback on styling details and helping to select the strongest final assets for publication.
Style a high volume of products for e-commerce, maintaining a high level of quality and consistency while adhering to strict daily and weekly shot count targets.
Interpret creative briefs and marketing objectives to develop styling solutions that not only look beautiful but also drive commercial success and highlight key product features.
Articulate and present styling concepts to key stakeholders, effectively communicating the rationale behind creative choices and ensuring buy-in before production begins.
Manage the logistics of packing, transporting, and setting up the wardrobe and styling kit for off-site location shoots, anticipating all potential needs.
Develop a deep understanding of the brand's customer persona to style looks that are both aspirational and relatable, fostering a strong connection with the audience.
Document and maintain detailed styling notes and credits for all shoots, ensuring accurate information for publication and internal records.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve the studio styling process, from workflow enhancements to new prop and equipment acquisition.

Secondary Functions

Support the casting process by providing input on models whose look and feel align with the brand aesthetic and specific campaign concepts.
Contribute to broader creative team brainstorms for seasonal campaigns, content strategy, and new marketing initiatives.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior stylists, interns, and freelance assistants, fostering their growth and development.
Collaborate with the social media team to create behind-the-scenes content and styling tips that enhance audience engagement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

On-Set Styling & Garment Fitting
Trend Forecasting & Market Research
Mood Board & Concept Creation
Photoshoot Production & Workflow Management
Wardrobe & Sample Management (Sample Trafficking)
Prop Sourcing & Procurement
Knowledge of Fashion History & Designer Aesthetics
E-commerce & Still-Life Styling Techniques
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
Budget Management for Wardrobe & Props

Soft Skills

Exceptional Creativity & Visual Storytelling
Strong Interpersonal & Collaborative Communication
Impeccable Attention to Detail & Organization
Proactive Problem-Solving in Fast-Paced Environments
Excellent Time Management & Ability to Meet Deadlines
Adaptability & Flexibility to Changing Creative Briefs
Strong Sense of Brand Awareness & Commercial Acumen
Resilience and Grace Under Pressure
Leadership & Mentoring Abilities
A Positive, Can-Do Attitude

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent; a strong portfolio is paramount.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fashion Merchandising or Design
Art History
Photography
Visual Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of professional styling experience in an editorial, e-commerce, or agency environment.

Preferred:

A comprehensive and compelling digital portfolio showcasing a diverse range of on-figure and still-life styling work is required for consideration.