Styling 101: Prop Kit

Jazzi — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:57:00 +0000

People often ask me about my “career goal”. The answer is not so simple, and I definitely have more than one, but what I can say is, I know what I’m good at, and what I am just plain no good at. I also know what makes me happy. A magazine is a strong contender; it’s one place I could combine the largest number of “things I’m good at” and things I love. Writing, Fashion, Beauty, Music, Art, and People, to name a few. Basically, I don’t know where exactly I’m going, but I’ll know when I get there? I definitely have a vision. Hopefully it makes me some money.

I’m currently concentrating on Freelance Styling. I’ve learned so much from the Fashion Industry, and I’m still learning, so I thought I’d share as I go along.

First order of Business: The Prop Kit

A magic hat of sorts for stylists containing toiletries, undergarments, and tailoring essentials. Double stick tape, sewing kit, industrial clips, an assortment of undergarments, band aids, first-aid, deodorant, lint roller, shoe horn, breath mints, boob inserts, stain removers, moisturizer, baby wipes, and static guard are a must. The list goes on and on and on, you probably get the idea, but a stylist must cover all bases with their prop kit. Mishaps definitely happen. There is a large bag backstage that contains all of the above, and then a tool belt/ fanny pack with scissors, sewing kit, clips, etc. for touch ups on set. I really want this one.

Examples – I was the subject of a photo shoot for Teen Vogue a few years ago, and we did some shots of me sitting in a tree. I successfully climbed the tree, but somehow managed to fall out of it. I was bleeding down one leg, and the stylist fixed me up no problem. Shoes didn’t fit? We stuffed them. I just remember she had everything!

Another, on this shoot, my first solo styling job, I sliced my finger while punching a new whole in a shoe strap, and got blood on the shoe. Band-aids and baby wipes.

Also, have you ever wondered why clothing looks so good on models and not nearly as good in person? It’s less so that they are so skinny, and more so that the clothing has been clipped to death to obtain the perfect fit. (See, left.)

Other essentials: Garment Steamer, Folding Rolling Rack, Shoes Bins, Trunks, Garment Bags …

Jazzi McG » prop kit

Styling 101: Prop Kit