It doesn’t matter what type of clothes you own or what store you shop at. It doesn’t matter what size you wear or what aesthetic you are into. You need to take care of your image. You only get one life, and when you die, what you’ll be wearing will be your ghost outfit forever, as the classic internet meme goes.
To most Zimbabweans, the concept of a stylist is one they just hear of on their favorite TV series. However, with the growth of the entertainment industry in Zimbabwe, we have seen stylists (mostly self-taught) coming up to serve the needs of a wide array of prominent and nascent names in the industry.
You may be wondering what a ‘fashion stylist’ actually does. A fashion stylist, as the name suggests, works with fashion trends to create a distinct style for a particular individual. The individual can be anyone from a model or a celebrity, to a pressed-for-time businessperson or just anyone who wishes to create a distinct image of himself or herself.
One name that keeps popping up when stylist conversations are had is George Tandai Kuzanga. He’s so good at it, he’s popularly known as George The Stylist. As I met George for the first time, my impression of him really did match the stylist persona he’s known for. In my opinion, first impressions are rarely misleading, but they just scratch the surface. They risk the potential of being superficial. So I got to digging.
It turns out styling wasn’t his first vocation. George initially started off as an employee for a CD retailer. He quickly realized selling CDs was not going to cut it. He needed a career that would allow him to ‘feel alive’, where he felt passionate and expressive. That’s what styling has been for him, and the interactions and memories have come as a bonus.
He knows his stuff, he knows his customers and he capitalises on what matters the most; meaningful connections with everyone he encounters.
His bright and charming personality makes you feel like you are having a well needed brunch with a friend rather than an official business appointment.
He has styled so many prominent people including popular male model Zaddy.zw, socialite Dyonne Tanaka, the current Miss UZ Karen Katsande and musician Probeatz.
Why do you need a stylist ?
A personal stylist ideally achieves your closet goals! They make the most of the clothes in your closet by styling outfits, saving you time and money in the long run. With a stylist, you can say goodbye to those forgettable looks, to the confusing, the questionable, to the downright atrocious.
What makes a great stylist ?
You can’t style other people without pulling off impressive looks for yourself. All the honesty, communication skills, and business acumen will not make up for your lack of style. Great stylists work hard to master their craft. They take time to know the in’s and out’s of several techniques. They keep themselves updated with the latest trends and innovations in the fashion industry.
Want to be a stylist too? Be careful what you wish for
Yes, your job is to bring glitz and glam, but not all that glitters is gold. One of the biggest challenges faced by fashion stylists is finding a delicate balance between their own opinions and the clients’ requirements.
They should be neither too submissive nor too overbearing. They should be able to present their opinion in a way that does not offend the client. But sometimes some clients are a bit tad controlling. Refusing to wear suggested items it can leave a stylist feeling frustrated and demoralised and honestly at stand still on what to do next .
It’s more than just making someone look stylish. It’s a business. A stylist has to manage their business. Your skillset goes beyond the styling, and you have handle various aspects such as record keeping, budgeting, order processing, and other administrative tasks. This can be a tedious task and one that takes a toll for just one person.
Still keen? Learn more from the best
As an experienced stylist, George has started masterclasses where he teaches other prospective and aspiring stylists or simply interested individuals how to style themselves and look good. He believes that clothes mean much more than the garments that cover our nether regions. Clothes are a form of expression, they can wield power to your confidence and your outlook on life.
George’s masterclasses are as insightful as they are vital. It’s not just about matching clothes, but rather about understanding the essence behind every piece and the need to combine the pieces in a way that delivers the striking look that we all seek.
From Styling To Selling The Style
George The Stylist has grown from strength the strength to also become George The Shop Owner. He also owns Modern Vintage, a classy thrift store nestled in the heart of the Avenues area. The clothes are preloved , but the style is forever. Being a stylist, he’s always ahead of the latest trends and fashion hacks.
I had the pleasure of being styled by the man himself, and I just had to leave with this combo: a lovely pair of codro jeans, a chic blouse and a handy tote bag to go with it. Trust me when I say there is everything for everyone. The chic, the glitzy, the glamourous, the elegant,the beautiful and borderline bold and bodacious. Everything for everyone.
If you have a high profile event to attend or you just want a really good plug for clothes, l definitely recommend you book George The Stylist. He’s usually at Shop Number 18, First Floor, Windemere Court, Corner Five Avenue and Mazowe Street, which is where Modern Vintage is domiciled.
You can also check out his social media. Instagram of course, his is a visual business after all. It’s george_the_stylist; and the official account for Modern Vintage is modern.vintage.zw.
