Style Kee-per

UNLIKE in Hollywood where being a fashion stylist is a well-known career, it is still new here. Therefore, few Malaysians are aware of its existence. In fact, when Andrea Kee introduces herself as one, others often mistake her for a make-up artist or a hairstylist instead. Some even assume that she's a fashion designer!
"Stylist is not a known job because many people don't know that someone needs to coordinate fashion spreads in magazines or that someone is responsible to style a celebrity's attire for public appearances," explained Kee.
While the 28-year-old did not grow up wanting to be a stylist, her five-year stint at a local magazine paved the way for her current success. Besides being the personal stylist for Carmen Soo, she is also the resident stylist for Uniqlo Malaysia and Miss Universe Malaysia. The latter means that she dresses Elaine Daly, Vanessa Tevi and Kiran Jassal too.
"I have always liked fashion, but my forte is not in designing so I took up Mass Communication because I'm good in languages. After a few years of working in a magazine, I felt that it was time for me to give freelance styling a try as I have already reached my peak in editorial," said the former fashion editor.
Kee took that leap of faith a little more than a year ago and she has never looked back since.
Can you tell us more about fashion styling?
As a fashion stylist, my job is to make someone look good and feel good. I am not here to change a person into someone completely different, but to enhance their dressing style instead. Simply put, my task is to decide what my client wears from head to toe and that includes clothes, shoes, hairstyle, make-up, accessories and nails. Additionally, I have to work closely with fashion brands to source and loan the required clothing.
How would you describe your style?
I don't think any stylist should restrict themselves to any one style as our job is to be as versatile as ever. If you're not then you're just limiting your potential and clientele. Ergo, I am quite experimental.
Where do you draw your styling inspiration from?
It's a social media world right now, thus Instagram is very important for us stylists because we have to always keep our eyes on the international sphere. Generally, we have to do a lot of analysis and stay updated on the latest fashion trends.
Do you look up to any stylist?
Yes, Kate Young. She's a Hollywood stylist and she is the woman behind Selena Gomez's fashion transformation. Although she's more of a celebrity dresser, I think it works the same way. The money is not in dressing celebrities, but that is where you get the exposure and this in turn land you campaign opportunities.
You have been a freelance stylist for a while now. So, where do you see your future?
I'm currently at a crossroads where I'm trying to decide if I should expand my career. I am comfortable working on my own but as my clientele grows, my workload increases simultaneously. Considering some of the menial tasks that I have to take care of, I'm contemplating hiring an assistant. It is, nevertheless, difficult to find someone who is trustworthy, reliable and dedicated.
What advice would you give to an aspiring stylist?
While creativity is important, it's not advisable for you to be a stubborn creative. You need to be open to constructive criticism and be willing to accept others' opinions. When someone else tells you something, they are giving you their viewpoints and this is vital. Moreover, it is also important to be hardworking. After working for so many years, I'm still picking up clothes, ironing them and sending them to dry cleaning; hence, one shouldn't ever think that a task is beneath you.
To you, style is...
I'd like to quote my friend for this because it's really true. He said: "Style is about your personality and character. It takes years to build from knowing, understanding and inventing yourself. Fashion says 'me too' but style says 'only me'."