I remember it like it was yesterday. It was my first day of classes freshman year at University of Miami, and into one of my classes walks the most stylish girl who I knew I wanted to be friends with. Not only was she insanely stylish, but so sweet and fun, too. We became friends that year at college, and after I transferred schools, we didn’t keep up much, but I followed her amazing career in the fashion industry. Dani Michelle, 30, is a fashion stylist based in Los Angeles. She has styled for some of the biggest celebs out there, her work has been featured in major magazines, and I’m not surprised one bit; her sense of style is so SO good. Keep on reading for a little dose of Dani and her fabulous job.
Have you always known you’ve wanted to be a stylist?
I learned about styling when I was 17 working at Seventeen magazine. Back then, the job of a stylist wasn’t as well known; I didn’t even know it existed. Once I did, I had my eyes set on that.
What was your first job out of college? And what followed that job?
My first job out of college was assistant to the stylist of the Jonas Brothers. We worked on their tours, appearances and photo shoots. From there, my career bloomed.
You’ve worked with A-List celebs, such as Carrie Underwood, Kate Upton, and Justin Bieber, and with models for the biggest fashion magazines out there, such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ, major campaigns for brands, such as Adidas, Converse, and Coke – what is it like working with these clients?
Working with major talents and companies comes with a lot of pressure. You want to be the best you can for your client, providing everything possible to make their vision come to life. For me, bigger the client, the higher the expectations. I give 100 percent into anything I do, big or small; our work is never easy.
For someone wanting to break into this industry, what advice would you give them?
Make sure this is something you really want to do. Succeeding in this business means years of unpacking, checking things in, emails, appointments, slugging loads and loads of garment bags, and late nights organizing. The magic on set or the red carpet is only a few minutes long.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style I would say is comfortable chic. I’m always in a comfortable fashion shoe, skinny jeans and some sort of silk blouse.
Favorite places to shop?
Opening Ceremony.
Walk us thru a day in your life.
No two days are the same, but a typical day is about a list of 10-15 showrooms or stores that I need to go to, to pull clothing for my clients. And then it’ll be a late night organizing what we have so far, and creating a game plan for the next day.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. All social media, my friends, magazines.
What is your favorite thing to style for? Red carpet events, magazines, commercials??
I really love it all! Every job has its own perks.
If you could have a cocktail with one person, alive or not, who would it be and why?
Kate Moss. She is my ultimate and always has been. I probably wouldn’t be able to talk though.
Thanks, Dani!
Be sure to follow Dani on Instagram.
Read past interviews here.
If you or someone you know would be a great fit for this series, reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you.