FASHION STYLIST MONICA CARGILE ON STYLING, ART AND COLLABORATIONS
Tell us about your art. How did you get into Fashion Styling and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
As a child, I always knew what looked good on different body types. My mother would ask me my opinion of her outfits when I was 11 and my sister trusted me to go shopping for her. Before I started styling, I worked at a small record label and I wore many hats. I was the admin person but was consulted on many aspects of the label including our artists. When the signed artists had photoshoots I would style and consult them on their hair and makeup, at the time I didn’t realize that Styling was an actual job. Once I had the experience of bringing my ideas to life on set, I was hooked and knew that I wanted to style. Helping people find the right wardrobe came naturally to me and everyone I worked with was always pleased. I knew that I wanted to pursue it as a career.
How would you describe your art?
I like to describe my art as EXTRA. It is definitely refined and I have a high fashion aesthetic, but I always like to include that MOMENT, that makes it stand out from the crowd.
What’s unique about what you do?
I stand out as a stylist because I incorporate my client’s personality into their wardrobe. I definitely like to push the boundaries and many times have them try things that they never would have tried had I not insisted, but everything is still them. I like to call it YOU 2.0
Where did you learn your craft? Were you self-taught or did you go to any school to study about your craft?
I started in the styling industry by interning and quickly was hired on as a full time assistant. I am a quick learner and paid attention to the techniques that worked and those that didn’t.
Where do you usually get your inspirations?
I am inspired by everything around me. I can look at a flower and the color of one leaf can fuel the idea for a fashion story.
Do you prefer working alone when you create your art or do you thrive whenever you work with other people?
I enjoy collaborating with others to create fashion stories.
How important is collaboration for you?
My favorite stories come from working with a strong team where everyone offers their personal expertise.
Is there a favorite, memorable collaboration/project/work/art from your portfolio that resonates with you a lot? Why?
The entire team on this fashion story was incredible, and the model Colleen Heidemann was such an inspiration and pleasure to style. She was willing to push the envelope and those are my favorite models.