MASHA LOPATOVA: Personal Stylist

Text by Masha Lopatova, creative director of Fashion IQ

“In my early 20’s I moved to London, and that is where my romance with clothes began. I was never addicted, but always had a healthy desire for an under control wardrobe. I remember shopping for my first Prada pieces, which I still have now.”

It’s been 20 years and they still fit! Wow, I guess I’ve just never been skinny. Speaking of skinny, and the universal craziness about it, I must assure you – you don’t have to be skinny to be stylish. One of my examples in the past was Sofie Dahl. She had so much character when she was a fuller shape!!! I also need to tell you that I was never an expert in the world of fashion, but I always, always, followed it. London had a dramatic effect on my perception of style, and my education at Central Saint Martins changed my eye completely. Then I moved to America … and that’s where the disaster began.

My everblack closet turned into pink… which was sad. I had clothing in excess. Instead of resembling clothing, tons of my clothes were just cloth- Shapeless, weightless, and styleless. It turned out that America had a big problem with style. The platform shoes, (still popular among certain people) and plush track suits, (which I consider a real crime) had happened and blossomed until recent times. Thank god so many companies went out of business!

Once again, it’s hard to be stylish in the United States. Even Anna Wintour has a hard time not being seduced by a market perforated with celebrity craze. Even she became a hostage to the mass market influence on the fashion industry, putting Kate Upton and Kim Kardashian on her cover.

Clearly it’s hard to stay strong and maintain a legacy of being a fashion guru in the US. And besides, if you consider yourself a fashion guru, you shouldn’t read this anyway. Better to give me a call, and come work for me!

If you ever had doubts about what to wear, or how to wear it, also call me. I have people who consult on style for a living. Your personal stylist might become somebody very important to you, who can help you see yourself from another side, and might have a very objective and honest opinion on the way you dress.

Even though you might have had compliments throughout your life about the way you dress, a personal stylist might really freshen the whole thing up, and help you consider items that may have otherwise never occurred to you.As a result, you might discover a new you, which can definitely have an impact on your self esteem, your personal life, and even your lifestyle.

I suggest considering your closet as an investment. It should never be a waste of money. Your personal stylist can stop you from unnecessary purchases, and purchases associated with your mood swings- Shopping can be great, but buying shouldn’t be your therapy. You wardrobe consultant is someone who manages your wardrobe according to your income and lifestyle needs.

I will say that becoming a fashion guru requires a lot of funds, I mean, enormous amounts of money. To be recognized by the fashion world is a huge investment. There is also the fact to consider that not everybody likes to go shopping, any many simply lack the time, which is another reason why a stylist can be very helpful.

“A personal stylist is a real luxury, but it is worth it.”

Stylists will teach you to buy long-lasting, essential pieces. It’s better to buy one bag that costs $3000, than 3 bags at a $1,000 each. And first of all, a $3000 piece in your wardrobe determines your class. Even if you are not a fashionista, you can be very fashion-forward with your investment piece. It will never go out of style, and over the years it will increase in value as a vintage piece.

I always say that a stylist costing a lot can save you even more in the long run, they prevent you from unnecessary purchases, and only add on when it’s needed, not because you’re in a bad mood and need some retail therapy.

My top 5 pieces to invest in:

1. Any Hermes Bag
2. Classic Cashmere Coat by The Row, or Céline
3. Jeans by Current Elliot
4. Classic T by Alexander Wang
5. Manolo Blahnik Pumps