How Nepali stylists are making their way through the ever-changing fashion world
Stylists claim that their job entails more than simply clothing models in attractive attire. (Right) Rajesh Jung Bharati styles model Nina Kant Mandal in a look. For a music video shoot, Uzu Shrestha (left) fashions Anna Sharma. Pradhan, 27, has worked in the fashion sector for more than eight years and is well-versed in the Nepali fashion industry’s operating procedures.
Nepal’s fashion sector has exploded in popularity in recent years. Local fashion brands, retail apparel stores, and fashion boutiques are more plentiful than ever before. This expansion has also spawned a culture of praising fashion designers, photographers, and make-up artists. However, unlike in the West, where fashion stylists are valued for their critical role in assisting designers with new collections, frequently working with celebrities, and defining fashion trends, fashion stylists in Nepal believe they still lack platforms to demonstrate their talents and abilities.
“When individuals see ‘influencers’ or well-known persons wearing certain looks, they copy them.” However, many people are unaware that the bulk of these powerful people have personal stylists who choose and style their attire. And stylists are the ones that put together the overall look of those famous people we see in magazines and advertising. “Our effort does not receive the recognition it deserves,” says Pradhan.
When Pradhan started her work as a fashion stylist in 2012, she says there were only a few stylists in the country, and many people in the fashion industry had no idea what a stylist did or how important it was. “It was difficult to operate in an industry where many people were unaware of our position. It is our job as stylists to approach fashion brands and apparel stores and request clothing for photoshoots and advertisements. Because many people are unaware of what a stylist does, it took a lot of work on our part to acquire the trust of fashion brands and stores,” Pradhan adds. “To make matters worse, hairdressers were underpaid.” However, as the fashion industry grew, things began to change for the better, especially for stylists like Pradhan.
According to stylists interviewed by the Post, the industry has become more aware of stylists’ importance as local fashion firms, online and physical retail locations have risen in recent years. Many fashion outlets now have in-house stylists, according to stylists, and fashion retailers and companies are more willing to lend stylists outfits for shoots. Uzu Shrestha, 24, began her career as an in-house stylist for DS Collections, a prominent fashion company, and thinks that her work is now being recognized more.
“Stylists today have a lot more employment opportunities than they did in the past,” says Uzu, a freelance stylist who now works frequently with Fuzz Factory Productions. Despite the fact that job prospects have risen, many stylists believe they are still far from where they should be because many in the business still do not value stylists.
“Yes, there is more work and money.” Only a few businesses pay us what we’re worth,” says Anush Shrestha, a stylist since 2018. “However, many in the industry still regard us as mere middlemen bringing garments from designers to models and actors in photo sessions, which is a complete mistake.” We must obtain clothing and accessories and guarantee that they are appropriately cared for. Our job also entails ensuring that the chosen costumes are appropriate for the models. In addition, we must coordinate picture and video shoots. We have a lot of obligations, but sadly, not everyone appreciates how hard we work.”
An upcoming fashion stylist, Rajesh Jung Bharati, agrees with Anush.
“Most people believe that all we do is dress people up, but our profession entails much more. We research our customers, learn about their goals, and plan the shoot’s overall visual appeal, which involves finding the perfect clothing, accessories, and props, as well as ensuring that the makeup and hair are done correctly. “We have to identify what kind of angles we need in the images,” Bharati explains. “Our job doesn’t cease when the shoot is finished. It is our job as stylists to find garments and accessories and to ensure that they are returned to fashion labels, designers, and stores in the same condition in which they were borrowed. This is critical in order to gain the trust of those who lend us garments and accessories.”
“So what we do is try to persuade the designers, boutiques, and brands that by cooperating with us, they will get visibility,” Anush explains. Another issue stylists said they deal with on a regular basis is a lack of creative flexibility. “When it comes to commercial work, stylists are typically told what the clients want, leaving us with very little room to explore and attempt new things,” Uzu explains. “I have a strong desire to create and explore new things.” “However, we only get to do that on rare occasions,” she continues.
Compensation is another issue for many stylists in Nepal.
“It’s true that hairdressers in the United States are paid more now than they were a few years ago. Only a few brands, however, pay us on schedule and in a reasonable quantity. Most brands are still hesitant to compensate stylists fairly. Many make stylists give their services for a low fee in the hopes of future partnerships, but this does not compensate us for our hard work and efforts,” Anush says. “This is why it’s impossible to make a living as a full-time stylist in Nepal.” Despite these obstacles, stylists are optimistic that things will change in the future. For this to happen, companies and designers must recognize the value stylists provide and grant them creative freedom.
“While designers are visionaries, stylists assist them in bringing their concept to life,” says Pradhan. “People in the fashion business must understand and appreciate our work in order for us to improve and push greater boundaries.”
