Fashion stylist Josie Pasane tells Cityscape why she loves what she does, and her favourite misconceptions about it as well.

What’s the best part about styling for a living? I have so much love and passion for what I do. I am extremely thankful for the career I’ve created for myself – it has always come naturally to me. The most fun part of styling for a living is seeing my clients get excited for looks that I create for them. I was always fascinated by the idea and knew deep down in my heart I could do it, but I was so scared because I had no idea where to start. It's such a blessing to be able to do what I love every day and work with clients who inspire me.

How did you get your start in the fashion industry? I started in the fashion industry in 2007. At the time I was living in Europe and had been working in retail for so many years that I needed a change. I did everything I possibly could, from management to opening stores, training sales associates and working with stylists. I would help clients organise their closets and do anything creative and productive to challenge myself. I just loved working one-on-one with clients on exciting style projects.

Your job has you styling an editorial shoot one day, overhauling someone’s wardrobe the next and heading away on personal shopping trips with people – is it all as glamorous as it sounds? I can understand the perception. When people hear that you work as a stylist, their first thought is most likely that my job is extremely glamorous. Although many parts of my job are glamorous, many things that I do on a daily basis are far from what you see on social media platforms such as Instagram. What no one really talks about are the ‘not so glamorous’ parts of being a stylist, like packing and unpacking boxes or lugging garment bags. In my line of work, it’s all about being organised because so much of your success is based on organisation and client satisfaction. However, as most would come to expect, my job also has amazing perks, and it’s a job where I get to be creative and work with beautiful clothing. Although being a stylist is not what many people expect (and each day can be completely different to the next), I love my work and thrive on being creative and pleasing my clients every day.

What’s the biggest misconception people not working in your field have about your job? Ha-ha, I love this question! Here are a few common misconceptions about my job: If you work in fashion, then you must know how to make clothes. When I tell somebody I’m a stylist, the first response is always, "Oh, you're a designer?! I can't wait to wear your clothes!" I take it as a compliment but as I have an eye for detail, I am happy being an expert in pulling amazing looks together. Everyone only wears expensive, head-to-toe designers: If anyone can appreciate the thrill of a good find at H&M or Zara, it's people in the fashion industry. We spend all day shopping: For most of us, shopping doesn't make up a fraction of what our job entails. Unless your title is only of a personal shopper, you really don't spend your day in a store. You'll never spot a fashion person in flats: When it comes to working in the office, a lot of us turn to booties, flats, or even sneakers for running around – I like to save my statement heels for after-work events. I spend most of my time at parties, dinners and events: I often make appearances on the social scene, Instagramming all the fun events I attend, but that's just a small portion of my job. Plus, I work around the clock – meaning I’m still plugged in at these after-hours events. Miranda Priestly (From The Devil Wears Prada) is every fashion boss, ever: The myth that everyone working in fashion is a complete b*tch has stood the test of time. Like any other industry, there will always be catty people, but just because we're well-heeled doesn't mean we automatically have a nasty attitude to go along with it. The industry is small so there’s no room for clawing each other's eyes out. I want to give everyone a fashion makeover: I don't really have the desire to transform everyone in to some definition of ‘style’. I am in the age of assisting clients who seek to embracing personal style and individualism. Fashion people don't eat: While I’m a fan of healthy eating, I also know the importance of carbs. A good pizza and dessert always outweighs a salad for me! Plus, I am always on the hunt for the chicest spots to eat.

Tell us about the hottest trends for SS19 The lust-worthy hottest trends for you to add on your shopping list are shades from the lavender family – bright without drowning you out, it's one of spring's breakout colours. Proving once and for all that the minimal trend is over, this season you will soon see bold ruffles and oversized silhouettes in statement puff shoulders on dresses, blouses and jackets. My favourite piece so far is the ‘Sleevie Wonder Coat’ by Trelise Cooper, if you’re after a powerful and fashionable style. Just be sure to keep the rest of your look subdued, so you don’t appear over-the-top. Then complete your look with the shrunk-down, to fit no more than a phone and lipstick (if you’re lucky), must-have SS19 handbag. This season’s ‘It bag’ is also the smallest. So if you value style over function, be sure to invest in a miniature version of your favourite handbag. As a bonus, you definitely won’t have a sore shoulder from toting around this style all day.

Are there any brands you know you can rely on to consistently deliver collections you adore? Yes, Maggie Marilyn. She is a celebration of hyper-femininity without environmental compromise, beckoning women to dress up even if they have no occasion. Her inclusive SS19 collection with a hint of prints and bias-cut dresses mean there is an offering available for every woman. At the heart of it, this brand empowers a woman and tells her that it’s OK to want to buy a beautiful new dress and still feel like she can go out there and change her world. I’m so in love with that!

If you could give people in Christchurch one style/fashion tip, what would it be? Wear less black and embrace colour. For many of us it's not uncommon to find our wardrobe is suddenly a combination of varying shades of black, grey, navy and white. I get it, it's very easy to shy away from the bright yellow dress in favour of a quieter navy, and this can easily become the default. It's time to take on colour, and if you're not yet ready to embrace the rainbow through your clothes, my top stylist tip for those who are fearful of anything but neutrals: look to your accessories to liven things up instead.

Tell us about an item you picked up in your travels that you couldn’t live without? When I went to visit my sister in Vietnam, she took me to Hoi An, a beautiful, ancient and charming town with the best tailors in the country. One item I truly cherish is my custom-made emerald green blazer with shiny gold buttons. I love a good blazer.

What essentials do you keep in your handbag? I am what you call a ‘just-in-case girl’ so in my handbag you will find anything from a portable phone battery charger, business cards, wet wipes with sanitizer, a mini makeup bag and sunglasses to match the outfit for the day.

josiepasane.com