Fashion · Behind The Look
Styled By Who?
What stylists actually do & why you absolutely need one
By Angel Afemikhe
Have you ever opened your wardrobe, stared at your clothes for what feels like forever, and concluded that you have absolutely nothing to wear? Or seen a celebrity step onto a red carpet looking so glammed up that you immediately wondered who put the entire look together?
Well, that celebrity probably has a stylist!
And contrary to what many people think, a stylist's job goes beyond picking out trendy clothes and accessories. They coordinate outfits and overall appearances to match a person's lifestyle, personality or the image they want to communicate. Some work with celebrities, others style brands and productions, while some focus on editorial fashion.
But wait, isn't that what fashion designers do? Not exactly. While a designer creates clothing and accessories, a stylist curates and combines existing pieces to create a complete look. Think of it this way: one creates the pieces, while the other figures out how to bring them together.
And Nigerian stylists are doing this in different ways.
Take Swanky Jerry, whose real name is Jeremiah Ogbodo, for instance. Known for his extravagant red-carpet looks, he has styled personalities including Mercy Eke, Toke Makinwa and Lilian Afegbai. His approach leans towards dramatic, high-fashion statements that are difficult to ignore. He also appeared in the Netflix series Young, Famous & African.
Then there's Tee Dosunmu, who has shaped Wizkid's style since 2017. Rather than the dramatic red-carpet approach, his styling blends casual comfort with designer fashion, giving the Afrobeats star and numerous other clients that relaxed but high-end look. Dunsin Wright takes another route, combining cultural influences, emotion and high-concept fashion. One notable example is Tems' sculptured Lever Couture gown at the 2023 Oscars.
Different approaches, but one thing connects them: the styling is intentional.
“Different approaches, but one thing connects them: the styling is intentional.”
And no, you don't have to be a celebrity before considering a stylist. If getting dressed feels like a daily struggle, a stylist could help you understand what works for you, from fit and proportion to colours and outfit combinations.
They can also help you build a functional wardrobe, save time when shopping and prepare for events or trips without the usual last-minute stress. Even when your body changes or your lifestyle shifts, having someone help you figure out what works can make the process less overwhelming.
So, the next time someone asks, "Who are you wearing?" remember that the answer isn't just about who picked the clothes. It's about the person who brought the whole look together. And honestly, your wardrobe deserves the fresh perspective of a stylist!