Before anything else, preparation is the key to success – Alexander Graham Bell
What’s in my styling kit?
First things first, why do you need a kit? When you start working on projects, be it for commercial clients, celebrities or on location, you will always need to have a kit with you. Having a kit always to hand will enable you to make last minute adjustments and alterations while also avoiding any potential wardrobe malfunctions! It is a requirement and therefore I would suggest having it prepped at all times should any last minute jobs arise.
On shoot day, you can expect to have to re-steam, reorganise and reshape your items when styling them on person. One question you should always clarify prior to arriving on set is if there will be access to a steamer or iron and ironing board, at the studio or on location. The production team may have organised for it, but if not it is your responsibility to ensure you have one.
I would recommend to always have the following in a handy lightweight bag, so that you are always prepared and can allow for any last minute inspired changes to the look or fit of the garments. A lot of styling on set or location involves improvisation, so you want to be sure you have everything you need in order to take advantage of any opportunities that arise or ideas that come to mind!
In order to keep all items and your models looking exactly as you planned, your styling bag/ kit should contain:
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- 1 pair sharp scissors
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- 1 lint roller
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- Garment / crocodile clips
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- Razors
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- 1 sewing kit with various thread spoils in 4-5 colours and several needles
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- 1 or 2 tape measures
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- A box of small and large safety pins
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- 2 rolls of double-sided tape
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- Deodorant
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- Makeup remover
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- Makeup sponges
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- Clear bra strap holders
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- Quick Tips instant heel fixers
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- Cotton balls (can be used for stuffing out clothes, bags and shoes)
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- A glasses microfibre wipe
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- Shoe grip pads to prevent shoes from slipping
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- Reusable silicone nipple covers
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- Clear Polish or shoe & purse shine sponges
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- A selection of nude, black and white bras in various sizes in strapless, push up and backless shapes
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- Nude tanga pants
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- Bra fillers i.e. chicken fillets
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- A selection of spaghetti strap vest tops in nude, white and black
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- A silk scarf or piece of fabric to protect clothes from staining and to protect hair and makeup from transferring onto garments
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- Stain remover wipes
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- A selection of tights / hosiery
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- A bumbag or utility bag – this is for you when you need to be handsfree on set
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- A selection of belts
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- A leather belt hole puncher
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- A kimble gun for removing and reattaching price tags
- Suit bags – for the transport of clothing
- A selection of practical and attractive buttons
- Mobile phone and charger
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- Polaroid camera (optional but very useful for test shoots and when preparing looks for a fashion show with the models)
Ensure you know before you arrive how much space you and your team will have and ask what area you can use to hang clothing. If you have a lot of garments to hang, you will need to know that there will be somewhere to hang them. Bringing a foldable rail will be essential if nothing else is available.
Lastly will there be anywhere for your models to change ? If outdoors or on location, you may want to bring some scarves, sheets etc that can be fashioned as a makeshift changing room to give your models some privacy from the crew. Some models are very comfortable stripping off and changing / being fitted on the spot, but if not then you may have an issue when working to get them changed under time constraints. It is therefore always better to plan and have a coverup to hand should it be required.
Following the guidelines above will ensure you have a smooth and stress free shoot day! Good Luck!
PS. Have I missed something? Do you have a top tip that you wish to share? If so, please post your comments below.