I started out assisting on the set of a couple Eminem video shoots 6 years ago such as the "Encore" intro video for the Anger Management Tour 3 in 2005 and the Trick Trick "Welcome to Detroit" music video, in which Eminem had a cameo.
I then found myself designing and constructing 13 tear-away suits for Eminem and the Anger Management 13-city tour after submitting sketches, fabric samples, and a prototype suit to the Shady office in NYC. Once the connection was alive, I did my best to learn the business and to constantly build myself as a stylist and independent designer. It's one thing to meet the people in charge of hiring the wardrobe stylist, it's a completely other thing to get hired for the next gig.
My duties as a stylist are to facilitate any wardrobe needs for Eminem and at times his hype-man, Denaun, as well as his band. Whether it be to bring the newest kicks or great, new outfitting pieces, I'm responsible for making sure he has several looks to choose from. I love visiting show rooms, connecting with vendors, and I am particularly passionate about reaching out to new, up and coming designers. As a stylist, you must always have options! I definitely travel for my work with Eminem, like when he performed atop the Ed Sullivan building in NYC for the David Letterman Show, his headlining performance at the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans, and to award shows such as the American Music Awards in LA or the MTV Music Awards in NYC. Even if it's to assist on a job, I like to travel for work because it's never the same experience twice.
Everyone has their own specific needs and expectations. Some want the hottest, newest trends while others want to keep things simple and not overdone. Never underestimate the importance of a quality basic t-shirt! In regards to your question when asking about styling demands for rappers, my first reaction is to say that it's all about the new pair of kicks! In any given situation while shooting, photographers and film directors also have a vision for what the subject being shot is wearing. I have done shoots where I decide what model/client wears what, but often times, it is not just one person's decision.
As a stylist, I don't pull pieces just because I think my client should wear this or that. It is about understanding someone's personal style, elevating it, and building on it to create an even more dynamic style. Hip-hop showed a lot of oversized sweats back in the day, currently the silhouettes are cut leaner as you can see in most current collections. It is obvious that Eminem's style has adapted to this change and that he continues to be a style icon. Back when he had the bleached hair and the oversized clothing, it actually really worked for him at the time and even today, that look is and always will be Slim Shady, at least that is what I believe. I think it is refreshing to see him wear more high-end pieces in leather or denim. I definitely cannot take full credit for that transformation, but I think it shows his evolution as a style icon and visually exemplifies the grownup Eminem.
Comfort is highly important for any artist when they are performing. Nobody would want to be worried about a wardrobe malfunction when they're in the zone, runnin' around on stage. For appearances or award shows, you can see Eminem wearing thought-out layering pieces with great jackets that fit well and look amazing on camera. Whether it be a performance or an interview, comfort and staying true to what he likes always takes precedence over the clothing label or major current trend. I am thankful to have been around as a stylist during Eminem's Relapse album and now the Recovery album, and look forward to what my future in styling holds for me. The upcoming Eminem and Jay-Z shows will be epic.
While obtaining her undergrad in Fashion Merchandising, Malgosia directed student fashion shows in Detroit and London, as well as designed clothing for hair and fashion shows. Upon leaving university, Malgosia was appointed to a series of stylist jobs. Malgosia's wardrobe stylist portfolio consists of styling models and celebrities for high-profile shoots and videos. She worked on set for music videos that were featured on MTV, MTV2, and BET. Malgosia styled photo shoots found on covers of nationally circulated magazines such as Complex, VIBE, and XXL.
http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/my_duties_as_a_stylist_are_to_facilitate.html
