Behind the Scenes of Music Video Fashion: Interviews with Stylists & Designers

Hey, fashion lovers! 👋

As a music industry insider, I’ve seen my fair share of music videos being created from start to finish. And aside from the music and the visuals, the fashion is one of the key elements that could make or break the final product. It’s fascinating to see how the stylists and designers work their magic in turning the artists into larger-than-life personas through their outfits.

So, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some of the most talented stylists and designers in the business to give you a sneak peek into their creative process and the behind-the-scenes of music video fashion. Let’s dive in! 🎬👕👗💄

Finding the Perfect Look

One of the biggest challenges that stylists and designers face is finding the perfect look for the artists that aligns with their vision for the video. It involves a lot of research, mood boards, and communication with the artist and the director to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

“When SZA told me she wanted her ‘Good Days’ video to feel like an alternate universe, I knew I had to find the perfect balance between otherworldly and timeless,” says Dianne Garcia, SZA’s stylist.

Once the concept is solidified, the stylist or designer will start sourcing the wardrobe and deciding on the styling details. This could take days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the video and the availability of the clothes.

Creating a Personalized Style

The goal of fashion in a music video is not only to make the artist look good but also to express their personality and brand through their style. A skilled stylist or designer can take the artist’s ideas and elevate them into something unique and memorable.

“Janelle Monae is a true creative visionary, and I absolutely love working with her,” says Alexandra Mandelkorn, Janelle Monae’s stylist. “We always try to infuse her own personal style, which includes bold colors, patterns, and menswear-inspired pieces, into each video, while still taking it up a notch to make it feel more fantastical.”

Working with a specific brand or designer could also bring a layer of personalization to the fashion. For example, Billie Eilish’s go-to brand, MadeMe, is known for its streetwear aesthetic that aligns with her style.

Collaborating with Designers

In some cases, the fashion in a music video is custom-made by a designer or fashion brand. This could be a mutually beneficial collaboration that promotes both the artist and the designer.

“Melina Matsoukas, the director of the ‘Formation’ video, had a clear vision for Beyonce’s outfits that included a strong Black power message,” recalls Marni Senofonte, Beyonce’s stylist. “We reached out to both established and upcoming Black designers, like Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss and LaQuan Smith, to create the iconic looks that now symbolize a moment in time.”

This is not only a chance to showcase unique and groundbreaking fashion but also a way to support and promote diversity within the industry.

Managing the Wardrobe On-Set

The job of a stylist or designer does not end once the wardrobe is found or created. They also need to ensure that the clothes look as good on-camera as they do in person. This requires communication with the director, the lighting team, and the camera crew to make sure that the outfits are showcased in the best possible way.

“One of the challenges during the filming of ‘Rain On Me’ was dealing with the elements since the video was shot in the midst of a rainstorm,” says Nicola Formichetti, Lady Gaga’s stylist. “We had to make sure that the clothes were both waterproof and still looked fabulous in the rain. It was a fun and hectic challenge!”

Also, there may be several outfit changes throughout the video, and it’s the stylist or designer’s job to make sure they are executed seamlessly without losing continuity.

Final Touches: Hair and Makeup

Last but not least, the hair and makeup are crucial components of music video fashion. They could amplify or complement the outfit and complete the overall look of the artist. The stylist or designer works closely with the hair and makeup artists to ensure that the final product looks cohesive and stunning.

“For H.E.R’s ‘Damage’ video, we wanted to showcase an edgier side of her, so we opted for braids and bold eye makeup to match her structured leather outfits,” says Wouri Vice, H.E.R’s stylist.

The hair and makeup could also reflect the era or the visual concept of the video, such as the retro-inspired looks of Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like.”

And there you have it, folks! 🎶👚👠💄 The behind-the-scenes of music video fashion is a fascinating world full of creativity, communication, and hard work. Hopefully, this peek into the process has inspired you to appreciate the artistry that goes into the outfits you see on-screen.