CREDITS – All images sourced from Team Karl Willett
Known for his love of classic Hollywood glamour mixed with bold, modern twists, Karl Willett’s styling philosophy is all about making his clients look their absolute best—not just chasing trends. He has styled some seriously iconic looks, from Jessie J at the Grammys to Paloma Faith at The Met Gala.
Karl Willett didn’t start his career dreaming of fashion fame—in fact, he was knee-deep in recruitment until he realised he needed more creativity in his life. At 21, he switched gears, landed an internship at Selfridges & Co in London, and dove headfirst into the fashion world. With a knack for networking and a fearless attitude, Karl quickly made his mark, eventually finding his groove in celebrity styling.
As a celebrity and fashion stylist, Karl thrives on working with strong, talented women who aren’t afraid to make a statement. And when he’s not styling the stars, he keeps it real as a father, proving that whether he’s dressing celebrities or hanging out with his kids, he’s always bringing his A-game.
He chats with The Peacock Magazine about the many aspects of his life. Read on for the excerpts.
Q) How old were you when you realised fashion would be the industry you’d like to work in? Was it always your dream to work in fashion?
Karl Willett (KW): I started out as a stylist quite late in my youth, I was 21. It was never my dream to be fair. I worked as an account manager for a recruitment company in central London for a number of years after school and was very successful. Then one day I just decided it wasn’t enough for me, I craved change and a need to work within more of a creative industry. So I gave up my job with just one month’s salary saved and never looked back. At school I was always more into practical learning and needed to be busy doing things all the time, otherwise, I used to daydream a lot in class. I believe this naturally meant whatever I was destined to do in life, it would end up being creative and constantly evolving.
Q) How did you begin working as a stylist? What was your first breakthrough moment?
KW: My first experience was a two-week internship at Selfridges & Co in London, as a window dresser. Fast forward two years and I was still there but as a paid freelancer. It was the best time of my life. I met so many industry creatives, all starting out together and hungry to learn. I always said yes to everything that was asked of me as I saw everything as an opportunity to grow and advance in the industry. I suddenly started to diversify into other areas of the industry–freelancing in advertising and catalogue styling, working on still life brand editorials and heading up fashion trade shows and event styling; then before I knew it I found myself within celebrity styling, lecturing at Condè Nast College in London and a regular slot as a fashion expert on BBC Radio 1. I have always been a people person, so networking was really easy for me. I felt like a sponge, I would thrive on learning from every job and every person I met. I never looked back and I never wasted time wondering ‘What if?’. My first celebrity client was Kimberly Wyatt (formerly of the Pussycat Dolls), we worked together for a number of years and as we did I began to grow my clientele.
Q) What has been your personal experience as one of the crucial navigators of the fashion industry?
KW: I’ve been a stylist now for the past 20 years! It sounds crazy to me even saying that. The industry is completely different now to what it was when I started out. It has moved and evolved in so many ways, some progressive and some I feel taking us backwards. There is much more inclusion now than when I first began my career, which I have personally championed over the years and will continue to do so. As well since the birth of social media there has been an increased demand to have instant results which in turn has made the industry move even faster and with more pressure. For me creating isn’t about how fast you work, churning out look after look, but how well you execute your work. I always want to inspire others and produce timeless imagery.
Q) Could you describe your styling aesthetics?
KW: I have always been a huge fan of classic Hollywood silhouettes, and dynamic structures married with extreme elegance. I’m always looking to create a bold iconic moment that stands the test of time. What’s very important to me is the fit! My clients know I like to fit the body within an inch of its life. I also believe less in trends and more about dressing the client in their authentic style with my elevation.
Q) What does your usual workday look like?
KW: First of all I’m up at 6 am with my kids, organising their day, then I’m off to my studio at 8 am and from then the day can be so varied. From days just in the studio focusing on preparation and research to days on the set–fittings with clients or meetings with designers. I love the fact that not one day is the same. I love to travel with my work and have been blessed to visit some of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Q) How do you decide what kind of look works for each of your individual clients?
KW: It works in different ways. I have some clients who like to collaborate across all our looks and others who just leave me to come up with the vision and then execute it. I always start with undergarments, the most important and fundamental first stage of dressing a client. I love to contour the body, giving confidence back to the individual. You can always see the change in how clients hold themselves. It’s important to dress the person based on their personality, sometimes we are consumed with the idea of following trends, whereas I believe in dressing clients in their own unique style. I’m always trying to push the boundaries and think outside the box. Fashion should be fun, not something to take too seriously. Remember life is too short to blend in!
Q) Does your clothing choice for clients end up inspiring your personal style?
KW: Not really, as with most of my clients, they are female and I tend to dress them in couture. However, I do love androgynous dressing and the mix of masculine and feminine cuts, so I do for sure remind myself to push my own style boundaries. In general, I have quite a comfortable working wardrobe, I don’t normally tend to wear anything too restrictive.
Q) Do you have an absolute favourite styling project or look in your career so far?
KW: I love many, to be honest. I believe my career and all the different experiences have been moments I will always cherish. I feel very fortunate to do the job I do! Of course, big industry moments like styling for The Grammy’s and The Met Gala, or being featured in Vogue are right at the top for me, but truly I also get the best joy for some of the smaller less public events I work on, when you put just as much effort in, it becomes less about the prestige and more about the people you work with. One particular look I have always loved was when I dressed Paloma Faith in a structured gold gown for her album artwork, it was so heavy and needed to be bolted together on her, mixing fashion and hardware was a first for me then!
Q) What was the most significant fashion challenge you have ever had to face while styling?
KW: When a zip breaks during live TV! Or on a red carpet! It’s happened to me only twice and even though I’m always calm and deal with everything in a chilled way it gives you the worst anxiety. It’s something every stylist fears! Hidden zips are particularly my worst nightmare. I hate them so much I generally change them on garments (with permission) whenever I come across them.
Q) Who do you look up to when it comes to styling?
KW: I am always inspired by others. Of course, to be in fashion you must love fashion and its creators. Currently, the likes of Jason Rembert, Kollin Carter, Wayman + Micah I adore, because they all make bold choices for their clients. They aren’t afraid to think outside the norm, whilst still giving a sense of refinement every time. I have mutual respect for all my peers.
Q) What are some of the things that nobody talks about being a fashion stylist?
KW: When you first set out, you aren’t warned of the long hours, sometimes with no sleep and a lack of food and toilet breaks. Until you are in those situations you never really believe it will be that bad! Back in the day I’d be walking around London, loaded with PR bags, it would rain and the bags would get wet and break, suddenly you have clothes everywhere and you just want to cry but you pick yourself up and keep going every time. If you have the tenacity to get through your first three years then you have the chance of a long career.
Q) Who is on your styling bucket list?
KW: Back in the day I would have had a list, with Mary J Blige right at the top of it (she was one of my childhood icons) Now though if I’m honest, it’s not really about who the celebrity is or where their career is at, I just find myself drawn to powerful, talented, successful women that have drive and direction in their career. I have clients throughout music, film, TV, sports and presenting. I don’t really find myself sitting easily within a box. I just work with people I admire and have the same energy as me.
Q) One celebrity with the most iconic wardrobe.
KW: Impossible to say one, I just love women who push the boundaries of beauty and fashion standards. I’m such a pick-n-mix of taste and style. The likes of Celine Dion, Cardi B, Kelly Rowland, Cynthia Erivo, Nicola Coughlan, Mary J Blige and no one can forget the ’90s and TLC era! I’ve always drawn inspiration from iconic styles, led very much by pop culture.
Q) Describe yourself in one word when you’re not a stylist.
KW: A father—it’s my favourite job in the world.
Q) What passion do you harbour apart from fashion styling?
KW: I love music and singing and the power of emotion wrapped up in it. I am the founder of Urban Voices Collective, a vocal group from London that I started back in 2006 to give me an outlet to perform and feel free.
Q) Your favourite holiday destination?
KW: Ibiza has so many memories for me.
Q) A cuisine you enjoy a lot?
KW: Without a doubt Italian and a close second would be Indian.
Q) A book that has impacted you immensely?
KW: I don’t really read. I can’t ever relax and concentrate for long enough to get through a chapter!
Q) Your favourite genre of movies?
KW: I have such an eclectic taste: Fantasy & Sci-Fi, action, horror, thriller and old-school war films. I have to be in the mood to watch a good comedy.