DES LEWIS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

I am a born and bred Londoner, a stylist, art director and consultant. I began my fashion career as an intern at iD magazine and soon became the assistant to the fashion director at that time, Edward Enninful (now editor-in-chief of British Vogue). I then went on to assist several freelance stylists before landing a job as the assistant to the fashion director, Vanessa Gillingham at Glamour magazine, (which at that time, was the biggest selling women’s magazine in the UK).

My career trajectory has included roles at InStyle as shopping editor, returning to Glamour as fashion editor (mat cover) and then Marie Claire as senior style editor, before embarking on a freelance career almost 4 years ago. My day-to-day can be quite varied as I pivot between styling editorial shoots and campaigns, brand consultancy and art direction.

WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING IN FASHION?

My mother is and will always be the chicest woman I know. Growing up she was (and still is) always impeccably turned out. She grew up in the glamourous era when women would match their shoes with their bag and she still does it to this day. My mother seriously loves fashion, but being a single parent of two and not having much disposable income to splash out on clothes, she did the next best thing and would make her own (a skill and talent I so wish I had learned, along with cooking Caribbean food). Being around such creativity, I think subconsciously, it had quite an effect on me. I always felt like fashion was in my blood, but didn’t know how to get in or feel like working in the industry was an option.

When I was growing up, styling wasn’t a job that was ever talked about at school, so although I was obsessed with and would pore over glossy fashion magazines, I didn’t know how to navigate a way in, and having not studied fashion either, consequently, my early path was pretty unconventional. Previous to my career in fashion I was a radio plugger at Parlopone Records (a subsidiary of EMI records) and randomly, I occasionally would have the opportunity to style a few of the artists, this is where I really caught the styling bug. I decided that I wanted to make that career change and pursue working in fashion, so I did. 

When you are your own boss, it is important to make sure your day has some sort of structure. Do have a plan of how you would like your career to progress (which clients you would like to work for etc) but also be flexible about how and when things are achievable. As a freelancer, every job is like an interview so you have to present your best self to clients if you want to be booked again. The industry is very small so building good relationships is key, your reputation is everything and I pride myself on being professional, diligent, kind with a good sense of humour. 

It is ok to say no to jobs/projects if you don't feel they are of any benefit to you and do not align with brand ‘you’ or your values. Know your worth – this is a tricky one as rates of pay can vary greatly, but at least have a bottom line which you won't go below. Being freelance can be lonely so seek out colleagues and contemporaries within the industry and form a support network.

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR MARFA STANCE PIECE?

I’m a casual girl at heart and want my trench to be an everyday option, especially during that weather transition period of not cold enough for a coat but not warm enough to go without, so will be wearing my trench with my other wardrobe staples of jeans, cashmere sweaters (in autumn) or simple white tee (for spring) and trainers, boots or sandals. For a smart switch up I will pop it over tailored pieces.