Beyond the flashing lights on the red carpet or during a day of photo-shooting, behind the joyous smile and eyes of every thankful client is a story to tell about the preparation it takes every professional stylist to make their client look and feel special for a particular moment. Heartfelt memories of sleepless nights, surviving on cappuccinos in between client fittings and frantically emailing designers for their latest sample size dresses came flooding back to me as I listened to Rachel Anthony share her own journey as a stylist at an event to celebrate the launch of a luxury styling service at London Hilton Park Lane. Rachel has teamed up with London Hilton to offer guests an exclusive style makeover. This is an amazing achievement as well as an encouraging platform for other stylists to gain inspiration. Needless to say, the fashion industry is competitive like any other so not everyone is supportive. My motto is “don’t hate” which consumes too much emotional energy spread the love instead. On that note, from one stylist to another salute to Rachel Anthony whose bespoke styling packages also include an in-suite VIP shopping experience.

The world of fashion particularly styling is extremely challenging but through experience the harder you work the more rewards you receive. It’s no wonder guests in attendance at the event listened attentively to Rachel and in admiration while she shared her story which includes working with some high-flying celebrities, other public figures and now London Hilton Park Lane. Without meaning to sound pessimistic, anyone wanting to break into the industry of styling be it editorial, personal shopping or red carpet dressing should be prepared for the highs and lows, the knock backs, the tears that test your tenacity but it’s these things that help to put a more solid spring back into your step and will eventually earn you a seat in the front row among other elite and sought after stylists! Behind the glitz and glam rests a playing field of trials and tribulations but in the end, all the hard work pays off.

Read: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER OPULENT

The evening was a rather intimate affair. Canapés and champagne were provided to guests along with a complimentary nail bar by True Brit London whose nail collection has been inspired by signature British themes throughout history. Totally loving this innovative concept. I can’t wait to try my complimentary Corgie nail enamel. What I couldn’t get enough of were the beautiful dresses on display by Nicholas Oakwell Couture against a grand red carpet reminiscent of a runway with all guests sat in the front row of course. The Rachel Zoe expression “ I die” sprung to mind as I became pleasantly distracted by two Nicholas Oakwell monochrome pieces – a beautiful cape and dress (jaw-droppingly gorgeous) which were displayed at one end of the room. I think we all love monochrome as it’s a timeless trend in addition to being one of my signature looks. I had a lovely evening which brought together creative innovators in a classically stylish setting – London Hilton’s Wellington & Harvest Suite. Furthermore, I felt even more inspired by the end of the evening to continue my own journey as a successful celebrity stylist and blogger.

Written by @Styleiconnat | #HiltonStory | #StylingatHilton | Images My Own.