Lexi Spreitzer
Staff Writer
On Monday, Dec. 3, Fashion Club welcomed Chicago-based stylist Vanessa Quiñones Lester to speak with students. Lester provided attendees with ample tips on how to succeed in any career, especially in the fashion industry.
Originally from Sweden, Quiñones Lester attended school in her home country as well as in London. She has worked as a makeup and hair artist, creative assistant, and stylist. Lester’s styling partnership, Studio V, is aiming to bring editorial and artistic fashion to Chicago. While editorial-style work is popular in other cities such as Los Angeles and New York, it is a fairly new concept in Chicago. She taught students that the fashion industry is prominent in every city and to pursue a career in whichever city best suits one’s personal style.
Students learned that perseverance is key in any career. There will always be competition in the workplace and students should work hard toward their careers. Lester stated that while many people are competing to work in the fashion industry, she will work passionately to ensure that “no one else takes [her] place.” Knowing that her work could be done by others instead inspires her to prove her passion for styling and consistently develop her strong work ethic.
For those interested in working in the fashion industry, Lester recommends nding ways to earn experience and build a strong portfolio early-on. She herself started building her portfolio by creating mood-boards and networking with photographers.
Fashion club was very thankful to meet Lester and learn from her experience working in the fashion industry as well as hear about her new business. For more information about Vanessa Quiñones Lester and her business partnership with co- stylist Victoria Eulingbourgh, please visit the Studio V Instagram page: @ Studiov_chicago
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