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She's good--and she knows it...: Freelance celebrity stylist Tameka Fosterr |
It
doesn’t matter how many Jimmy Choo stilettos or Prada handbags
are stuffed in your closet—real style just can’t be bought.
You can always tell who has it—the girlfriend who can walk
into any cheap little $10 Limit store and come out with a funky
ensemble that has everyone she encounters falling over
themselves wondering, “Where did she get that?!?”
Celebrity stylist Tameka Foster is a woman of such caliber. Even during high school, Foster had a master plan that centered around her passion, clothing (her goal was to become a buyer for major boutiques and to eventually open her own). She went on to attend Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design while styling for photo shoots and even working a gig as a dresser for Giorgio Armani’s fashion shows. Blessed and driven, Foster’s reputation as a fierce stylist snowballed on sheer word-of-mouth as she began working for major record labels like Sony, Arista and MCA. Now celebs like Toni Braxton, Maxwell, Patti LaBelle and Usher call her when they’re ready to look their hottest during their latest video or appearance. And when you were probably sick of seeing Lauryn Hill on damn near every magazine cover, it was Foster who was responsible for her signature funky, bohemian-diva look. |
So it's safe to say
that Foster gives "on the go" a new meaning as she lives,
works and runs her company, Swanky Designs, bicoastally between L.A. and
Atlanta. Nonetheless, Triscene.com editor Vonetta Booker tracked
her down for her take on what she loves about the styling industry, and
what it takes to make it in such an edgy, fast-paced business.
Read and learn.
How would you describe the style that you’re known for? And how did you develop it?
I go for a very timeless look. People recognize me as Lauryn Hill’s stylist, they categorize me as adorning artists solely in the “Bohemian” look; however, I love classic styles. I've always enjoyed simple pieces that aren’t too lavish. I developed my personal style because I realized that trendy items come and go. I like for a client to be able to look back at their outfits during any time within the span of their career and feel content.
You’ve said that shoes are your “thing”—what tips can you offer for finding the ever-elusive cute, stylish and fairly-comfortable shoe?
Shoes that are stylish and cute are never comfortable! That’s like an oxymoron. I love Miu Miu boots and Prada. Prada are fairly comfortable; I always find the most gorgeous shoes when shopping in South Beach. The last pair I found there were tan leather shoes by Vicini which had a gold stiletto heel. Everyone has different tastes in what makes a “cute” shoe, but they're extremely important because they can make or break any outfit.
Where did you get your style—did you always have it? Were you a stylish kid of stylish parents? Or was it something that developed later?
I was always into design and dressing up when I was younger. I actually started styling by shopping and putting together outfits and matching accessories for close friends. It's something that I always wanted to do, but at the time I didn’t know I could make a career of it. My personal style consists of fairly simple and comfortable pieces-- I live in my blue faded denim jeans by Seven! Oh, and my blue suede, mid-length skirt by Catayone Adeli which laces up in the front...
How do you define “style”? Is it in the label, or is it something deeper?
I don’t shop for labels at all. I purchase items from The Gap to Roberto Cavalli and everything in between. Style varies from person to person. While one individual may look stunning in a Victorian lace blouse, others may look chic in a black leather pantsuit. I think that style is really about how you feel in your clothes and how you project that energy when you’re out. Style is confidence, and clothes often help a person feel confident about themselves.
What was your first job in retail like? It probably didn’t give you the creative freedom you have now, of course—but how did you work your gig to suit your ambitions?
Since I had a strong interest in clothes and dressing people, I started out as a manager at The Gap in the Oakland/San Francisco area. I was actually given creative freedom because my supervisor at the time let me do some window dressing. I still shop at The Gap to this day! I assisted customers with mixing and matching various items in the store--which is essential in my line of work.
Without the help of an agent or any advertising, you made a name for yourself, styling for Armani and major record labels while still attending FIDM (Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design). What kind of personality traits does one need to get themselves out there in the industry?
You've got to be very outgoing with people in the industry, and you have to love what you do. A positive attitude reflects in your work--and directors, producers and label execs want to work with stylists who possess a good work ethic. You must be confident and never let anyone intimidate you. You have to be hungry for clients and be able to sell yourself. My advice: study each person and approach them with ideas on how you think you can enhance and improve their look.
What do you love about what you do—and what are some aspects that you’re a bit less fond of?
Well, I love traveling, and being able to do what I love is a definite plus. What I don't like is the fact that I’m away from my family for days on end. I recently had a baby boy, and I want to be as close to him as possible. Sometimes I jump on red eye flights just to go home and see him, and then fly back out the next day.
What kinds of trends do you see on the horizon—what’s the next “big thing”, in your opinion?
I think people are really going for a more classic style. All the glitz and glamour has kind of fizzled. I think you’ll see that at many upcoming awards shows.
Are there any trends that you wish would just die, already?
Some of the platform shoes that are out now. They're built so they are completely un-walkable--and when you can’t walk, it’s not cute! I'm also not a fan of undergarment strings showing above ones’ clothing. The cowboy hats are way outdated, too!
What are your short- and long-term plans?
Right now I'm busy styling people such as Usher, Toni Braxton, Brian McKnight, etc. I take on new clients all the time, and that takes a lot of my energy. But in the long term, I definitely plan to launch my clothing lines, Gamut and Hides & Dungarees. And my dream client is Halle Berry. I would love to work with her because she epitomizes class and style in Hollywood.
For more information on Tameka Foster's work, visit Heliocentricpr.com.
