Top Celebrity Stylists Share Keys to Success at Cocktails with Claire Event in LA

Fashion influencers, entertainers and media personalities recently gathered in Los Angeles to hear tips from some of today’s top celebrity stylists on how to break into and maintain longevity in the highly competitive, challenging field.

Celebrity stylists featured on the “Breaking into Celebrity Styling” panel included Ade Samuel, stylist to Jhene Aiko, Big Sean, Kelly Rowland and Yara Shahidi; Deonte, stylist to Cassie, Sevyn Streeter and Puff Daddy; Bryon Javar, stylist to Christina Milian, Karrueche Tran, Mel B, Adrienne Bailon; and Ty Hunter, former stylist to Beyoncé.

In an interactive panel session, the celebrity stylists shared personal stories of how they became stylists to the stars, offering insight to those in attendance on how to meet the grueling demands of the job and how to overcome challenges.

Ade Samuel sought to dispel one of the biggest misconceptions about being a celebrity stylist for attendees, saying the position isn’t as glamorous as people may believe.

“I think the biggest misconception is thinking that this industry so glamorous and every time you come out there’s going to be all these flashing lights,” she said. “It’s not like that. I think that’s what humbles you to understand that this is still a job and a corporate industry.”

Ty Hunter told the crowd, which featured many aspiring stylists, to be humble and always put the client first.

“It’s not about you,” he said. “It’s about the client and about the feeling confident. It’s not about us. You have to work together and know it’s about your client.

Hunter instructed aspiring stylist to “find out what their insecurities are, find out what colors they don’t like, find out if they don’t like patterns. That’s what makes you an amazing stylist — learning your client.”

Ade Samuel, Deonte and Ty Hunter

The panel was part of the multi-city tour, Cocktails with Claire, which is presented by noted fashion blog Fashion Bomb Daily. Claire Sulmers, Fashion Bomb Daily Founder and Editor-in-Chief moderated the panel, which was held at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills.

In addition to the panel session, several celebrities were recognized with Toyota Bold Awards for their contributions to fashion, including Shaun Ross, who received the “Male Model of the Year” award, Jasmine Sanders, who received the “Female Model of the Year” award and, and recording artist/model Cassie, who received the “Beauty Bombshell of the Year” award.

Following the panel and awards presentation, attendees were able to ask follow up questions with the panelists, network with other quests and sip cocktails at the bar, all while DJ Kiss played their favorite hits.

Cocktails with Claire has been building momentum, with several successful events being held in New York, Atlanta and Chicago over the last year. The tour rolls into New York May 14, into Houston June 18^th and D.C. on July 20^th.

Human Nature photos and video from the event are below