Stylist and Creative Director Liyah Amiri Talks Inspiration & Pursuing Your Dreams

Liyah Amiri - Stylist and Creative Director

Tell our readers about yourself

Hello, my name is Liyah Amiri. A stylist and creative director from the DMV. I’ve been working in the fashion industry since 2014. I have always used fashion as a way of storytelling, diversifying, and empowering women. I enjoy uplifting and encouraging other creatives to follow their dreams, as well as being a huge advocate for mental health and self-love. My work in the fashion and entertainment industry has taught me a lot about myself, every single experience has had an inspiring take on my life. Whenever given the chance, I enjoy sharing and educating what I’ve learned to dreamers like me. 

What inspired you to pursue styling?

Working with my mentor Maggy Francois, inspired me to pursue styling. Honestly, I didn’t know it was a real career until I started working with her in 2016. I learned about all the things I can contribute to the industry outside of designing. 

What project(s) are you most proud of?

I have maybe a top three. 1. This year I styled Khadija Shari - a professional dancer. Our shoot ended up being published in Vogue Italia and then named as one of “Best of Vogue”. 2. My first fashion show I styled and casted in 2019 for a dating abuse awareness event. 3. The first photoshoot I creative directed and styled called “Pop of Spring” in 2018.

“I styled professional dancer and model, Khadija Shari, to capture the beauty of a woman celebrating her blackness.”

Can you walk us through a day on set as a stylist?

Arrives to location with my matcha green tea in one hand and a giant suitcase and a few bags in the other. I would then have an assistant help me set up. We’ll have a clothing rack, a station for accessories, shoes, and a kit for adjusting garments. While my team is setting up, I’m discussing with the photographer what order we’re shooting the looks. Time is EVERYTHING on set. While the model is getting her makeup done, my team is organizing and planning backup looks . By this time the model is fitted and heading on set. My team is either on set catching bts, staring down the clothes to fix any mistakes, or back at our station keeping things organized. Imagine when I’m by myself and have to do all 3 before the next change. By the end of doing this for each look, it’s now a wrap. The packing process can be tedious but after literally triple checking everything we packed, it’s safe to say that’s a wrap for the stylist. 

What was your first job in the fashion industry? How did that job prepare you for where you are today?

My first job in the industry was an internship for a designer I met in 2014, I actually was her first intern ever. I complimented a dress she was wearing at church one day and asked can she teach me to sew, the rest was history. This was an opportunity set up by God. What’s crazy is I thought I was going to just learn how to make a few things but ended up doing way more over time. I designed for upcoming releases and managed photoshoots, generated promotions and managed the online store. I was the stylist for her fashion shows/ shoots, helped cast models, and was even her social media manager. This list goes on but that first internship honestly created a footing for where I am now. Since that internship, I have done some of those same things with other creatives on another level and was prepared.

You mentioned you’re taking a break from school to pursue your dreams, tell us more about how you made that decision?

This is a storytime but I’m going to keep it short. After leaving school last year, which originally was the best decision at the time. I wanted to figure out what I actually needed to do with myself during this break. It was a rough point in my life so working on myself was the root of the decision. It wasn’t an easy decision but one of the best I’ve made at that time. It’s allowed me to grow healthier mentally, physically, and creatively. 

What/who is your dream job or client?

Let’s see. I would love to work with different fashion platforms across the world as a vessel for diversifying the industry and bringing awareness to mental health. I still want to work more closely with a few stylists I admire. And as far as a dream client, it’s too many people to name but let’s start with Rihanna. 

Styling Afrobeats choreographer, Izzy Odigie. This project took place during National Women’s History Month to highlight one of the many women whom influenced African dance.

“A lot of my work is about celebrating the model and fashion in front of the camera. Rae and her retro jungle inspired look was the muse for the day.”

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to pursue wardrobe styling?

Yes. 1) Don’t think too much into it - think small and start. 2) Network - it can be nerve-wracking at times but moving in genuine intent helps. 3) Make yourself marketable - using social media to promote, creating mood boards for collaborations, prompts for emails, it’s all about selling yourself and work 4) 3P’s Polite, Punctual, and Professional - goes a long way. 5) You can say no - there are gonna be projects and people you have to turn down because it doesn’t match your goal or vision 6) Research - please, many stylist forget that fashion education is just as important as making sure someone looks good 7) Pray

Summer is approaching - what are 3 staple items we need in our wardrobe?

A customized Mask. “Summertime Loungewear” or Lightweight garments - I like to refer to Fenoel designs as a good example of this. Lastly, comfortable statement footwear. 

How do you get inspired for a shoot or project?

It’s so easy. Anything from music, a picture, movie, art, nature, etc. Sometimes the model or theme alone can automatically spark an idea. I just have to jot it down before it’s lost. 

What is your favorite style moment of all time?

Rihanna at the CFDA awards in a Swarovski Crystal covered gown designed by Adam Selman. This was a MOMENT. I mean she even had a diamond durag. How iconic.

Tell us, what's next for you?

Well, this pandemic has put a lot of freelancers out of work but it’s helped us all think outside the box. Short term,  I’ve been working on new ways to expand the part I play in the industry. And planning a new approach for photoshoot projects. I’m very excited for what’s to come.

Follow Liyah @justamiri