HOW I BECAME A FASHION STYLIST: PRATIWI RIZSOENY

An uninspiring work environment was all Pratiwi Rizsoeny looked for to set her motivation in action. Having graduated fashion school, her ultimate goal was a career in fashion. Cutting her teeth next to pioneering Indonesian-based designer Dian Pelangi was the ideal start for her, as she soon jumped into what turned out to be her true calling – styling. Today, Pratiwi’s colorful portfolio says it all about how far she has come. Her work is exceptionally diverse, as Pratiwi balances between Muslim-inspired and fashion-forward looks. We caught up with her to discuss the fashion scene of her home country, Indonesia, the lessons she has learned so far, and future career goals.

What is your background, and how did you end up deciding you want to be a fashion stylist?

I finished fashion school almost three years ago, when my father decided it was time for me to study something else entirely at the same time – it was so hard for me, and kind of hurt! Anyway, I decided to become a stylist because I wanted to expand my experiences in the fashion industry. I have also worked as a fashion designer for Dian Pelangi during 2013 and 2014.

How did you get your start in fashion? What do you remember being the biggest challenge when trying to break into the industry?

I remembered that time; I had been working on a consultancy company for a year. It was hard for me, and I wasn’t happy. So, I decided to set my own rules and follow in a new path. I started working for Dian Pelangi Bride, and stayed there for a year. I learned everything I needed to know during my time there, got to know all steps necessary to put together a fashion show, made connections within the industry, and so many other things!

How is it different styling men?

There aren’t so many differences with styling women. I enjoy doing both! But I think men can do everything – they are eager to try even the most extreme of poses and expressions, and I love it!

How does your work as a stylist inspire your work as a designer and vice versa?

I love creating a concept, be it for a shoot or a collection. Back when I was working as a designer, we would always put together catalogs and lookbooks for every collection that would come out, and I loved managing everything – from choosing the model, the photographer, the location to coming up with the concept. That’s how I found myself falling in love with the job of a stylist. But, I realized that my work as a designer had help me understand what the designer expects of a stylist to do when shooting for their collections.

Where do you turn for inspiration for your work?

Can I say nowhere? It always hits me suddenly, even when I am in the shower – I swear!

How do you stay informed about fashion?

I read fashion magazines, follow bloggers, designers, stylists and photographers on Instagram, catch fashion shows, and keep browsing from one fashion website to another.

How have the social media helped you promote your work?

It’s easy to promote your work in social media; just upload, it and everybody will see! It’s important though to always try to create good content. It will make people want to watch your feed. I always get job offerings coming from my profiles on Instagram, LinkedIn and Behance.

When it comes to making it as a stylist, which is most important – education or experience?

I think experience is more important than education. Why? Because working as a stylist means constantly working on your creativity and taste. Education is getting the information and theory, but only by putting it into practice you will perfect it.

How would you describe the fashion scene in Jakarta? How does it feel pursuing a career in fashion in Indonesia in 2015?

I think most people in Jakarta are well-informed about fashion. I can definitely say that Jakarta is the fashion capital of the entire Asia. Indonesia is experiencing a rapid progress in the fashion industry; fashion magazines – both online and print – are flourishing, and creatives – designers, photographers, models, fashion stylists – are constantly emerging; so are e-commerces, production houses, etc. As you can imagine, there are a lot of career opportunities here.

A lot of young creatives dream of taking their work globally. However, do you find that there are any limitations to this?

Yes, I find so many limitations related to the connections you should have and your work portfolio, like I said in my previous answer: you have to create good content, so it appeals to people, make them always interested in seeing your work, and be willing to work with you.

What are you currently working on and what are your future plans?

I am currently working on Berrybenka.com, a fashion e-commerce in Indonesia who sells almost 1000 brands – both local Indonesian and international. As for my future plans on styling, I just want to deliver extraordinary works, and be such a good stylist that I won’t even have to spell my name.

View Pratiwi’s portfolio on her Behance profile
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