Q & A with Kim Gray

I recently did an interview with one of Cape Town's most well-known fashion, beauty, decor and lifestyle stylists. Her name is Kim Gray and she was kind enough to take the time and to answer all my questions. I would love to dip into the world of styling, after chatting to Kim and looking at her work I was definately inspired. She is incredibly talented and has a fantastic eye for fashion and styling. This is what she had to say about summer style trends, tips for entering the styling world and where it all began.

Kim, you have had a great amount of styling and blogging success! What has been the highest point in your career so far?

Definitely winning the S.A Blog Awards Best Fashion Blog, being featured in Elle And Marie Claire for blogging and dressing Lindiwe Sutttle. 

 
Have you always wanted to be a stylist and contribute to the fashion industry? How did you ‘break’ into the industry? 

I originally wanted to be a make-up artist, but a stint interning at Marie Claire led me into the styling world. 
 
What are your style tips for the summer season? 

You can't go wrong with shorts, a denim shirt, satchel bag and pretty summer sandals or a floral dress. If you've got long hair, braids or plaits are huge.

 

There are so many people like you who have a passion for fashion. What advice would you give for aspiring stylists trying to break into the industry? 

The market is so saturated. I get mails every day from girls wanting to be stylists. Be original, use your initiative, make lots of coffee, do lots of returns assisting stylists, be organized, don't ever be late.  

Who are your favourite designers/stores in Cape Town?

I love lunar, August, Woolworths, Tashkaya, Jo Borkett

 What does your typical day consist of?
 Usually a few coffee meetings, gym, blogging and sourcing for shoots. 

What inspires you about the industry you work in? 

Each day is different and no day is the same.  
 
 What are your goals for the future? 
To blog full time. 
 
 Could you kindly tell me about one of your favourite shoots that you have worked on and why? I loved doing tis ballet inspired shoot for Shape Magazine - The clothing is wearable and feminine.http://www.kimgray.za.net/gallery/fashion/

I love doing decor shoots too. It's so much fun to source and then put everything together. Sometimes the things you think will work so nicely together don't, and other times you things yu never thought would work end up making the shoot. 
 
 What do you love the most about being an online fashion columnist and stylist? I have the freedom to do what I want. There is no editor or client. Blogging is personal and all about personal style. It's a fantastic outlet for ones creativity.
 
 Do you think that online fashion blogging is the way forward in terms of keeping up to date with the latest trends and styles? 

Most definitely. Information is current, on trend and fashion is subjective. It allows people to comment and converse with brands and designers. Even magazine's now days are starting up blogs. Once you've read your magazine, you have to wait a whole month for the next mag to come out, blogs help the mags engage and keep their audience captivated inbtw issues.

 What is your favourite garment at the moment that you sell in your online shop?
I am loving the knot rings and heart pendants as for the little wish bone. To sweet. Makes a great gift.

 Do you have a beauty tip for keeping your skin fresh and flawless for summer? 
Don't over load your skin with product and get some good sleep. If all else fails, Beauty Flash Balm by Clarins in a winner for a brighter complexion. 

What is your favourite thing to do during the summer months in Cape Town?

Walking along the sea point promenade, shopping for summer clothes, chilling on the beach, lunching with friends. (agreed!)