TVM: At what age did you discover this passion?
Joanna: It’s always been in my life. My mom taught me to sew at a young age. I started by designing clothing, and then slowly got into the styling aspect of it. I made my bikini from a curtain fabric at the age of seven. And this was in Poland. I wanted to do what she was doing.
TVM: How did it make you feel?
Joanna: My mom was sewing so much at the time. I looked up to her. It was so exciting because it was something she had taught me.
TVM: Have you always wanted to be a wardrobe stylist?
Joanna: Growing up I always thought I would sew because that was my background. I could not see myself doing anything else. I moved to Toronto in ’83. During fashion school I worked at a clothing store and I was like: how am I going to break into this? How am I going to design my own line? I always envisioned a piece I wanted to wear. And if I couldn’t find it— I would make it.
TVM: What does a wardrobe stylist’s job typically consist of?
Joanna: Collaborating really closely with a team or the client. Making sure we’re on the same page. You source. You prep. You shop. You find these items. First you put a look together, and then you go and look for it. Sometimes you’re not going to get what you had in mind so you have to find other things that will work well. When you bring everything on set, you have to make sure everything is organized. Everything is steamed and prepped. You can plan looks beforehand, but things change. Sometimes I’ll look at something and be like— whoa that didn’t work for this client. Or, it doesn’t look the way I thought it would. You have to have more options. If you’re doing eight looks, you want to make sure you have 16.
TVM: Do you follow a routine?
Joanna: Yes. I mean… it depends on the client. But usually it is the same routine. You pick their brains just to make sure you have all the information you need, and to make sure you’re on the same page. This is more the advertising clients. For a fashion editorial, it’s the same idea. You just collaborate. You have more freedom because you can bounce ideas off with the makeup artist and the hairstylist and the photographer.
TVM: What about for vocalists?
Joanna: With singers you really have to make sure that they will like what you pull, and feel comfortable in it. I’ve shopped with a singer We’ve actually gone out together and did a fitting at a store just to make sure they were comfortable. It’s them. It’s their skin. If you push something onto somebody it’s going to show in the video. It has to be them.
TVM: How much time does it take to come up with a look?
Joanna: When I know the job is coming up, I’ll instantly start thinking about it: sitting down and sourcing and trying to figure out what the look or the looks are going to be. It can take me three or four days to prep. Mentally, I’m in it as soon as I find out.
TVM: How important is a stylist for an artist? And how soon should an artist seek one?
Joanna: I think it’s very important because they’re thinking about other things. They’re maybe stressed about their vocal lessons, or they’re preparing for a music video or an award show. They’re worried about other things. It’s so much easier to have someone there and bring a closet to them. It makes sense. They must be comfortable with you. It takes some pressure off when they put their trust in your hands.
TVM: Do you think an artist should have a consistent stylist?
Joanna: It’s very important if they are in the spotlight a lot.
TVM: How would you describe your personal style?
Joanna: Sorta effortless with an edge. I like jeans and a t-shirt. The t-shirt may be tucked in in a certain way. I do like to wear chunky bracelets or more than one necklace. I’m kind of stuck to the same piece of jewellery until I get tired of it and say— Okay! It’s time to switch it up.
TVM: How do you keep up with the trends?
Joanna: For editorials, I try not to get into the whole trend thing because trends don’t work on everybody or every body. Someone may look good in high waisted pants, and someone else may not look good. It all depends on who the person is. You want to make sure everything is current, but there are some classics that work on a lot of people.
TVM: Can a look make or break an artist?
Joanna: Yes, it does have a bit of an effect. They definitely would need somebody to guide them. If it’s a young and poppy artist, and young girls and boys are looking up to him or her, what they wear and what style can sort of… it wouldn’t completely break them, but I think having a style helps.
TVM: What advice would you give to emerging vocalists?
Joanna: Be consistent in your style and make sure you do have somebody to guide you. If you are known for being that wacky artist who can break boundaries— That’s great! Like Lady Gaga for instant. You want to stay consistent because you have followers. People are looking up to you. It’s for your image in a way. You become a brand.
TVM: What advice would you give to stylists?
Joanna: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to network. And networking is very hard. I always say to aspiring stylists: call me and pick my brain. I’ll answer the question honestly. Find that mentor. You need someone to guide you. Find a stylist that you can shadow and assist. It’s not an easy industry, but if it’s your passion— Go for it. You have to work your butt off. You do in this industry. It’s always changing and you always have to keep up. It’s a little bit of a rollercoaster. If you’re fresh out of school and a nine-to-fiver, you have to understand what the job entails. You’re not working every single day. You have to be prepared. It’s a lifestyle.
TVM: How can one find a mentor?
Joanna: You have to network, ask questions, and research. If there’s someone local that may know a stylist, talk to them. There are people who will shut the door, and there are others will open up and help.
TVM: What can we expect from you in the future?
Joanna: I would like to work more across Canada and maybe internationally. That would be incredible. I’d like to do more fashion editorials. Music videos are great! Yeah, keep on going. I’m growing, so I like to think that in time you become better. You’re constantly moving forward and becoming better at what you do. I always look forward to that.t I want to work with is Mickey Drexler. If I ever had the opportunity to work with somebody as amazing as that I would be so honoured! In terms of style, I’d love to work with someone like Gwen Stefani. Right now, I’m really focusing on new talent and emerging talent, and bringing that sense of fashion out of them. More so than working with somebody who’s already established their style.
