Born with a knack for fashion and an incredible sense of style, Canadian fashion and celebrity stylist Amy Lu has taken the world by storm one outfit at a time.  She began her journey as a stylist 12 years ago, and has since gone on to work with major brands and celebrities including Russell Crowe, Jessica Pare and Selena Gomez just to name a few. With a new baby in her life, Amy Lu has never been busier but she was able to take the time out to answer some questions just for our style nine to five readers.

Style Nine to Five: What made you want to become a fashion stylist?

Amy Lu: I was destined to work in fashion because I have loved clothes for as long as I can remember. Most of my childhood memories include clothing; I can visualize what I, and the people in my memories were wearing, I am a very visual person. Having said that, I dabbled in photography, marketing, and fashion design before committing to styling; I didn’t actually realize ‘fashion styling’ was a career. Once I styled my first shoot I was hooked!

SNTF: How long have you been in this industry?

AL: I started styling full-time in 2002, so 11 years. However I was involved in the industry before that doing internships and networking at fashion events like a madwoman!

SNTF: Have you experienced any difficulty while establishing yourself as a professional fashion stylist?

AL: It’s a difficult career to excel in; It’s highly competitive, very demanding and risky financially when you first start. When I got into the industry, it was a bit like the wild west because there were no talent agencies in Vancouver, you had to fend for yourself. Now things are much more established. You have to want success REALLY badly to rock in this field but as with anything in life, if you work hard enough, you will succeed!

SNTF: Did you attend school and/or complete an internships in this profession before becoming a stylist?

AL: I completed the Fashion Merchandising program at Blanche Macdonald which allowed me to focus on fashion for an entire year. Prior to that I took Marketing in university and various photography and design courses at Emily Carr. I interned briefly with a designer in New York and assisted a stylist on a one day shoot, after that I just went for it!

SNTF: What are some names that you have worked with in the past?

AL: I’ve had the opportunity to work with many celebrities and top models; Noot Seear, Lisa Winkler, Selena Gomez, Lily Cole, Dragonette, Carrie Fisher, Russell Crowe and Mad Men’s Jessica Pare.

SNTF: Do you have any advice for readers who may be looking to get into this profession?

AL: Work hard, breathe all things fashion, take people’s advice with a grain of salt, and just go for it!

To learn more about Amy Lu, visit www.judyinc.com/artists/amy-lu

By: Layan Barakat, Toronto

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