Maytee: When did you first begin styling and what led you to this career choice?
Obe: I began styling when I was 13, mainly as a hobby with my sister. Unlike the average boy who wanted to play football in the backyard, I wanted to play dress up in the closet. She, like me, was really into style! That's definitely what led me to continue my love of the art, but ever since middle school, my style really stood out! Inevitably, I'd roam the halls in the "not-so-average" wardrobe and with such high interest of remaining in style, over the years I studied more and more (eventually breaking my hobby). With that being said, 7 years later I've gained a degree in Fashion Merchandising and have pursued my own small business as a Fashion Stylist. Looking back now, where I am today is all because I asked myself senior year: "Where's your heart REALLY at?"...and all that reflected upon me in regards to that, was the many years of style I had become and the many more years I aspired to be.
Maytee: Who inspires you in terms of fashion designers and stylists?
Obe: As cliché as it may sound, Alexander Mcqueen is one of my ultimate inspirations. For as long as I can remember, I've been inspired by his runways. His work, in general. My mind embraces itself in theatrics even within its sleep, so Mcqueen is someone who forever leaves me with awe and excitement.
As well as, Rei Kawakubo (and for Comme des Garcons). The woman's theatrics are beautiful! Like Mcqueen, they pour their hearts out on the runway and it's really motivating to see that there are those designers who aren't afraid to speak what a mind can dream.
As stylist, I'd definitely have to say Nicola Formichetti (another theater mastermind). His talent has taken the industry by rage and he knows how to play business and creativity together, and quite well.
Also, stylist Danny Santiago from Miami. He's the first stylist I know to have come out of this city and really make a statement. Before I even started my career, I would have a feeling of love for styling just from seeing the beauty that man has created. I definitely look up to these people.
Maytee: Who are some of the people you have worked with?
Obe: I've worked with some really great people in NY and Miami. Some of the greatest people, like Aban Sonia, who began as a free-lance Fashion Stylist like myself and then exploded the Miami and NY market with innovation. She now owns several small businesses and has been featured in NY times and worked for NY Fashion Week shows like Nary Manivong. She is truly an aspiring artist and I look up to her motivation and persistence, not to mention her strong sense of entrepreneurship.
I've also worked with international companies like Sergio Zelcer, magazines such as IDOLL in NY and Prestige in France.
Not to mention, my life has come across great photographers who have helped build my career like Kat Rabbitt and Alberto Gonzalez; both of whom are truly gifts from God and I wouldn't be here without them.
In addition, I've had the privilege of working with a great friend and very successful Stylist, Joey Rolon. The owner and designer of Funky Sexy Couture, who has worked for celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Missy Elliot and Britney Spears, just to name a few. He has taught me how to produce a show entirely on my own and how to work sufficiently and consistently in general. He is truly great!
Lastly and definitely, an important person is Waina Chancy. She, like myself, is a successful Stylist at fast pace. We've worked together for quite some time now and she has taught me that there are truly beautiful souls in this world. Not to mention, she's a very talented and a graceful girl who's taking the industry by storm, and with the right attitude.
Maytee: For inspiring fashion stylists, what is the best advice you could give someone to break into the industry?
Obe: Know your aesthetics. Know your trends. But most of all, know your hearts and souls because if you follow where your heart seems to lie, it will lead you to your soul and souls are destine; hence your destiny.
Maytee: Where can people see more of the great Obe Santos?
Obe: Awe. Thanks so much, that question and this whole interview is very sweet!
You can view more of my work at www.ObeSantos.com or my Stylist page at www.Facebook.com/StylistObeSantos and Follow me on twitter for constant updates at www.twitter.com/ObeSantos
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