WHO is Saniyyah Bilal?
An
entrepreneur, a young African American woman trying to beat all odds to reach
her utmost success, a Hijabi (fashionable Muslim woman), a lover of the arts,
an optimist, a dreamer, a fashion stylist
What is your biggest inspiration/
where do you get your inspiration from?
My biggest inspiration is traveling
whether it is across state lines or abroad which is why I must do more of it! I
also get inspired from characters such as Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl,
Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway from Bonnie & Clyde or Rebecca Bloomwood
from Confessions of a Shopaholic. I am also inspired by culture, colors, music,
fabrications and industry professionals such as Rihanna, Catherine Biba &
Mariel Haenn.
Who is your favorite designer(s)
and why?
Oh wow there is so many I will attempt to minimize my answer, haha. So
my favorite designers are Diane Von Fursternberg because she effortlessly
understands how to flatter the women’s contour properly. Ohhh I also love
Balmain, Olivier Rousteing does an impeccable job at paying attention to detail
in each collection as well as offers a great array of fabrications and texture
which is always pleasing to the eye. Balenciaga has the most gorgeous bags but
their creative director, Nicolas Ghesquiere translates astonishing structures
in their pieces it is so inspiring, their shoes are always conversation pieces.
Speaking of shoes, Ruthie Davis, the originator of the spiked shoe in my
opinion is the American shoe you must own in your collection. She always
creates original statement pieces, she has the pump perfected.
What do you think is your
strengths and weaknesses in the art of fashion?
I am very versatile in what I
style and who. With every experience you
gain new skills, therefore you must be open minded to gain a well rounded
portfolio and client base. I also try to be very personable in my work to
ensure all finished projects reflect my client; therefore I work off a huge
referral basis where I always recommended projects to my fellow industry
professionals. I’ am really indecisive, I always want to see how it looks or
drapes before I make my choice. I have to be overly organized to ensure I know
what I want and have a game plan to guide any sudden decisions that usually
arise, it always works out for the best.
How are your clothes
different from the other stylist?
I have an eye for high fashion and unique
pieces. When pulling from my network of designers I always tell them I need
statement pieces that will stand out. I like to add my culture of Islamic
fashion into my work as well which embodies some of my inspirations; culture, character,
color, drape & fabrications.
What is your favorite
season for fashion?
I love fall fashion because it is my birthday so I get a
free pass to shop relentlessly and because I like layering up and it is no
better time to bundle up when leaves fall. I also like fall fashion because it is
New York Fashion Week!
What is the best perk in being a stylist?
It is very
rewarding seeing your completed vision come to life with a happy client and I
enjoy getting free merchandise when I build rapports with designers and boutiques.
What trends do you see
being big for 2013?
Lace, sheer fabrics, the beanie, clear frame glasses, leather,
ankle straps heels, neon colors, fringes, abstract prints, neutral colors, metallic,
exaggerated necklines, mixing prints & textures.
What one piece of advice would you
give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
You have to create a
niche to set yourself apart. Always ask yourself “why would they choose me over
someone else?”- know the answer and you are bound to succeed!
To learn more about Saniyyah Visit her website at: Curio Styling Consultants.
