By Claudienne Peterson
Stacy-Ann Taylor is a self-made make-up artist and fashion advisor to models, pageant queens and even celebrities. She is sought after by online- and print-media, event coordinators and photographers for their shoots/videos, weddings and more. Meeting her is such a delight as her beautiful smile and great enthusiasm for her work are more than infectious!
Some of Stacy-Ann’s recent work includes the cover of the last issue of Discover Magazine; her work has also been featured in Elléments Magazine. She did the make-up of EJ (Magic Johnson’s son) when an episode of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills was being filmed on Sint Maarten. She’s also done make-up and clothing concepts for shoots with professional dancer Khadija Shari and professional tap dancer Maud Arnold, Ashley Everett (Beyoncé’s dance captain) and recently dancehall artist Cecile!
Stacy-Ann recently travelled with the first runner up Senior Pageant Queen to St. Kitts: “I did styling, make-up and part-time chaperone work.” Get to know what makes Stacy-Ann’s life of fashion tick!
Where do you get your style inspiration?
I get my style inspiration from fashion icons like Chanel and Iris Apfel, just to name two. I also listen to myself a lot; I will look at their style and customize it.
Who taught you how to dress?
Actually, no one; but I can remember when I was about six or seven that my mom would dress my sister and me alike. I also remember that the clothing was really cute. As I grew older and got experience working at our past Liz Claiborne boutique, I developed a love and appreciation for clothing, especially timeless pieces.
How long have you been into fashion?
For the past 10 years.
If you had to choose, what three pieces of clothing would you say are your favourite?
Besides a black strapless bra and a nude colour underwear; I would choose (1) a simple short-sleeve long or short dress; (2) any colour jacket with buttons; (3) a pair of jeans (doesn’t matter if it’s bell-bottoms, boyfriend fit, slim fit or wide legs).
How do you transition from corporate and serious to casual?
A jacket and a pair of heels are essential with the right accessories. With a dark pair of jeans and a jacket with the right pair of heels and accessories to match, you can be corporate – sometimes corporate can be fun. For casual; remove the jacket and wear a T-shirt; and change your heels to a simple, yet elegant pair of sandals – it’s not necessary to remove the accessories.
Do you have vintage pieces?
Yes, I do have vintage pieces. When I got married, my theme was vintage – my wedding dress and the headpiece were vintage. I also have a few pieces in my closet that I wear regularly.
What are some style risks you regret taking?
None; I don’t regret any style risk.
What are some style risks you’re happy you took?
Some style risks that I’m happy I took are wearing my husband’s dress shirt like a shirt dress; wearing a dress with a pair of heels and socks; wearing a black short dress, a long cardigan and a pair of orange sneakers. These are just a few.
How often does your look change?
My look does not change with the seasons for sure, but I honestly cannot put a number on it; my look changes as often as I feel.
What’s one staple piece in your wardrobe?
One staple piece in my wardrobe is my maxi orange dress.
If you’re running errands, what’s the first thing you’re likely to grab?
That depends on how I feel in the morning and if I have time. When I have time, I love to dress like I’m going to meet my worst enemy. And when I don’t have time, I often wear a pair of shorts, a simple T-shirt and a pair of sneakers just for comfort.
If you had to start your wardrobe all over again, what would you change and what would you keep?
I actually would not start it over, because I discovered recently when doing a lot of photoshoots that I need every piece of clothing I now have in my wardrobe. But I would definitely add more high fashion pieces.
