Style:Me with Fatima B. by Mercedes Bruce
“I enjoy meeting someone who has little to no sense of style, and showing them what they have the potential to look like… Good fashion inspires confidence.”
Turning your passion into a career is certainly no easy task, but Fatima B. seems to do it effortlessly. Since 2007, this budding stylist has been making her mark in the entertainment industry; interning and assisting major players in the fashion realm by styling recording artists for photo shoots, album packaging, magazine spreads and music videos. She has also worked alongside other great celebrity stylists such as Brandon Atherley, assisting on rapper Missy Elliot’ s overall look for her “Ching-A-Ling” video, Pepsi music concert and Adidas “Respect M.E.” ad campaign.
Among her accomplishments Fatima B. has been recognized and tapped by the editorial staff of Black Beat and Right On! magazines (two long-standing urban teen publications) as one of the magazines’ Fashion Directors. Since then she has styled celebrities such as R&B singer Christina Milian, rapper Tyga, BET personality Terrence J, rapper Juelz Santana and Soulja Boy. From choosing shoot locations and hiring models, to teaming with esteemed photographers such as Keith Major and guiding the theme of the fashion spreads, she has engaged in every aspect of the fashion editorial process.
Recently Fatima was the wardrobe stylist for Rap-Up magazine G-Shock advertorial. She was responsible for the fashions worn by rapper Asher Roth and producer Ron Browz. The advertorial is slated for Rap-Up’s Summer 2009 issue. The celebrity stylist took some time out of her busy schedule to talk a little about everything from new hatred for leggings to the next steps in her career.
MB: What inspires you?
FB: Its always been sort of a natural thing for me. I always loved getting dressed. I’m super shy, so whatever I’m wearing speaks for me. For my clients, that first impression is key because image is everything. Its not just about the music. People want to know what is the new trend and who are you wearing? Your wardrobe can also be your downfall.
MB: Who are your fashion influences?
FB: I’m a versatile person. I love Grace Jones. I love that punk rock, dark look. Also, Rachel Zoe because of how she came up in the industry. June Ambrose is also a big one.
MB: What are the biggest trends for Winter 2009?
FB: For women, prints are really out. Lots of leopard and furs.
For men, the polo and rugby look, knitted sweaters, cardigans, and leather bags.
MB: What trend could you do without in the New Year?
FB: LEGGINGS! especially liquid leggings. They’ve had their fun.
For men, please leave all the logos in 2009 and focus on fashion instead of brand in 2010. I want to see more clean cuts.
MB: What is one piece of clothing or jewelry you can’t live without?
FB: My shoe and handbag collection.
MB: Who do you think is at the top of the fashion game right now?
FB: Lady GaGa. Her style is like watching an opera. Its not even clothes anymore, its art. She’s a walking play on a red carpet. Nobody has really done what she’s doing right now.
Also, Kanye. He’s always taking risks that not everyone gets, but then you see people down the line are catching up. Now men are wearing fitted clothes and tailored suits.
MB: How do your define your personal style?
FB: I know how to dress people, but I’m confused by myself. I am very versatile. One day I’ll have on 6 inch Louboutins, the next day I’ll have on dunks. Its street luxury.
MB Who is your favorite designer?
FB: Alexander Wang. He’s a new designer but people are very aware of him. He’s a newer version of Zac Posen. He’s young and fresh and I love his clothes. Also, Brian Lynchburg. He just did a custom outfit for Nikki Minaj.
MB: What’s next for you?
FB: I want to build a consulting firm — hair, makeup, stylists, photographers. Right now I’m just grinding it out and trying to get new clients. I just picked up Nikki Minaj. I did a shoot with her for Right On magazine which comes out in January. I’m trying to take her fashion to the next level.
Fatima’s fashion eye has evolved over the years making it easy for her to try daringly different looks in her work. Her childhood days in Japan and attraction to eclectic fashion and style have without a doubt played a huge roll in her appreciation of the Art of Fashion. She has managed to channel all that she has seen as inspiration for many of the projects under her wardrobe styling & consulting company, The Tea Cup Group. Fatima does not simply play off of what is popular. In everything that she does, her goal has always been to ensure that her client’s fashionable first impression is unforgettable which will make her an incredible style icon in the near future.
Check out her styling skills at work for Right On! Magazine’s Black Barbie photoshoot for Nicki Minaj and keep an eye out for more from Fatima real soon!
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