Abiodun Dosu – Staggers Gillyard has been a fashion stylist and image consultant for the past 5 years. Even though she got her Fine Arts degree in Theatre from Hunter College New York, her love for costume design lead her to pursue employment in the fashion industry. Furthermore, the education she received from the Fashion Institute of Technology has guided her in a more organized and applicable way.
Living in NYC has allowed her to work closely with hundreds of models, and designers within the past few years. However, assisting others in doing what comes so naturally to her is what makes her feel fulfilled. That is why she created her blog, AbzStylz. She wanted to provide services for women who needed help in enhancing and expressing their individual styles. She usually posts fashion inspiration, shopping guides, reviews on beauty products that I use, and lifestyle content.
Model & Mode magazine recently had a one on one interview with the talented Abiodun and here’s what happened:
Where do you usually shop?
I love shopping at ZARA, Nastygal, ASOS, and Farfetch.
Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?
I think shopping sustainably has given me the opportunity to get unique pieces without breaking the bank. I would always suggest thrifting or shopping from sustainable brands that sell designer pieces that are reputable such as The RealReal and Farfetch.
What are your top tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?
Fabrics are important in the cooler months, so you would want to wear linen, silk, etc. Also, don’t be afraid of color and fun prints.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
I always get creative inspiration from content creators on Instagram and Pinterest. Social media is the easiest way to stay up to date on what is trending.
Is it hard to stay fashionable?
It’s not hard to stay fashionable once you have the right pieces in your closet. The key to staying fashionable is to always have classic pieces that always look good on your body type.
How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
When I style models for a magazine or brand website, I like showing how I can subtly transform a look and showing how practical it would be for most people to wear. If it’s not a look that most women will feel comfortable in, I know it will not make much of an impact.
Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?
The key fashion trends I’ve been seeing this year are: “Hot Pink” which will be the color this year, wide-leg jeans, and hourglass blazers.
What do you think about the state of fashion today?
There is a sustainable trend happening, and I think fashion brands are now trying to be more ethical in how they create their products. I see that more brands are moving away from fast fashion, and have started to create eco-friendly clothing and accessories. I love that slow fashion has become more popular, which has slowed down fashion seasons and has increased the longevity of our clothing.
What are the clothes we can rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?
Anything that is super tight is out of season. For instance, skinny leather leggings you can give up. However, wide-leg leather pants are still in.
What fashion advice would you give an emerging fashionista?
Do not feel like you have to spend a lot of money to be stylish. Always research where you can get the best deals for designer pieces. Also, try to work with emerging brands that need more exposure. They usually are willing to give you pieces to promote for free once they see your work.
The fashion industry has changed so much in the past few years, what’s the best advice you would give for staying ahead of the curve?
I would suggest that you follow reputable websites that give a fashion forecast on what is going to be trending in the upcoming season. For instance, my favorite lately has been Who, What, Wear. They chart the latest fashion and style trends from the runway, street style, influencers, celebrities, social media, and more.
