FBI Past Student Kim Hurwitz
Freelance TV & Celebrity Stylist | Kim Capital L
What was your dream job when you first started at FBI Fashion College?
When starting at FBI Fashion College I thought I wanted to be a fashion buyer.
What are some Fashion Companies you have interned at and what were your positions?
I really made the most of the internship program while I was at FBI. I interned at Cosmopolitan magazine in the fashion cupboard, I interned in Fashion events for a company called Mr & Mrs Fish and got to assist in a Fashion show at the hair expo, I interned in fashion PR at a company called The Projects, they used to look after a few fashion labels. I also volunteered as an usher for the Myer and David Jones fashion parades. I know there were a bunch more but those were the ones that stood out for me the most!
What does an average day as a Freelance TV Stylist look like for you?
I guess one of the things I love most about being a freelance TV stylist is there is no ‘average’ day. I can be on set in a studio, on set on location in Sydney or Melbourne or even overseas, I could be prepping for an upcoming job by e-mailing and calling pr agencies to make appointments, I then attend those appointments, I could be doing returns, meeting with designers working on outfits for upcoming events. I can’t tell you where I’ll be next week but it’s definitely not a 9-5 office job!
How did you get started in Styling?
When I owned my clothing store, I had stylists that used to come in all the time and want to collaborate. The one stylist asked if I’d like to assist him on a TV show. I thought the opportunity was too good to be true but here I am now, 5 years in and turned my occasional styling work into working on back to back TV shows. I actually decided to close my clothing store 1.5 years ago so I could pursue freelance TV styling full time.
What is the best way to start up a Styling Portfolio?
I’d recommend for those wanting to start up a styling portfolio to get involved in as much work as possible. Taking on assisting roles, internships and work experience, it can all contribute to your portfolio and lead to more work and hopefully start rolling from there.
Tell us about some TV programs and celebrity client’s you have worked with.
I’ve been working in TV styling for 5 years now and I’ve had the pleasure of working on some awesome shows including 4 seasons of The X factor (that was my very first job), 6 seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Australia’s Got Talent, The Voice, Ninja Warrior Australia, The real housewives of Sydney, I Own Australia’s best Home and Celebrity Apprentice. There has been a bunch more but pretty much I mainly work on reality programs.
On these shows I’ve got to work with some big names including Kelly Rowland on The Voice, Sophie Monk, Mel B on The X Factor, Iggy Azaela on The X Factor, Kerry-Anne Kennerly on Celebrity Apprentice even Taylor Swift when she appeared on The X Factor!
Are you working on any exciting projects at the moment?
I have just finished filming The Bachelorette where I styled Sophie Monk. It was a big job where we filmed for over 12 weeks in over 100 outfits and I am excited because it’s finally going to air next week! I am in talks for a new show coming up but it has not been confirmed just yet, so fingers crossed!
How did you meet Sophie Monk? What has it been like working as her Personal Stylist?
Sophie and I met 2.5 years ago when I was working on Celebrity Apprentice. I remember she had a bunch of dresses with her already that she was going to wear on the show and I called in some outfits including this really cute Alice McCall dress for her just incase, I showed it to her, she loved it and wore it that day and we kind of hit it off from there!
I’ve worked with her on everything she’s done since then including Australia’s Got Talent, The Logies and The Bachelorette. We have an amazing relationship, I work really hard to get her the best styles out there and she has a lot of trust in me. She’s very kind, generous and of course, funny so I love having her as my client.
What is your first approach when styling a client for a red-carpet event?
The key factors I take into account when styling a client for a red carpet are: The type of event (not all red carpets mean gowns) and my clients personal style. I don’t believe in following a particular trend but rather making my client feel comfortable and most importantly making sure they feel beautiful! It’s all about them.
What is the best part of your job?
I think one of the best parts of my job is getting to travel a bit. I’ve been lucky enough to see some amazing locations in Fiji and it’s taken me all over Australia. I also get to see some real gems in NSW as well!
What do you look for in an intern/assistant?
The most important thing for me in an intern/assistant is their commitment. I am very committed to my work and that might mean very late nights on set or prepping, very early mornings, working on weekends, working 6 to 7 days a week sometimes but that’s the industry! So I want someone who is dedicated. I also look for passion because I feel very passionate about what I do and it’s a lot of work and time to put in if you don’t enjoy it!
What has been the proudest moment so far in your career?
I think next Wednesday night will be my proudest moment yet when The Bachelorette goes to air. I’ve worked in the industry for 5 years and done a lot of TV shows but this is kind of my two worlds (the tv show I’ve worked on for 4 years and my client, Sophie Monk) coming together. I feel nervous because fashion is so subjective, I know a lot of people will not like what they see but I hope that most people will!
What advice would you give to students starting out in the Fashion Industry?
The good news is they are already doing the best possible thing they can and that is attending FBI fashion college. So many people I work with in the industry studied there! Take all the opportunities FBI has to offer and suss out what you’re passionate about in the industry. Put in the time, ask a lot of questions, learn from your mistakes (because we all make a lot!) and really put yourself out there. Unfortunately, these opportunities won’t come to you, you need to put yourself out there, grab them and don’t let go!
Interviewed by Nicole Oraha | FBI Fashion College
