I had a virtual sit-down with Kelly Watson, a South African fashion stylist based in Cape Town. Kelly’s career in the fashion and film industry began in 2008. She has worked with celebrities both in South Africa and around the world.
South African Fashion is influenced by many diverse cultures. What do you want people outside South Africa to know about fashion there?
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There are many designers out there pushing boundaries, adding their own flavour to what they interpret fashion to be. We are still inspired by Western fashion but there is just something special about our people. We wear what we feel. We dress according to our moods and we love the sunshine.
All of this influences our fashion here. We have so many talented designers. Many of them I have found through Instagram. I am a huge fan of colour and prints. For me, I think this represents us as people – the colours, diversity, and our rich history. I can only speak for myself though, hence the colours and prints.
How do you style a South African character to reflect South Africa’s cultural diversity?
When I style a South African character I am conscious of creating a look that accurately reflects our diversity. It is important to balance what is aesthetically pleasing with what is culturally authentic to each character.
How did you end up becoming a wardrobe and fashion stylist?
I have always loved fashion, I wanted to study it after I left school but never did. My aunt is a fashion designer and mentioned to me in my younger years that it is a very cut-throat industry. I guess I did not feel confident in trying to pursue such a big challenge at such a young age. I ended up studying graphic design and wrote my last exam in November 2008.
The very next day I found myself at a production company for an interview (for the role of a wardrobe stylist) and I got the job. Even though I initially avoided the path to fashion, I found myself in fashion and wardrobe styling.
I currently work within many roles in styling – I never restrict myself from learning. I work as a Key Costumer and Costume Supervisor on big-budget film sets, and I style models and actors for stills (various photo shoot styles) and tv commercials. So I would say I am a “Jack of all trades” within fashion styling.
Who are some interesting people/stars you have worked with?
I previously worked with the late Alan Rickman (Professor Snape from Harry Potter). What a lovely man he was. We worked on a film together in South Africa, Eye in the Sky. His first day on set with us was on Halloween. We (the crew) decided to do something fun so both the costume and makeup teams arrived on set dressed as Professor Snape. It was hilarious!
I had the pleasure of working with Dame Helen Mirren on the same film (Eye in the Sky), and she is so lovely and so flexible.
On the set of The Young Pope, I worked with Diane Keaton, who is the same in person as she is on screen, or in my mind she is!
What is the most exciting project you have worked on?
I would have to say it was a project for a show called Strike Back. I got to travel the world for 6 months at a time every year for the last 3 years. It is an action show with lots of gunfights, explosions and stunt fights. Very exciting. To be afforded the opportunity to travel for work has been the highlight of my career to date.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s lives and approach to work. How has the South African fashion and filming industry adapted to the pandemic?
Oh it has definitely changed everyone’s lives. It has certainly made us think about how close in contact we are to people. In my job, I constantly have to touch people, all day. Now we have become more aware of how often we do this. I try not to touch people if I don’t have to, but it is so in me to fix something or do something as mundane as tying someone’s shoelaces.
I am currently on a show where people get tested all the time – we have a Covid-19 testing station on set. A doctor in one room and someone testing in the other. When you arrive on set your details are recorded, you get asked questions and your temperature is taken. It is something we have all had to get used to.
Unfortunately in fashion and film, we cannot work from home. But this is the way of the world now and we just have to get on with it in my opinion.
We have noticed a ‘slow fashion’ and ‘green’ approach when looking at the latest digital fashion shows. Can you explain to us what this means?
Indeed. I love how people are becoming more aware of their surroundings, more aware of what is happening to the planet right now, and how it is affecting us as a human race. Going back to the after-effects of the pandemic, I think that the lockdowns we have had across the world have made us all rethink how we live our lives. This is one plus to the situation the whole world finds itself in.
Back to ‘slow fashion’, I am a firm believer in buying quality over quantity. So I would much rather buy unique pieces to add to my wardrobe instead of mass-produced garments. Even when I travel I make sure to find great local designers to purchase from. I have many great fashion pieces and appreciate when someone compliments a garment or outfit I am wearing.
As for digital fashion shows, I do like the idea. I feel that online is the way forward and it also allows more people access to see online fashion shows. I am not a designer and these shows obviously bring in tons of revenue, but I am sure there are clever ways to generate income from it digitally going forward.
How do you (and how can we) keep up with South African fashion trends?
I cannot say that I have a “go-to” place to look for trends. For me it is more of an organic experience than anything else.
I have a few great designers that I admire: Maxhosa pushes boundaries with his work and his prints are beautiful. Sindiso Khumalo has vibrant dresses, with feminine prints and flowing hemlines. Simon and Mary have the greatest hats, and Matsidiso the cutest shoes. All of these are locally made in South Africa, and it is definitely worth having a look at their work.
How can we stay up to date with your South African fashion styling projects?
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My styling website is on my list of things to do. But last year, when I got back home after working away, I finally started my stylist page on Instagram.
What is the one thing you want people to consider about their personal style?
Go with your gut feeling. Feel confident in what you are wearing, walk tall and proud. Do not worry about what other people think because if you feel comfortable in what you are wearing then go right ahead. Other than that, know what works for you and with your body.
More African fashion inspiration
If you enjoy wearing African inspired fashion, have a look at this article. To stay inspired with Kelly’s mix on Western and South African fashion ideas, follow her on Instagram @kelly_watson_styling.