Behind The Curtains. Behind The Cameras.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of fashion? This month, we talk to five veteran individuals of the Malaysian fashion industry to get the inside scoop on what really goes on behind the camera at shoots and behind the curtains at fashion shows. Gear up, cause we’re going to turn everything you thought you knew about fashion upside down.

- Anis Taufik

How would you describe what you do in your own words?

I am a fashion stylist. As a freelancer, a lot of the work that I do have been for magazine editorials, fashion spreads and commercial work, like some ad campaigns for fashion brands. I also give styling talks. When I work on print, I take on the role of a creative or art director – the client comes to me and I’ll manage the project. TV commercials can be a very different ball game to print, one where I have to put together the entire wardrobe before filming work commences. I have worked on a movie, Crazy Rich Asians.

…What was it like working on the set of Crazy Rich Asians?

It was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience – to be able to work on a Hollywood movie that’s now enjoying immense success. It was amazing to be able to work on that level with industry greats; the movie is backed by Warner Brothers and there were massive names involved. The costume designer for Crazy Rich Asians whom I worked with, Mary E. Vogt, is an industry veteran who’s done so many iconic costumes – she was the one who designed the Catwoman suit for Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns. I worked very closely with Mary to come up with the look and feel for mostly the main characters. I was brought on board as the fashion stylist/ consultant, so I was able to be a part of the project and make quite a significant contribution too. I was focusing a lot on the female characters. Going through the scenes, conceptualising what sort of outfits they would wear – I was literally just out there. I was working very much as a buyer as well, so I was going to shops, buying the clothes for the movie. It was really great.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about what you do?