We spoke with Kelly Ann, our new partner stylist. We are sharing with you the thoughts and insights of this passionate stylist who has been working in the industry for six years. Enjoy the meeting!

Where did your passion for fashion come from?

My mom likes to tell me that when I was two years old, I was changing outfits five times a day, so I guess I’ve always loved it! I also remember having a million Barbies, a box full of clothes to dress them in, but always insisting that something was missing... My parents couldn’t believe it! To this day, my memories of all the times I spent dressing my dolls are vivid. I felt like I was in the right place.  

How did you end up working in the world of fashion design? 

I wasn’t looking to be a stylist! I started in the industry when I was fourteen, as a model in Montreal. I was considering working in public relations for major brands. I knew when I was younger that I wanted to study in Europe. So I went to Barcelona, where I studied fashion commerce for 6 years. It was there that a well-known fashion photographer noticed how I was dressed and asked me to work on a photo shoot with him. And that’s how it started! One opportunity led to another. Even though I knew I had an interest in fashion, Barcelona reinforced the fact that it was my true passion, my raison d’être, and it continues to fuel me every day.

So you’ve been in the business, in one way or another, for six years!

In fact, I kind of grew up immersed in it. Both my grandmothers were seamstresses. My godmother is in the fashion import-export business. My father was in architecture. I’ve always been surrounded by creative people. And my father is a true fashion queen. He’s always had a style of his own, and when I was little we used to have fun wearing matching outfits. He also taught me to go shopping with emotion. 

How do you distinguish style from fashion and trends?

Fashion and trends are like popular music -- it’s something that’s fleeting. Of course I keep up with the trends, it’s my job! That being said, I personally don’t follow fashion extremely closely; I’d rather choose to incorporate pieces that are current and fit my style. It has to represent me. I know that in a year, I’ll still be wearing the pieces I buy today.

How would you describe your personal style?

[After some thought] A feminine tomboy. For example, I’ll combine cargo pants with high heels, or wear baggy clothes and do my makeup in a very feminine way. I definitely dress according to my emotions. Sometimes I feel like a boy, other times like a superhero or a ninja, so I adapt my outfits to represent how I feel.

What is your vision of the stylist’s role?

It is really a supporting position. What I want is for people to be happy. I have a lot of people who tell me "I want to dress like you" and I always tell them that it’s impossible. I really see someone’s personal style as an extension of their soul. I always try to find out what the person likes, and what their daily life looks like, in order to work with the person. My goal is for them to feel better in their clothes and for their wardrobe to be a reflection of themselves. I will never push a specific piece of clothing or style on someone. 

What inspired you to collaborate with the Rockland Centre?

This is a new step in my career as a stylist. I’ve done a lot of editorial work, campaigns for companies like Hydro-Quebec, magazines and online stores. Today, I want to help people feel better and partnering with Rockland Centre is the perfect opportunity to do so.

What advice would you give to people who are hesitating to hire a stylist?

There is no need to be worried. When you need help with something, you ask for help. When you have pain somewhere, you go to a doctor; the same goes for styling. You have to trust people’s talents. For some it’s dentistry, for others it’s fashion! Working with a styling professional builds confidence and makes you happy!

To book a styling session with Kelly Ann, please contact her at kellyannpanagakos@gmail.com.