Stylist Files: Ehtesham Ansari

When it comes to styling, there are a handful of people who know and understand the job. Ehtesham Ansari is known for getting the job done since 2006. With an impressive portfolio to share, we spoke to him about what’s it’s like to be a Stylist and what he enjoys the most in his job.

How did you become a fashion stylist?

While I was an undergrad from Indus, I never knew what the job title actually is, as we have been exposed to the other definitions of a stylist, i.e. beautician or grooming expert. However I always knew I wasn’t really looking forward for 9 to 5 studio job and designing bed sheets or lawn suits.

What was your first proper job in the styling world?

I explored around and fortunately my first job turned out to be for a prestigious magazine as a fashion coordinator and stylist. My first project turned out to be Yellow brand’s shoot with HumaimaMalick.

What fashion advice would you give to an average person?

Fashion advice comes later; first we all have to take care of personal hygiene, which is commonly seen being ignored around us. One cannot make a fashion statement without taking care of personal hygiene.

What is the biggest misconception that people not working in your field have about your job?

People tend to think that I do hair and make up or I am a coordinator. What I really do is enhance personalities and develop character profiles during editorials.

Which celebrities have you loved working with so far?

I enjoy working with people who are open to new ideas and appreciate attention to details. I have worked with almost every top celebrity from Pakistan.

From Bollywood, I got a chance to style Aditya Roy Kapoor (Q Mobile) and Arjun Kapoor (for Flying Machine). It was a great pleasure to style Manchester Football City Players for Etihad Airways and IPL Kolkata Knight Riders for US Polo.

What is your all time favorite look you created?

It’s difficult to mention one as there is always room of improvement… but I love most of my Coke Studio work and the films I have done so far.

If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who’s would it be and why?

Christian Grey for sure, not for the closet reason.

If you could choose any personality from Pakistan to give a makeover, who would it be and why?

Mahira Khan and QandeelBaloch; one does not realize the diva in her and the other needs to take away the diva in her, respectively. I would also like to style our politicians they definitely need one! Specifically Fatima Bhutto will be interesting to style, on the other hand styling SharmeelaFarooqi will be challenging.

Which trends do you want to see disappear?

The head to toe wrapped in lawn outfit.

What trends do you love right now?

The Gym trend or Boot camp…