An instinctive love for styling helped Kelly Hsu set her career trajectory

Born in Taiwan and raised in Singapore, Kelly Hsu started her decade-long career as a freelance fashion stylist while she was studying for her diploma at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). She later pursued her BA in Fashion Media at Lasalle College of the Arts. Her expertise and focus was styling for commercial jobs, which was a different route to embark on, as stylists typically start as styling assistants.

Kelly considers herself fortunate to have crossed paths with influential individuals who have played a significant role in shaping her career trajectory. Eugene Siow, a commercial photographer she met when she was still in NAFA, offered Kelly her very first freelance styling opportunity.

Then, at Lasalle College of the Arts, her lecturer, veteran stylist Furqan Saini, helped open many doors for her as she worked alongside him on creative and commercial projects at his agency Major Minor.

“My first job in 2016 was for a Spotify campaign – I had not assisted a stylist before, nor did I have any related experience before the assignment. I went with my instincts, and thankfully did not make any amateur mistakes,” says Kelly.

Years later, Kelly started assisting fashion stylist Joshua Cheung, whom she now considers her mentor. “Joshua gave me the chance to explore doing fashion editorials for magazines. That was something I had never done before, and it was very different from styling commercial projects. I finally had a chance to explore my creative finesse in a completely new and refreshing way.”

The Stylist: Kelly Hsu

Instagram: @kllyhsu

What is a typical day in the life of a stylist?

For commercial styling projects, I’m involved in planning the visual direction by creating mood boards and selecting wardrobe looks. A significant portion of my time will be spent sourcing clothes for the campaign.

For personal styling, I would usually meet up with the client first to get to know their interests better. For special events like balls, I would have detailed conversations with clients to understand their preferences.

Then, I would reach out to brands and their sales assistants to check for any special items, and curate a selection of looks for my clients. We would then review and discuss the curated looks before going through multiple rounds of fittings for gowns, and shopping for shoes and accessories if needed.

What do you love most about being a stylist?

The ability to dress people exactly how I envision it. It’s great when I have complete trust from my clients, as they are open to all the ideas and proposals I put forward.

Is it tough to be a stylist in Singapore?

It is not tough as long as I do my best, take opportunities when they come, and stay open-minded.

When a client gets in touch with you, what are the steps involved for a personal styling service?

I touch base on the brief first, checking what this engagement is for, and agreeing on the rate. Then I curate, and start sourcing to get the looks. We go for fittings, and it’s a back-and-forth situation until we both agree on what we like.

Who in the styling scene inspires you?

On the international scene, celebrity stylists Hathairat Nan Nist Permpoon, Mimi Cuttrell, Maeve Reilly and Dani Michelle, art director Yii Ooi, as well as stylist and deputy creative director of Fenty, Jahleel Weaver. Back home, I look up to senior stylists who have turned into friends and acquaintances: Furqan Saini, Joshua Cheung, Neo Lirong, Tok Wei Lun, and Evon Chng.

The Client: Tara Tann

How did you meet?

Tara Tann (TT): We met through a recommendation from the team at Bottega Veneta Singapore.

How did your relationship evolve?

TT: Kelly styled me for the Tatler Ball 2023, and after that we started shopping together for my personal trips, and that evolved into her doing personal styling for me.

Kelly Hsu (KH): Tara and I have a strong connection because of her warm-hearted nature. It’s worth mentioning that Tara and I share similar love languages, which makes our collaboration even more enjoyable and fulfilling. She consistently shows her appreciation for my work, and treats her team with kindness and respect. There is also a very strong sense of trust between us.

If something doesn’t work, is honesty really the best policy?

TT: We both respect each other, and it’s always a win-win situation. At the end of the day, it’s about hitting briefs in terms of looks and event themes. And having lots of fun together while doing it!

KH: We both value straightforward communication. If Tara isn’t keen on certain looks, she communicates that directly, allowing us to pivot and explore other options. Similarly, I also provide honest feedback when I feel something isn’t flattering on her, or doesn't align with the desired vibe.

How would you describe Tara's style now?

KH: She’s more adventurous and open to ideas she’s never tried before, and it’s really exciting to see her evolve in her style journey.

STYLING KELLY HSU
HAIR & MAKEUP (KELLY, LEFT) GREGO, USING KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS & BOBBI BROWN
HAIR & MAKEUP (TARA, RIGHT) MARC TENG USING ORIBE & CHANEL BEAUTY