Meet fast rising Stylist: CINMISOLA

Cinmisola is a gifted fashion stylist who has been able to achieve relative success in the
fashion industry through his cutting-edge talent and adventurous knack for diving out of the box
which has made him one of the most sought-after young fashion stylists in the country.
The fast-rising stylist’s work resume is enviable considering how young he is.

In the duration of a year, Cinmisola has styled an array of A-list celebs ranging from Toke Makinwa to Tolani Baj and he is showing no glimpse of relapse.

In this honest and insightful interview, he talks about his journey to styling, an advocacy for fair
treatment by clients towards young stylists, his favorite creatives, and more.

How did you get into styling?

I studied fashion design and textile management at Yaba College of Technology and this gave
me the platform required to be situated for internship opportunities when they presented
themselves. One of those internships led to me going into fashion styling fully.

You have styled iconic looks such as Tolani Baj’s 2023 AMVCA attire, would you say you
get enough credit for your input as a creative director?

To be honest? Yeah. I mean, for someone who’s barely been a year in this industry, I think I’m
having it good especially for a country like Nigeria where creatives are synonymous with
“jobless”, and with a lack of a proper system that supports a creative mind, I think I’m having it
good. I mean, could it be better? Sure, but I’m certainly not complaining now.

What drove your inspiration for Fashion styling?

Money of course, but then again, there was the sense of power I noticed from my boss at the
time. Whenever he took on projects, I noticed that he was often in charge of the creative
process and the entire mood and that felt empowering. It provided a much-needed epiphany.

Who were some of your fashion icons growing up?

Growing up, I looked up to the likes of Daniel Obasi, he is one of Nigeria’s dope ass fashion
stylists and his work resonated with me. I also love the American stylist, Luxury Law because of
the groundbreaking feats he has been able to achieve with Zendaya. Victoria Beckham, I mean
she is Victoria Beckham, she is one of the perfect embodiments of achieving class with
impeccable simplicity.

Lastly, Tosin of TheStyleInfidel because he is an icon in his lane and one of the greatest of our
time. If fashion styling was music, he created his genre. You can see a touch of each of these
remarkable creatives in my styling.

What Is That A-factor you feel every fashion stylist must have to be qualified as a professional

A lot of experience. I recommend a year of internship. You can’t succeed in the business without
serving a seasoned professional, to be honest.

Who are some of your present idols in the fashion styling industry?

I wouldn’t call them my idols if I’m being honest. I just have a list of exceptionally talented
fashion stylists in the industry. KJ MOODY and what he did with some of the renaissance world tour looks for Beyonce. Ade
Samuel because she’s been a pioneer in taking the Nigerian styling industry to clearer heights
overseas. Joseph Cassell for always collaborating with young Creatives to curate the timeless
American royalty look we all love on Taylor Swift and of course, Daniel Obasi for simply being
Daniel Obasi.

Career-wise, where do you envision yourself In the next five years?

I see myself running a fashion business, writing a couple of books to help budding fashion
stylists navigate the industry easily, and launching a fashion styling app. I’ve always loved the
idea of infusing technology with art. I also see myself branching into various forms of art, the
possibilities are limitless.

Seeing how far the craft of Fashion Styling has come, how does the growth make you feel?

To think that the Cinmisola of ten years ago would have been a massive fan of the Cinmisola of
2023 is something that gets me going harder each day, and it makes me believe in God and the
possibility of dreams coming to pass if you put in the hours required. I think the word “proud”
would be an understatement.

What is your favorite type of Styling and why?

My favorite type of styling has certainly got to be creative styling; the type where all autonomy of
the creative process is handed to you as a stylist. I think
It’s the best, Ask any stylist! Why? Because I Don’t have to necessarily use Pinterest or some
image to develop a mood for the shoot, instead, I trust in my skills and childlike creativity. It’s fun and refreshing, I’m sure every true artist can relate.

Do you think fashion stylists have been given the respect they deserve in the industry?

I think we can do better. Fashion stylists are very important to the celebrities we see on our
screens, it’s a serious job and not a hobby. I would like clients and organizations to accord more
respect and not underpay. I also think young and fresh stylists should be treated fairly. There’s a
level of respect public figures give established fashion stylists, and there’s a level of disrespect
they throw to struggling/ budding artists, who are simply trying to make a name.

What is the most common misconception about your craft?

That it’s easy, pointless, and that anyone can do it.

Finally, what advice would you give to a budding stylist who is looking for a
breakthrough in the fashion industry?

My advice would be to destroy the box of limitations to fashion that the world has fed and let
your imagination run Wild! And most importantly, take your time to learn the ropes during your
internship. There are secrets to the game that only an attentive intern would be lucky enough to
unlock from the master.