In the last couple of years, we’ve seen the emergence of the male stylist and fashion influencer. For the latest issue of 15 Minutes magazine, we sat down with one of the most sought after, Joe Ottaway, to find out a little bit more about his work and how he started out in fashion.
First thing’s first, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into menswear image consultancy and styling?
I was born in Essex and my informative years were spent between the East End of London and Essex, so I think an appreciation for sartorial style was embedded in me during that time. As I grew up, my love for clothes continued to grow along with a passion for sport and football. Although I played football at a semi professional level, my love for menswear overtook my commitment to football.
At the beginning, I predominantly looked after pro-football players. Then, a job opportunity at Harvey Nichols in London saw my career get fast-tracked as a male stylist. I was made the company’s first male personal shopper where I spent 3 years dressing a wide variety of clients from the world of sport, celebrity and business. At one point I was also the Creative Director for Jamie Redknapp’s magazine, Icon, and as my reputation within menswear grew I was introduced to David Gandy who I worked with to co-produce a men’s styling app for the iPhone: ‘The David Gandy Style Guide’, through which David and I established both a personal friendship and creative partnership.
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What is your favourite part of being a male stylist?
Helping gentlemen improve their self esteem and confidence with the power of good styling and savvy shopping. I feel good clothes alone shouldn’t be relied upon to bolster confidence. Thus, they should be seen as one of many tools in a modern day man’s armoury to give an upper hand advantage in such an image based world.
What’s your least favourite part of the job?
Having to deal with the classic interfering wife or girlfriend (sorry ladies). I am a firm believer if you decide to bring an expert within a specific field whether it be styling, carpentry, plumbing etc., that person should be left alone to work his/her magic.
What’s the number one styling advice you’ve ever been given?
Always get the fit right in your clothes. Know your size and body shape and ensure you dress accordingly to that.
What’s been the most memorable work experience to date?
Producing the David Gandy Style Guide app with David. Not only was it the start of a great relationship but it established me as a stylist on the menswear scene.
Tell us a little more about your own personal style. What are your favourite go-to brands?
My personal style is very British, very sartorial and has a strong under pinning element of Savile Row tailoring. My favourite go-to brand is Gieves & Hawkes. They’re great for made-to-measure and bespoke tailoring but also for contemporary yet classic, off- the peg ready-to-wear items of clothing.
Finally, any advice for men who are thinking of going into styling?
It’s simply to start from the bottom and work your way up. I think it’s really important to learn everything about the craft you want to master. Having a good grounding is also essential in becoming an established professional.
That was a little insight into the life and work of renowned male stylist Joe Ottaway. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter and Facebook.