The Creators Series w/ Fashion Stylist Oscar Robles
Always keep in mind that the viewer has no idea who you are or what you’re trying to explain besides selling clothes or accessories. Purpose behind and in front of the lens is very important.
- Oscar Robles
Unapologetically Him, Los Angeles-based Fashion Stylist, Oscar Robles worked his way up in the fashion industry for over half a decade after graduating from fashion school. Robles’ inner compass helps build himself from the inside out through his work. Speaking on his creative process, experiences and sharing intel on how to stay true to you as you build your career, Meet Creator: Oscar Robles.
DOE: Are you professionally trained in your craft? Tell us about how you’ve learned what you know?
OSCAR: After becoming certified in Fashion Merchandising (2016) at Fullerton Community College in Orange County I interned for 5 ½ months in a PR showroom in Los Angeles. For the most part being a stylist is something you are blessed and born with. Style isn’t something that can be taught. You have to feel it in the soul. However, the positive aspect of interning most certainly strengthened my communication skills, multi-tasking, and ethics when dealing with celebrities and/or talent, along with their PR team. Dealing with PR isn’t the greatest.
DOE: What are some of your biggest influences when creating your work?
OSCAR: I personally don’t follow any stylists. They distract me greatly from my own imagination and creativity. My biggest influences would have to be the life around me. Pop culture, politics, socialites, season changes, photographers, and lastly myself and own life experiences. The late Ren Hang is someone who I’ve admired greatly recently.
DOE: When have you ever turned down a project/job because you didn’t agree with it?
OSCAR: A lot of work that is presented to me at times doesn’t inspire me. A great amount of the LA fashion scene is quite superficial and stereotypically what you’d expect from the area, Beverly Hills & Hollywood for example. I’ve turned down work because I wasn’t fond of the talent, model, or photographer. If they don’t benefit me in a way where my portfolio will become stronger then I won’t waste my time. Who you connect with and follow is a representation of you in a way.
DOE: What are some mistakes you’ve made while pursuing your art? What would you have done differently?
Oscar Robles, Fashion Stylist
OSCAR: Learning to separate business from personal relationships is something that I struggled with. The fashion world is a dog eats dog world sort of business. It is very hard to differentiate if someone is trying to get close to me because they admire my work and would like to create together or if they’re trying to “steal a connection.” Keeping an eye out for all your belongings is something I would strongly suggest as well, it could result in a catastrophic and costly predicament. I’ve unfortunately learned that the hard way. I suggest taking photos of all your belongings a day before the shoot and the day of the shoot prior to getting started to dressing the talent/model.
DOE: Do you feel that purpose has anything to do with what or how you create? How so, or why not?
OSCAR: Yes and no. I’ve been on jobs before where it was very straight to shooting glamour. At times these glamour gigs lack life and depth besides the obvious. You have to tell a story with your work. Whether it’s the clothes, the muse, the culture you’re trying to express. Always keep in mind that the viewer has no idea who you are or what you’re trying to explain besides selling clothes or accessories. Purpose behind and in front of the lens is very important.
DOE: What advice do you have for your fellow creators, both established and rising?
OSCAR: Keep being unapologetically you. Stay true to you. Go with your gut feeling and read people's energies and vibes. If you are uncomfortable, question someone’s intentions, and know when you’re being overworked and underpaid. Know your worth. A lot of these magazines and companies try to take advantage of fresh talent by not paying them. They take and take and take until they can’t no longer. If it’s unpaid then ask yourself: Is the exposure and/or talent worth it? Also, team up with a great photographer who understands you and work as much as you can with them. Creativity is fun for the eyes and mind. But remember that fun isn’t going to pay your bills. Keep a part-time job on the side at least.