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CEM
recently had the honour
of interviewing the ever so beautiful & talented Anny "Ivanna" Romano from
the Glamocracy,
an international styling company based out of NYC. She is a Fashion Stylist who specializes in
fashion show production, art direction, editorial styling and creative
collaborations.
She currently has a clientele of NBA, NFL stars to name a few
and now Trinidadian artists Patrice Roberts, along with pending projects for Farmer
Nappy.
 |
| Anny at work |
When she is not styling, you can also
find her on the radio in NYC talking sports with her co-host ChiChi on WHCR
90.3FM, The Voice of Harlem New York or in a sports arena covering games.
We were delighted when she agreed to
complete a full in-depth interview with Caribbean E-Magazine. Read on to
discover, amongst other things, what Fashion designers Anny is inspired by and
what she’s hoping to achieve over the next 10 years. She also gives her best
fashion tips.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Annell Ivanna Romano I am a 23 year old fashion stylist, radio host and business owner. I was born in the United States of America to a Trinidadian mother and Trini-Venezuelan father. I am the younger of two girls, I love to travel, draw, paint, play sports, dance, design, eat and cook.
Where are you based?
I am based in New York City.
How did you get started as a stylist?
This is a profession that I would honestly say happened by accident, one that I would never regret embracing. I did an internship at Madison Square Garden in their Public Relations department, when the internship was over I remained there but as an employee on their game night staff. My peers, friends and even complete strangers would always compliment me on my wardrobe and continually asked me to consider going into fashion instead of sports. One day while working in the arena I met Jamal Ali, the owner of Custom Collection and www.jamalali.com who is a very popular stylist to athletes in the NBA and NFL after chatting with him a bit he took me under his wing and showed me how I could combine my love for sports and fashion into one and the rest became history.
What does a styling job typically consist of?
Firstly let me say that with styling you have to be in love with fashion and your craft, it actually depends on who or what you are styling. Typically I would discuss any ideas that the client has for the event they need styling for and I would begin doing my research being the W’s; Who? What?Why?When?Where? Yes I use the W’s and even the H – How, that has to be the Publicist in me but they are so important in styling and must be considered at all times. Then after I come up with a variety of ideas and options that I think would suit the client, I usually meet with he/she so they can go through each selection. They decide what look they like and on the day of the event I prepare everything to help the client achieve a completed image from head to toe. On the day of the event I would load up my car or a cab with clothes, racks and other styling equipment. I arrive at the location where I am needed at least 2 hours prior to call time so I can set up and ensure that everything is ready for my client.
My name is Annell Ivanna Romano I am a 23 year old fashion stylist, radio host and business owner. I was born in the United States of America to a Trinidadian mother and Trini-Venezuelan father. I am the younger of two girls, I love to travel, draw, paint, play sports, dance, design, eat and cook.
Where are you based?
I am based in New York City.
How did you get started as a stylist?
This is a profession that I would honestly say happened by accident, one that I would never regret embracing. I did an internship at Madison Square Garden in their Public Relations department, when the internship was over I remained there but as an employee on their game night staff. My peers, friends and even complete strangers would always compliment me on my wardrobe and continually asked me to consider going into fashion instead of sports. One day while working in the arena I met Jamal Ali, the owner of Custom Collection and www.jamalali.com who is a very popular stylist to athletes in the NBA and NFL after chatting with him a bit he took me under his wing and showed me how I could combine my love for sports and fashion into one and the rest became history.
What does a styling job typically consist of?
Firstly let me say that with styling you have to be in love with fashion and your craft, it actually depends on who or what you are styling. Typically I would discuss any ideas that the client has for the event they need styling for and I would begin doing my research being the W’s; Who? What?Why?When?Where? Yes I use the W’s and even the H – How, that has to be the Publicist in me but they are so important in styling and must be considered at all times. Then after I come up with a variety of ideas and options that I think would suit the client, I usually meet with he/she so they can go through each selection. They decide what look they like and on the day of the event I prepare everything to help the client achieve a completed image from head to toe. On the day of the event I would load up my car or a cab with clothes, racks and other styling equipment. I arrive at the location where I am needed at least 2 hours prior to call time so I can set up and ensure that everything is ready for my client.
I am responsible for
making sure everything fits; shoes and accessories are in order and that the
talent knows what is what. Then the fun part as show time approaches. Play dress
up! As a stylist I always
bring extra things because you always have to expect the worse such as pins,
hair clips, sewing kit, tampons, lint remover, stain remover, double sided
tape, etc. because you never know what will happen.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that the ideas that I have in my head, I get to bring them to life and I get to make people feel good about themselves. I love that I get to travel and meet so many amazing people.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that the ideas that I have in my head, I get to bring them to life and I get to make people feel good about themselves. I love that I get to travel and meet so many amazing people.
Who are some of your clients?
International Soca Artist Patrice Roberts, NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers EJ Wilson, Production Engineer for artist Miguel, Andre Williams, NBA Donte Greene, Corey Brewer and pending deals with some amazing talents.
What are some of the things
you look for when styling a client?
I first do my research on the client and look at their past looks and styles and see what works for them and what does not. I also have to take into consideration the client’s personality when I’m working on a project.
I first do my research on the client and look at their past looks and styles and see what works for them and what does not. I also have to take into consideration the client’s personality when I’m working on a project.
Do you collaborate with the
hairstylist when choosing a wardrobe for a client?
No, as with the case of Patrice, I create my ideas from whatever hair style she has. It gives me the ability to challenge myself and be more creative.
No, as with the case of Patrice, I create my ideas from whatever hair style she has. It gives me the ability to challenge myself and be more creative.
Who is
your favourite person to style and why?
My favourite person to style is Patrice Roberts because she is currently my only female client and I get to be more creative with her wardrobe and do things for her that I cannot do for my guys.
Do you style by intuition or by a lot of planning, research, and forethought?"
It depends on the project that I am working on. If it’s a same day project with minimal time then I have to go off of intuition and the personality of the person. If it is a themed event, editorial, television, or live performance then I would usually be alerted in advance so that I can have enough time to research and draft some ideas.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on future projects with a couple Trinidad soca artists and an American rap artist. I am also working on officially launching my online store (www.theglamocracy.bigcartel.com) and shoe line in the near future.
What five essential pieces of clothing that one should always have?
Five essential pieces of clothing for a woman are; a black multi-way bra, seamless black panty, a little black dress, black blazer, and a nice fitting pair of jeans.
Five essential pieces of clothing for a man; clean and hole-less socks lol, a pair of dark denim straight leg jeans, V-neck white t-shirt, black leather belt, and at least one button down collared shirt blue or white.
Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
The fashion designers that I look up to are Coco Chanel, Patricia Field, Alexander McQueen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaia, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Giusseppe Zanotti. Pierre Hardy.
My favourite person to style is Patrice Roberts because she is currently my only female client and I get to be more creative with her wardrobe and do things for her that I cannot do for my guys.
Do you style by intuition or by a lot of planning, research, and forethought?"
It depends on the project that I am working on. If it’s a same day project with minimal time then I have to go off of intuition and the personality of the person. If it is a themed event, editorial, television, or live performance then I would usually be alerted in advance so that I can have enough time to research and draft some ideas.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on future projects with a couple Trinidad soca artists and an American rap artist. I am also working on officially launching my online store (www.theglamocracy.bigcartel.com) and shoe line in the near future.
What five essential pieces of clothing that one should always have?
Five essential pieces of clothing for a woman are; a black multi-way bra, seamless black panty, a little black dress, black blazer, and a nice fitting pair of jeans.
Five essential pieces of clothing for a man; clean and hole-less socks lol, a pair of dark denim straight leg jeans, V-neck white t-shirt, black leather belt, and at least one button down collared shirt blue or white.
Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
The fashion designers that I look up to are Coco Chanel, Patricia Field, Alexander McQueen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaia, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Giusseppe Zanotti. Pierre Hardy.
The fashion icons are Michelle
Obama, she has recently become a fashion modern icon that I look up to, Cher,
Jane Birkin, Lady gaga, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham to name a few.
How would you describe your own style?
My style is modern stylish mixed with old Hollywood. I love colours yet timeless classy pieces.
Which individual INFLUENCES your WORK?
Rihanna and Madonna influence a lot of my work for Patrice. Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren influence my pieces for my guys
You have worked with numerous personalities and built quite a portfolio, what can we expect from you in the future?
For the future you can expect an online store and storefront with amazing clothing and accessories. You can expect to see me working with a wider variety of clients from music artists, to athletes, and actors.
What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
The highlight of my career has been being able to take the ideas in my head and see it come alive on stage and live appearances and have others embrace my style and respond positively. The most recent example was Soca Monarch 2013. I had ideas for Patrice that were depicted and explained to a designer that was able to carry out my design the way I envisioned and it got lots of positive feedback.
If you could travel anywhere for inspiration, where would it be, and why?
If I could travel anywhere for inspiration it would be Japan. I’ve never been there but from what I see and hear the fashion is way beyond what we could imagine.
Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I wear many hats; I am not only a stylist but I also am a radio host. I co-host a radio show with Chi-Chi Anunkor on WHCR 90.3FM The Voice Of Harlem every Monday 5-6PM EST called “Sports at The Half.” You can hear us and see us LIVE at www.whcr.org. We talk about sports and the current events and incidents that take place in the sports world. We go to many arenas and cover sporting events. I am also an entrepreneur; I own an online boutique that is updated every couple weeks called www.theglamocracy.bigcartel.com where customers can purchase some of the latest fashions and styles.
I was surprise to learn that you have a radio show about sport. How did that come about?
My minor in college was radio broadcast journalism and part of the program entailed me interning at a radio station and I interned at WHCR 90.3FM. We were allowed shadow anyone that had a show or develop our own. I first started my own show that was a musical showcase where I would showcase new and upcoming talent and callers would decide if they liked it or not but then I got the opportunity to shadow ChiChi Anunkor who had a sports show and with my background in and my love of sports decided this was what I wanted to do on the radio. I eventually became permanent on “Sports at The Half” and it has been 2 and a half years since I first started with ChiChi.
What are your top five styling tips?
How would you describe your own style?
My style is modern stylish mixed with old Hollywood. I love colours yet timeless classy pieces.
Which individual INFLUENCES your WORK?
Rihanna and Madonna influence a lot of my work for Patrice. Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren influence my pieces for my guys
You have worked with numerous personalities and built quite a portfolio, what can we expect from you in the future?
For the future you can expect an online store and storefront with amazing clothing and accessories. You can expect to see me working with a wider variety of clients from music artists, to athletes, and actors.
What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
The highlight of my career has been being able to take the ideas in my head and see it come alive on stage and live appearances and have others embrace my style and respond positively. The most recent example was Soca Monarch 2013. I had ideas for Patrice that were depicted and explained to a designer that was able to carry out my design the way I envisioned and it got lots of positive feedback.
If you could travel anywhere for inspiration, where would it be, and why?
If I could travel anywhere for inspiration it would be Japan. I’ve never been there but from what I see and hear the fashion is way beyond what we could imagine.
Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I wear many hats; I am not only a stylist but I also am a radio host. I co-host a radio show with Chi-Chi Anunkor on WHCR 90.3FM The Voice Of Harlem every Monday 5-6PM EST called “Sports at The Half.” You can hear us and see us LIVE at www.whcr.org. We talk about sports and the current events and incidents that take place in the sports world. We go to many arenas and cover sporting events. I am also an entrepreneur; I own an online boutique that is updated every couple weeks called www.theglamocracy.bigcartel.com where customers can purchase some of the latest fashions and styles.
I was surprise to learn that you have a radio show about sport. How did that come about?
My minor in college was radio broadcast journalism and part of the program entailed me interning at a radio station and I interned at WHCR 90.3FM. We were allowed shadow anyone that had a show or develop our own. I first started my own show that was a musical showcase where I would showcase new and upcoming talent and callers would decide if they liked it or not but then I got the opportunity to shadow ChiChi Anunkor who had a sports show and with my background in and my love of sports decided this was what I wanted to do on the radio. I eventually became permanent on “Sports at The Half” and it has been 2 and a half years since I first started with ChiChi.
What are your top five styling tips?
1.
If you are a woman that
has wide hips or is very shapely an A-line skirt or dress helps to give the
illusions of a small waist.
2.
Choose tops and jackets
with V-shaped or U-shaped necklines. These neckline styles aid in
creating the illusion of height.
3.
Wear jeans and
pants with straight legs. To keep a slim line, choose pants without cuffs,
bulky pockets, or pleats.
4.
Most women love big
bags, I know I am a sucker for a big handbag because I love to always be
prepared but stay away
from large handbags. Oversized bags can seem to overwhelm short women. If
you are short you should select purses of medium size instead so that your bag
will be in proportion to your smaller frame.
5.
Scruffy shoes. The best
outfit in the world can be ruined with scruffy shoes.
Where do you see yourself
in the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years I see myself being a full time radio/ TV host doing sports and/or fashion shows. I wouldn’t mind being on fashion police. I will like to develop my shoe line of everyday to high fashion shoes and have them available online and in stores where they would be available worldwide to anyone who likes fashionable shoes. I would love to do fashion consulting and open a fashion firm that would help those who need fashion advice and even costume design in Hollywood for movie sets. Sky’s the limit!
In the next 10 years I see myself being a full time radio/ TV host doing sports and/or fashion shows. I wouldn’t mind being on fashion police. I will like to develop my shoe line of everyday to high fashion shoes and have them available online and in stores where they would be available worldwide to anyone who likes fashionable shoes. I would love to do fashion consulting and open a fashion firm that would help those who need fashion advice and even costume design in Hollywood for movie sets. Sky’s the limit!
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