“The world is governed more by appearance than by realities…” Daniel Webster.
In a world where people form opinions about others based on their visual image, it is imperative that we create the best and right impression of ourselves. In mens fashion the same rules apply as to women.Men are flattered by a well fitted suit, it enhances their appearance. The design of a suit strengthens the wearer’s shoulder line, slims his torso and lengthens his leg. It gives the man, presence, authority and confidence. A suit can reflect social standing, professional position and hints at the wearer’s potential to move ahead in life. In the western culture there are strong stereotypical associations connected to the wearing of a suit; these include power, prestige, success and formality.
A professional male will need to own several suits; other men will require only one. So, how much to pay? A suit is a complex garment that requires skilled craftsmanship. A suit less than $300 will have a very limited life span and will look good for a very short time. In this price range, short cuts on manufacturing or fabric must have been taken. For a suit of reasonable life expectancy and quality, one needs to pay something between $500 and $800. Initially, this is an expensive outlay but on the positive side, a classic suit is barely affected by fashion. Over the last 100 years, fashion influences have impacted on basic silhouettes and lapels and not much else. So, the suit a man buys today will look equally good in 7 – 8 years time. What’s to be gained by paying more than $800 for a suit? The quality of the fabric and the craftsmanship will make it a delight to wear. It will give the wearer an almost imperceptible aura that will set him apart from other men. As with almost everything in life, “you get what you pay for” and “you never get more than what you pay for”.
“Mens fashions change very little from season to season. …….the variation is just in the detail, such as the number of buttons on a suit or the breadth of the lapel, which most men wouldn't notice. We want to look reasonably good, but safe - we want to look like we're in charge of ourselves, but have not thought too much about what we're wearing.”
Mark Tungate, author of the bestselling “Fashion Brands”
What is an Image Consultant?
An image consultant is a highly trained professional who combines many roles. They specialise in visual, verbal and non-verbal communication. They assist clients with every aspect of their personal image, visual and otherwise. The job of an image consultant is to maximise the visual and non-visual potential of their client. They are passionate about their work and love working with people.
Their skills and knowledge encompass:
As in most professions, image consultants tend to develop an expertise in one, two or three specific areas. So, if you are looking to use the services of a consultant, be clear in your own mind what you wish to achieve. This will help you to find the professional who will be best suited to your needs.
The Difference between a Stylist and an Image Consultant
The two terms are often substituted, one for the other. However, they are not one in the same. Someone may be a stylist but not an image consultant while most image consultants are stylists. Fashionist would perhaps be a more apt term for someone who styles an individual in the latest trends to create a contemporary look. An image consultant can certainly perform this service but they can do much more. They take a holistic approach to their client in that they involve themselves with the inner and outer personality.
Why Seek Out an Image Consultant?
The hackneyed response to this question is “because image matters”. Social psychologists have long been conducting research into the impact of visual image on a person’s life. Consistently their findings suggest that someone’s appearance has a significant impact socially and professionally. In a fast paced world, many assumptions and impressions about people are formed very quickly using quite limited information. Personal presentation influences other’s perceptions about someone.
In business image can affect the bottom line and it is true for individuals as well.
You may want to learn how to create an effective wardrobe, mix and match garments, look taller, slimmer and youthful, find your dream job, get out of a style rut or reinvent yourself. Whatever your motivation, seeking the services of an image consultant can be a rewarding and fun experience that will have enduring benefits.
BEFORE Photo
There comes a time for many women around the age of forty, when upon glancing in the mirror , they realize the aging process has really kicked in. When did those fine lines around the lips and the slight sagging under the eyes appear? They hadn’t been noticed before, and strangely, though our exterior changes we often feel as young on the inside as we did in our 20’s. So how successful are makeovers to help us look younger?
It is worth noting the ten most common areas for concern for forty plus women (just in case you didn’t know) are:-
Even if we address a few of the above concerns and make some recommendations this will often be enough to make a big difference to how you look.
Hair
Hair can be the first step that makes a major a difference when it comes to makeovers. By the time women are in their forties they have adopted a preferred hairstyle and length. One of the quickest ways to look younger is to cut long hair into a medium or short style. This lifts and rejuvenates the face, elongates the neck and slims the upper body. Combine this with colouring your hair with a shade that harmonises and compliments your natural colouring and you are well on the way to looking younger.
Make-up
One of the most noticeable signs of aging is the brown discolouration of the skin or what we commonly know as “age spots”. The youthful glow of our 20’s and 30’s has long gone and now, more than ever, is the need for a foundation that gives maximum coverage and is perfectly matched to your skin tone to smooth out the complexion. Mascara and subtly applied eyeliner and eyeshadow help define the eyes and draw attention to one of our best features. Lips are well defined and finished with lipstick that enhances skin tone and clothing and finally simply add a gentle flush of colour on the cheeks.
Fashion
It’s easy to become lazy with the way we dress as we age. Life is busy and as we age it becomes harder to find clothes that suit our changing body shape. Be warned as some of your clothes may be making you look older.
The danger list:-
Are some of these things in your wardrobe? What we wear has a dramatic impact on how young or old we appear to be and some styles and colours have the power to make us look instantly older by their association with the elderly. If you are sick and tired of settling for clothes that don’t really do you any justice then it is worth the investment of an Image Consultant.
You’ll be impressed by just how much younger makeovers can make you look when you incorporate the above guidelines.
AFTER Photo
By Michele Gillett
People who know how to dress and look fabulous any time, any occasion know their own style. They understand that fashion is subservient to style. Many words have been written on the subject of style versus fashion. The challenge for those of us who seek to express the difference is comparing the tangible with the intangible. Fashion is obvious but style is ephemeral. There are numerous expressions offered by many people in an attempt to encapsulate the difference between style and fashion. Perhaps the most succinct of these is attributed to Yves St.Laurent; “Fashion fades, style is eternal”.
A person of style leaves an enduring and positive impression. They are surrounded by an aura of confidence and credibility. They are at ease with themselves and they have the gift of putting others at ease. True style lacks pretension and contrivance. The external persona is a genuine reflection of the inner personality. George Clooney and Helen Mirren are wonderful examples of this. Yes, they are fashionable and good looking but they also exude a sense of style that sets them apart from others. They have created a visual image that reflects their own personal identity so that their elegance and glamour appears effortless and comfortable.
Fashion fits in, style stands out.
Perhaps the true difference between style and fashion is maturity and self knowledge. A genuinely stylish person knows how to dress not only because they understand what suits them but also because they like themselves. They are clear in their own mind who they are and what they represent. This self knowledge and self confidence gives them the courage to be noticed and to be different.
It’s not by accident that young people in the turmoil of adolescence are the most slavish adherents to fashion. They adopt the current look because they are not yet ready to stand alone as individuals. They need their social networks to validate themselves, to provide their identity and bolster their fragile sense of self. They are still in the process of becoming and so in the meantime they seek conformity with their peers.
Fashion is conformity, style is individuality.
Though most people emerge from their adolescent years with some semblance of personal identity, many continue to live with high levels of self doubt. This insecurity is reflected in their visual image. They choose to wear understated and toned down garments devoid of statement or self expression. They live in neutrals and shy away from colour. They often say that they don’t know how to dress which is why they choose the safe options. They admire the temerity of others who wear striking designs and creative combinations but recoil from attracting attention to themselves in a similar way. They admire style in others but lack the confidence to create a purposeful style for themselves.
The majority of people want others to perceive them positively, (most people want to be liked) but they have neglected to recognise and articulate to themselves how they wish to be perceived. Thereby, they run the risk of being incorrectly interpreted through their visual image because they haven’t purposefully considered it. Their positive attributes may go unrecognised or misconstrued. It is only when we are clear about the perception we wish others to have of us that we will truly know how to dress to express our own unique and intentional style.
By Michele Gillett
A Profile of
“Absolutely Fabulous Image Consultancy”
Michele Gillett and Sharron-Del Wakely
Michele and Sharron-Del are qualified Image Consultants expertly trained by The Australian Image Company, one of the world’s most respected image organisations.
They each have 20 years experience in the beauty and image business and showing people how to dress to look and feel fabulous. They have mentored and trained men and women from diverse backgrounds, ranging from socially disadvantaged young people through to professionals in executive positions.
They love working with the power of line, design and colour to transform the way people dress, accessorise and shop. Many people and especially women, wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time and thereby waste a great deal of money on clothes that don’t get worn. With the right information they can change their buying habits so that they develop a wardrobe that is effective and fabulous.
“Absolutely Fabulous Image” offers consultations, seminars and workshops for individuals and business organisations. Michele and Sharron-Del know the importance of a great first impression. An individual’s character, personality and credibility is partially assessed on the basis of their personal presentation. It can deny or create opportunities. Knowing how to dress at times, is serious business.
It is crucial in today’s rapid paced and competitive world that an individual creates a positive first impression. It also needs to be remembered that the professional image of any organisation is the collective visual image of its people. This image can enhance or undermine the success of that organisation.
Our Passion
Giving people the skills and confidence to know how to dress so they can look and feel absolutely fabulous every day.
Call then now to find out more about their services.
Tel: 02 9542 3042
Mobile: 0409 914 583
Email: [email protected]
