As a TV personality and independent wardrobe stylist, Christian Ramirez knows the importance of keeping your image fresh and fashion-forward. One day before hopping on a plane to style for the Latin Grammy’s, he models for an editorial–appropriately called ‘The Traveler.’Austin Fusion tags along behind the scenes with the a-list team of Christina Svec of Ricky Hodge Salon, makeup artist Mariam Samandi, and photographer Britton Orrange.
AF: What is this photo shoot all about? Work or play?
Christian: It’s a little bit of both. It started out as a fun collaboration idea because Britton and I enjoy working together. He did such an amazing job with the transformation of my hair and we clicked very well on several projects we had worked on together. We decided to leverage this opportunity to give us both something we needed for our businesses. As a wardrobe consultant, it’s important to have updated marketing tools and portfolio. We created a fall editorial shoot with a twist.
AF: What is your process like as a stylist?
Christian: Everyone that approaches me has a particular idea in mind, and I respect those ideas. At the same time, I let my clients know not to expect the same thing that everyone else is doing. Fashion can become cookie cutter and everyone wants to see the exact things. You can’t grow from showing or wearing the same things, so we explore with color and cuts. Women want to feel sexy, classy, sophisticated and comfortable in their own skin. My clients end up wearing some things they would never have picked out themselves, but they leave happy.
AF: What makes your point of view unique?
Christian: I have had opportunities to work in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami in fashion. I have experience as an actor, TV host, and a model. It is what I have taken from those experiences that have helped create my own perspective. I have been blessed to work with very high-end designers, and I know how to handle those types of garments – D&G, Elie Saab – it is amazing to see what they can create and how they appreciate the different styles that they bring to the fashion industry. Then you pair them up with your clients. When my clients come to me, they already know what they want, so I give them what they don’t want. I want to give them what I feel is going to be the best for them, what will take them to the next level.
AF: You mention your experience as an actor. Can you elaborate on that?
Christian: I came from Los Angeles. In high school I did all the training – did acting & theater. I have had my fun share of auditions, short films, and extra work. I love TV and anything that has to do with the entertainment industry.
AF: How does fashion play into it?
Christian: One year ago Univision Networks approached me because they saw something in me – from my styling consultations. They said ‘we need your point of view in Texas’ and they had no idea I had done any acting. I took advantage of the opportunity that was given to me- I like to bring things to the table. I am constantly bringing new events and ideas to them.
AF: What brought you from wanting to be an actor to being a full-time stylist?
Christian: Before I finished college, I worked for a major retailer that carries high-end designer brands that I was very familiar with, being in the entertainment industry, and that I felt very comfortable in, so I jumped at the opportunity and stuck with them. It took me to another level, a direction I didn’t see myself going in. I am thankful for that because it molded me into the person I am, my business.
AF: Any advice for up-and-coming wardrobe stylists?
Christian: Open up your ideas to a lot of people – work with a lot of people – don’t stick to the same aesthetic. I think it’s important for someone to goal themselves daily.
AF: With the constant need to travel, why do you stay in Texas?
Christian: I am asked this a lot when I am styling in Miami or New York. It’s not why I am still in Texas but what I ambuilding for myself in Texas. I can travel to anyone. Texas is filled with a lot of different ethnicities and a lot of
different trends happening. Austin is a relaxed city. You come to Austin, and it’s a different world. We have a lot of influence from music and film – there is so much opportunity to gear your style in a completely different direction from day to day.
The fun thing about Austin is that when it’s needed, we take fashion seriously. We can give that transition from relaxed to glam. A lot of people don’t understand this. We have versatility and can go from extremes and can impress. It’s respected and it should be.
AF: Tell me about the people you work with in Austin:
Christian: What I love about the people I work with is that every time we collaborate, we are building relationships. These are people I am comfortable calling on to work with, but there isn’t ego involved. They understand my work, and they know that I understand theirs as well. We respect each other. A part of growing in this field is to explore new things all the time.
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