International creative director and celebrity stylist Kristine Kilty has launched a new book designed to help aspiring fashion stylists build successful careers in one of the industry’s most competitive fields.
Titled Fashion Stylist: Seven Proven Steps to Build a Banging Portfolio, a Powerful Network, and Make Sh*t Happen!, the book is available in both print and digital formats from 11 March 2026. The no-nonsense handbook shares practical advice, career insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from Kilty’s 15-year career working in luxury fashion.
A Practical Guide to Becoming a Fashion Stylist
Aimed at beginners, career changers, and creative professionals without formal industry connections, the book offers a step-by-step guide to launching a career in fashion styling.
Rather than following a traditional academic format, Fashion Stylist focuses on real-world experience. Kilty explains how aspiring stylists can develop a strong portfolio, build a powerful professional network, and navigate the realities of fashion shoots and client work.
The book outlines a seven-step framework that Kilty says she still uses in her own career. Readers will learn how to find inspiration, plan successful photoshoots, negotiate fair pay, and develop the mindset needed to create opportunities in the fashion industry.
According to Kilty, the book was written to answer the questions she is most frequently asked by people hoping to enter the field.
“For years, aspiring stylists have asked how I built my career,” she says. “I wrote the book I wish I had when I was starting out.”
She also highlights the barriers many creatives face when trying to enter fashion.
“Not everyone can afford formal training. More people than ever want a career in styling, but many simply don’t know where to start.”
Insights From Leading Fashion Figures
The book also features contributions and insights from several well-known industry figures, including footwear designer Jimmy Choo, model and author Maye Musk, photographer Mike Ruiz, art entrepreneur Marine Tanguy, wellness expert Poppy Delbridge, and fashion editor Lucy Maguire.
Together, their perspectives help illustrate the skills, creativity, and resilience required to succeed in fashion styling.
From Fashion Week to Celebrity Styling
Over the past decade and a half, Kilty has worked across editorial, celebrity styling, and luxury brand campaigns. Her projects include photoshoots for major publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
She has also collaborated with leading luxury brands including Chanel, Christian Dior, and Chaumet.
Throughout her career she has styled high-profile figures from fashion, film, music, and sport, including Boy George, Naomie Harris, Greta Gerwig, Nick Jonas, and Lewis Hamilton.
Kilty is also the founder of creative consultancy The Fierce Group, which advises fashion houses and brands on image direction and creative strategy.
In addition to her styling work, she regularly lectures at fashion schools including Central Saint Martins.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Styling Industry
The book combines professional advice with personal stories from Kilty’s career, including experiences from fashion shoots around the world. These range from early struggles, such as living in a cold warehouse while starting out, to high-pressure editorial shoots and unpredictable celebrity moments.
Editor Alex Hopkins says the book offers a rare insider perspective on the styling profession.
“Kristine’s creative instincts have long been trusted by some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands,” Hopkins says. “This book proves she’s just as compelling on the page as she is on set.”
With demand for fashion styling careers continuing to grow, Fashion Stylist aims to provide a clear starting point for creatives looking to break into the industry and turn their ambition into a career.