Over the years, celebrity fashion stylist Misa Hylton has helped create hip-hop culture’s signature looks. She has worked with artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and P. Diddy to name a few. Hylton is currently designing her 2010 fashion line while planning her son Justin’s 16th birthday party. Rolling out caught up with her to talk about some of her favorite things and fashion must-haves for the holiday season. –iesha daniels
What is the look for this season?
The look is what makes you feel good, what looks good on you. It’s all about confidence. A staple piece that every woman should have — especially for the holiday season — is a great dress to wear out to a holiday party that fits well and complements you. Lots of accessories always make an outfit fun, it turns something dull into something exciting and I’m really big on accessories.
Are Jeans appropriate for women to wear in any occasion?
[Yes], if you dress it up with pumps, a dressy blouse or blazer-blouse combination and accessories like pearls. We wear jeans all the time. Step it up and do something different.
When is appropriate to wear peep toe booties?
In certain conservative settings — maybe not, but other than that, I think that style is about expressing yourself and being unique. I happen to love peep toe booties because I love to wear open toe shoes and sexy shoes in the winter time.
How do you get your name out as an upcoming stylist?
You have to get in somewhere, whether you have to intern or assist. You need to become knowledgeable and be prepared. You have to be resourceful and remain on the cutting edge of what’s going on. Use your own creativity and [don’t] be afraid to try something different.
What is your fashion pet peeve?
My fashion pet peeve is someone that you can tell is trying to wear every single trendy item at one time.
What is Misa currently listening to in her car?
I love the songs that Swizz Beatz has out now, those songs really get me hyped, in a good mood and ready to work. I love Jay Z’s “Venus vs. Mars.” I’ll always be a hip-hop lover at heart no matter what my age is. I love hip-hop music, I love the culture and I love that I’m a part of the journey that it’s taken.
