Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlee Wallace.
Hi Carlee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modelling in Milan when I was 16 which for a girl growing up on a small Canadian island was a fashion dream come true. That lead me to find an Italian fashion school called Istituto Marangoni which had a course in Fashion Styling. I still remember reading the course outline and thinking “This is a job?! It’s everything I love”. Next thing I knew I was moving to London at age 18 to study this dream course in the hopes of becoming a Stylist – which at the time was not a term thrown around in the way it is now. After 6 years studying, living, and working in London I moved back to Canada to work as a Stylist in Lululemon’s head office. This lead me to lots of work travel, especially Los Angeles for photoshoots. Needless to say, I fell in love with the sun after living in two (very) rainy cities and was drawn to the cultural buzz of LA. I chose to leave my full-time job at Lululemon and pursue my freelance career in Styling which I must say was scary but still the best decision I’ve ever made. My days are never two of the same and my variety of clients are all amazing. I signed with my dream agency Art Department in LA and am still honoured to be part of this amazing roster of artists.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ll be honest – Choosing to set out alone and start a freelance Styling business at age 23 was not particularity easy. The constant fear finishing a job and wondering when the next would come would keep me up at night. Learning to ask for what I needed, advocate for myself, chase clients, cold call, hire and manage assistants, etc. was all new to me but came naturally after a short time. Obtaining my visa to work in the US was not easy. Nothing is particularly easy – but if you’re pursuing something you really love, which thankfully I was, then it never really feels like work. I always joke that I’m never not working because it’s true. I’m always learning about new photographers or artists on the scene and keeping myself up to date with what’s going on in my industry. After 10 years there are still bumps in the road, but I’ve learned how to handle them, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a fashion and advertising Stylist. I also Art Direct for a number of clients as this is a skill I’ve acquired over years on set and something I really enjoy. I would say I’m known for styling luxury brands in a paired-back and uncomplicated way. I’m not really into overly glam looks or over-accessorizing anything. I love working with amazing designers and letting the clothing shine. Finding the right look for my model or artist is always tricky but so fulfilling when it clicks. I work on editorial shoots for magazines, campaign shoots for brands, music videos, and so on. This often involves working with amazing personalities and celebrities, which is always fun as I have such respect for anyone who’s mastered their craft. I am my own worst critic but I’m proud of my recent covers for Vogue Portugal and Esquire Singapore. What sets me apart is probably my well-travelled past which I often see in my work.
Any big plans?
I’m excited to further settle into LA life with my husband and hopefully buy a house somewhere on the east side. I started a little passion project during covid which I am excited to launch next year. Other than that, I’m simply excited to see what new clients come up and where my current ones will take me – or rather what we will create together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.art-dept.com/la-wardrobe/carlee-wallace/10037/?sid=12853/#viewall
- Instagram: @carlee_wallace
Image Credits
Elle KZ
Sam Spence
Edward Aninaru
Justin Jay Kailand
Mandla Morris
Ryan Saradjola
