Meet LISA SMEDLEY-CALDERON | Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with LISA SMEDLEY-CALDERON and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LISA, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a celebrity Fashion Stylist for over 30 years and a Costume Designer , I would say the first factor that has made me a success is having a true passion for what I do. To truly know this is what God has planted a seed in me to fulfill.

I grew up with a mother who was a professional model. She modeled in runway shows , modeled for commercials, editorial and fashion campaigns for designers. She would often bring me to the runway shows and I always thought it was a world I could see myself in. I was not sure what I wanted to do in the fashion world at the time, but knew I just loved fashion and everything about it.

I knew early on I had a true fashion sense, and passion for fashion and storytelling. I loved watching old classic movies with my mom and I would often imagine working with these actors and creating glamorous looks. I loved how everyone had costumes that told a story of their character through costumes.

All the seeds planted in me as a small child gave me the confidence and passion to take the steps in becoming a Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer. You must have the passion because it is hard work, many different personalities you are working with, demands, long hours, decisions you need to make in a moments notice sometimes and much more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started pursuing my career in fashion after moving to Los Angeles at age 18 for college. After graduating college I worked at the prestigious Saks 5th Ave in Beverly Hills .
My plan was to work as a fashion consultant for the 5th ave club. However a colleague noted how many of the celebrities who shopped there would become my clients and raved about my styling technique. She told me about a new agent who represented wardrobe , hair and makeup artist. She asked if I would ever want to style artist for their projects. I had a no idea such a job existed so I jumped at the opportunity! I met with the agent who then was Crystal Wright Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup.

My first artist was in 1989 Chuckii Booker. He was a new singer, songwriter and producer. I had a very little on my resume but he loved my ideas I had for him and he took a chance on me. I styled his first CD and his music music videos. Chuckii then recommend me to many other artists and my clients began to grow.
A few years later I was styling top artist like Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Bell Biv Devoe, Celine Dion, EnVogue, DAngelo, Guy, Color Me Badd , Genuwine and Mike Tyson just to name a few. I was creating images and developing great relationships with iconic directors and photographers. From styling artists, I then added commercials and then eventually venturing into film , where I started as a buyer, ACD to now a Costume Designer., working with amazing actors.

Getting to where I am was not easy. I worked hard! Took a chance and stepped out on faith when I quit a very secure job at Saks 5th Ave to free lance . There were many times early in my career where I had to stand my ground and demand respect as a black woman . I had and still have to have thick skin. You are dealing with many people who have their own ideas of what they want so its my job to make sure they are happy while making sure my creative process and vision is seen as well. Collaboration with the director and bringing his vision to the screen is the priority.
As a Celebrity Fashion Stylist I want that music video, red carpet & photo shoot to stand out. To feel like they have something special that feels like it’s them while still making statements.
As a Costume Designer , I most importantly want my clients to know I am there to make sure their vision comes alive. There is a difference between fashion styling and costume design which many do not realize. When I style an artist it is usually for that moment. For an event, CD cover, red carpet or tour.
A Costume Designers focus is on the character and bringing that character to life . I’m telling a story based on the script though my use of costumes. What I want is for you to look at a character on film and if your sound is on mute , I want you to still be able to tell what that type of character is like by the costumes they have on. Their environment by looking at costumes. Are they rich, or poor , etc by looking at their costumes.

I love doing both and both give different experiences. I remain humble, grateful and work with great integrity.
I want my clients to say on each project that I and my crew not only did amazing work but also how much they respected us and that were pleasant to work with.
There is a way to demand respect and get what you need to make the project a success in a professional matter. I learned that lesson early in my career at age 21. Being overly emotional does not get the respect or make people want o give you what you need. It’s being professional, respectful, confident and honest.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE Los Angles! Me moving to LA at age 18 is when my life change. The start of my chapter in fashion. My career, meeting my husband who is the member of the group Color Me Badd, and amazing friendships, I still have to this day are what has helped get me to where I am in my life.
I am advocate for eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. I am also a supporter of sustainable fashion and sustainable living to help save our planet. Therefore I eat at places that reflect many of those things .

If I were taking a friend to lunch I would probably choose Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine located in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax . Or for lunch the Stuff I Eat which is co-owned by Chef Babette. This woman is 72 yrs old and looks amazing. Plus its black owned with amazing vegan food.

We would spend a day at the beach relaxing , go for a hike, of course go shopping to many of the amazing flea markets like the Melrose Trading Post on Sundays. This is where you will definitely find gems and most likely see many celebrities looking for gems too,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost in my life I give thanks to God for being my rock and strength.

Next is all my mom, Joan Smedley. She is my story. Her being the successful model and introducing me to world of fashion at a young age is how my passion began. She always had a way of creating beautiful looks for herself while on a budget. She would take a blouse , add jewelry details , a pair of jeans and a very cool boot or shoe and the whole look would look like something out of Vogue. She had an eye and strong fashion sense which is where I know I got mine from. I can look at any piece of clothing and instantly have a vision on how I want to style it.
My mom also taught me the importance of being true to myself. Staying positive . Knowing I have the power with God by my side & that I was stronger then I think. It’s so important to stay humble because it’s a very up and down business.

Website: https://www.fashionstylingbylisa.com

Instagram: lisaloveslife0229

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