Senior Belle Berge is an aspiring celebrity fashion stylist and owner of a fashion account on Instagram called Restored Fashion. It is her main outlet to advertise her skills and connect with other fashion stylists across the U.S.
“I just wanted an outlet that was separate from my personal Instagram to get my name out there and connect with different stylists,” she said.
Berge grew up surrounded by art. Her mom went to school for graphic design, so Berge grew up looking at her mother’s art constantly. Berge also participated in art camps in the summer when she was younger. As for fashion, Berge has always used it as a source of self-expression.
“It’s always been a way for me to express my true identity,” she said.
As she grew up Berge began to realize she could create an actual career out of fashion. So she began independently researching careers within the fashion industry.
Berge’s main goal is to become a fashion stylist. So she began reaching out to celebrity stylists including Harry Lambert through Restored Fashion on Instagram. The first person to respond to her was Josh Owens, who works for Amex Creative Company in Tennessee. Owens answered many questions Berge had, including what a regular day looks like as a fashion stylist.
Berge has also contacted multiple sub-stylists for major celebrities including the styling assistant for Taylor Swift and Harry Styles.
“Some of Harry Styles’s styling assistants followed my Restored Fashion page as well as some of Taylor Swift and some also follow my personal page too,” she said.
Berge plans to continue using Restored Fashion as a way to get herself out into the fashion community. However, she does not plan on using it forever.
“Once my name hopefully gets out there I just want to be known for my name and not just Restored Fashion,” she said.
Berge is dedicated to becoming a fashion stylist but isn’t focused on going to college. Many of the people Berge has contacted have advised her to skip schooling and work herself up in the fashion industry.
“It’s easier to just make connections and get an internship or start a shadowing program rather than going to school,” she said.
Berge has looked into different internships outside of the state including London and Paris.
“I don’t want to just live to work, but I want to work to live. I want to travel. I don’t want to just spend the rest of my life working a job. I feel like being a fashion stylist lets you have more range, you can decide where you want to go,” she said.
Berge is very passionate about self-expression. She plans to take this passion and put it into something she will forever enjoy.
“Whatever you have to do to express your true authentic self I think is so cool,” she said.
