Ten Minutes with VH1 Stylist, Alana Kelen

Does Alana backwards spell fabulous? In the case of Alana Kelen, Senior Fashion Stylist at VH1, yes sir it does. Her job is to pick out clothes for celebrities and on-air personalities to wear on TV. That’s right, my friends. She really and truly has the dream job. Thankfully, she knows it; she adores what she does. Alana says that never once in over eight years as a stylist has she woken up and not been excited to come to work. As fabulous and haute couture as her lifestyle may be, Alana is equally down to earth. Her style philosophy is comfort over fashion and never pay full price. Alana took a few days to get back to me to schedule our interview because she was busy—busy hob-nobbing with the hottest celebrities at the Sundance Film Festival. So, yes, Alana Kelen, spelled backwards, forwards, or even in a sudoku puzzle always spells fabulous.

Oligoville: How did you decide to become a stylist?

Kelen: I have always had a passion for fashion, so I decided to put all my eggs in one basket and attend the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue my dream and work in fashion. At that time, styling wasn’t a well-known job within the industry, so I studied Fashion Buying and Merchandising. After four years, I figured I had a pretty good handle on the skills required to become a buyer, so when it came time for an internship, I wanted to try something different. MTV Networks listed opportunities within their wardrobe department and it immediately appealed to me. The description of the position would mix the creativity and business aspects of all my studies, and seemed to be a perfect fit. My internship at VH1 introduced me to styling, and what it was all about. I fell in love instantly!

Oligoville: Can you describe your career path and key steps you took to get you where you are today?

Kelen: Luckily enough, after the internship at VH1, they were reorganizing the small department and asked me to join on as a Wardrobe Assistant. Hands on experience is definitely best. By interning and in turn assisting, I learned so very much about the field. This job, and any job in the industry is really all about networking. In the early stages, I wasn’t opposed to working for free in order to gain expertise and knowledge, and to get to know people in the biz. Thankfully, one job has led to the next and so on…

Oligoville: Describe a typical day in the life of Alana Kelen.

Kelen: I try to rise and shine early, to get to the office before talent starts rolling in. Fifty percent of the job is emails and relationships with PR contacts and vendors, so there is always correspondence to follow up on. I’ll reach out to people and follow-up and make appointments for the days and weeks ahead. At about 11 am, it’s time to head out for some appointments. I visit showrooms and offices all over the city to view new collections and borrow some pieces from current deliveries to use on air for our talent. I am often running all over the city, whether it is super cold, very hot, raining, or snowing … After a few appointments, I get back to the office to check in on my fabulous co-worker Tal, make sure all the talent is happy and looking good, and prepare for the days to come!

Oligoville: It sounds like you’ve really found a dream career. Do you agree with that statement? Are there ever any days when you walk into work and say, “Ugh. I hate my job?”

Kelen: This career is definitely a dream for me. Knock on wood, there hasn’t been one day in over eight years that I have not wanted to come to work. That being said, it is still a very difficult, time-consuming job to have. Like a doctor, I am really on call 24-7, for any issues that might arise. Also, there are a lot of not so glamorous scenarios, including schlepping shopping and garment bags around the city when it is 104 degrees outside, or waking up at 4:30 am for a call time, or searching high and low for a velvet smoking jacket that “Best Week Ever” needs in two hours time! Thank goodness we are in the best city in the world, where almost anything can be found.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for people struggling to find a professional niche? How about for those who dream of being a part of the glitz and glam of the fashion industry?

Kelen: It’s so fantastic that the industry is extremely popular now and that there are colleges and curriculum across the country for people who may be interested in fashion. Back in my day, our options were limited. I would suggest doing lots of research to find out what part of the industry might be the best for you. If you are really great at math, then buying might be the way to go. For those who are very artistic, visual merchandising is a great path.

Most importantly, everyone must realize this job isn’t all glitz and glam. It is a lot of hard work and dedication. Also, although an individual might have great style, it is more about passing on style elements to others, and being able to take yourself out of the equation. A shrunken blazer might look great on you, but that doesn’t mean everyone can rock one. You must know what looks good on all shapes and sizes, and what is appropriate for certain situations.

Oligoville: On an average day, what are you wearing?

Kelen: Comfort is key. Moving around the city, on the subway (I rarely take cabs), requires flat shoes and cozy attire. I love wearing dresses, tights, and boots, because they are so easy and timeless, yet on the dressier side, and appropriate for nearly anything I might run into during a day. For special occasions I have heels in my bag to switch in to.

Oligoville: On your most glammed out day, what (and who!) are you wearing (or dreaming about wearing … ) ?

Kelen: Fashion week is the most glamorous time of all. Everyone is checking everyone else out, and it is time to get all gussied up and show off your favorite pieces in your closet. I try to wear the designer whose show I might be attending that day, for example, Tracy Reese is one of my favorites and I love supporting her. Other standouts include Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, and Matthew Williamson.

Oligoville: Where do you shop? Any advice for us bargain hunting fashionistas?

Kelen: My motto is: NEVER PAY FULL PRICE. With the internet, there are so many options to seek out what you are coveting. If you find something at a store that you are in love with, yet is out of your price range … do a search online to see if you can find a deal on it anywhere else. There is also a new flux of online sample sales, so us lucky New Yorkers aren’t the only ones to get deals. Gilt Group, Rue la la, and Hautelook are just a few to check out. They sell current season styles at wholesale prices, which is about 50% off!

Also, invest in staple pieces that will last for seasons, such as jeans, trousers, shoes, and handbags. The other, trendier items that might go out of style within a year should be less expensive than ones you will hold on to for season to come.

Oligoville: What was your most memorable styling moment?

Kelen: It was soon after 9/11, and I was working on The Concert for New York, which took place at Madison Square Garden. There were so many amazing people there, idols of mine, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Who, Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, and so many more. What made it different was it is was put together last minute, and there weren’t any special demands or requests. Everyone shared one huge room backstage, and was simply there to show support and hope during a time of need. It was very humbling and inspirational to see.

Oligoville: Can you tell us any bizarre celebrity styling requests?

Kelen: From one of our favorite shows to work on, “Best Week Ever,” we have received the craziest requests, including: a bear costume, judge’s robe, superman underwear, safari outfit, bright yellow blazer, prom dress, turkey costume, and so many more. I am never surprised by what they ask for any more, and we always have fun going on the hunt to find them all.

Oligoville: Do you have any final stylistically fabulous words of wisdom for Oligoville readers?

Kelen: First impressions are everything … so use what you wear on the outside to display the incredible person you are on the inside.