Beagy Zielinski is the Berlin-based Style Director for Zalando. From
- Hey Beagy. Thanks for being here with us today. May you briefly introduce yourself to the Glam Observer readers?
Well, you did a pretty good job in the intro lol but my name is Beagy, Zielinski and I am an internationally published fashion stylist & the Style Director at Zalando
2.How and where did your career in the fashion industry begin?
I interned for Anna Sui, that was my first internship in fashion.
3.You lived in New York
YES! I lived in NY for 18 years and have worked in Europe since, and working in NY gives you a whole other level of work ethic, makes you hungrier, makes you work harder and faster and European employers know it and value that about people with NYC work experience on their resume.
4.In how far did the city shape you and your drive?
Between the city and my mother, being driven is in my DNA and is not an option but a lifestyle, for better or worse.
5. You founded the clothing rental atelier L’ Armoire Du Stylist in 2007. How did you come up with this idea and what challenges did you have to face?
I started L’Armoire Du Styliste out of my own styling needs that weren’t being met with the tools I had access to. I wanted to shoot all of these European designers that wanted to work with me but the shipping was just too expensive for 1 shoot…this was my solution and it became so much more than I ever intended or expected. As with starting any new business as a 26 year old, there are challenges you face on a daily. My favourite that I actually enjoyed was that no one knew who I was or what I looked like, and with my polish last name never suspected it was me when they came to the showroom… they thought I was an assistant, I got to hear a lot about what they thought about my work that way lol
6. When did you decide to work in Europe’s fashion industry?
Well I just didn’t feel like I was progressing anymore at the rate I was used to and there were so many European artists I wanted to work with… that coupled with not being happy with the healthcare system in the US…ect led me back to Europe where I grew up…
7. How would you describe the differences between the fashion and street culture in New York City versus the one in Berlin, London or Paris?
They are all very different and thank goodness for their differences, keeps things interesting. In my opinion NY is outgoing, flashy always wanting to impress. Paris is just effortless, no trying, no caring if anyone likes or dislikes…London is open and curios which I love. And Berlin is grunge, black black black is the colour palate and political and
8. Tell us about some of your favourite styling jobs.
Hmmm I really have so many I can’t choose, I still do freelance styling jobs here and there if the project speaks to me…
9. May you give us a little insight into your morning beauty routine and tell us about your three
In the morning I like to keep it simple Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, purple eyeliner (never black) and mascara and do my brows…that’s it… Fav items My white Tabi margiela booties, Ben Taverniti Unravel Project asymmetrical bomber jacket, R13 asymmetrical jeans and a white tee
10. What advice would you have like to be given before commencing a career in fashion?
I would have liked to have been given the advice that in the beginning if you steer towards the commercial jobs because that’s where the money is, that you can get pigeonholed there and that in the beginning doing the big fashion jobs that don’t pay at all but bring you together with the artists you always look up to can eventually pay off in the future, it is all about your end goal and which you find more stressful…as fun as fashion is, neither is a game, there are deadlines, huge budgets to be managed, stressful days and looonnng nights no matter which path you choose lol
Beagy Zielinski
Fashion Stylist & Art Director
Interview by Lilly Meuser
