You can’t scan through a fashion magazine, celebrity IG page, or Black-led show without seeing Shiona Turini’s work.
The Bermuda-born powerhouse stylist and custom designer is a mastermind in her craft, and not since Patti Wilson in the early aughts has a Black female stylist’s fashion DNA been so distinctive and U-N-I-Q-U-E!
This summer, Shiona, who can only be described as a “conjurer of fantasies,” elevated her expertise to unprecedented heights, conjuring one iconic look after another for Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour.
From the custom Loewe jumpsuit that left audiences and the internet in awe to the show-stopping Alexander McQueen ensemble that redefined fashion, every flawless outfit has been Shiona’s masterwork.
To say she’s set the bar high for other celebrity stylists would be an understatement.
Looks like this one:
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This one:
and these below:
But that’s just the latest achievement in Shiona’s impressive list of projects that have consistently earned her praise from icons and industry experts.
Below, we delve into the world of Shiona Turini, unveil some of her well-guarded trade secrets, and most importantly, prepare to be inspired – because this Queen is about to revolutionize your wardrobe and travel wish list in ways you never knew you needed!
So, Who Is Shiona Turini?
In her own words, Shiona Turini is a freelance fashion editor, stylist + creative consultant, and an island hopper who looks good on a boat (hell yeah, she does!)
How Did She Get Into Styling?
Shiona’s fashion journey began with a work-shadow opportunity at Yves Saint Laurent (back when YSL still had the Y). During her time there, she casually expressed her dream of working in the fashion industry and was told to get an internship.
However, somewhere in the conversation, things got discombobulated, and Shiona thought she’d been offered an internship at the fashion house. So, after graduation, she moved to New York, assuming she would work at Yves Saint Laurent.
Upon arrival on “internship day one,” she was met with a puzzled assistant, wondering who she was and why she’d shown up. With her unshakable determination, though, Shiona kept showing up until they couldn’t resist her infectious enthusiasm. She did her internship and was later offered a full-time position.
What Have Been Her Most Career-Defining Moments?
When she worked for Carine Roitfeld as a brand consultant (when the CR Fashion Book launched), she was engaged in numerous aspects of the trade – casting, editing, hiring, and market work- preparing her for freelance life.
She applied the experience when collaborating with Solange Knowles in her stunning visual projects “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Cranes in the Sky.” That project stretched her in ways she didn’t think were possible, but she’s always glad she said yes.
What Is Shiona’s Approach To Styling Clients?
As a stylist, her main goal is to ensure that someone feels like they’re facing the world the best way they can and in the most authentic way. That’s a level of responsibility she takes seriously, so she doesn’t take that many clients at a time.
“I do not take every client that comes my way, as you know, because it’s my energy — my energy is my time, my talent. The vibe has to be right.”
How Would She Describe Her Personal Style?
Shiona’s personal style is multi-faceted, just like her career. It is a reflection of the stories she shares through her work with clients and various projects.
When she was costume designing for Insecure, Shiona constantly searched for young emerging designers; thus, they influenced her personal wardrobe. Issa’s character wore tons of vintage T-shirts, so she picked a few, and they became a staple in her closet.
As a fashion editor, she’s also undergone many “style phases.” She had a major Alaïa moment where everything was stretchy, knit, and laser-cut with a severe shoe. Then there was the Comme des Garçons–slash-Junya phase, where all her skirts were two-dimensional.
Who Are The Most Inspirational People In Her Life?
For her career, Shiona was inspired by the very talented June Ambrose. Growing up, Shiona thought you had to be a model or a music video designer to work in fashion. And the music videos she loved were Aaliyah’s and Missy Elliots – all of June Ambrose’s work.
When she went to college – Hampton University – she talked to a teacher about her dreams, and that’s when she was introduced to the world of PR. So, June Ambrose kind of helped her structure her dreams in a way.
Currently, though, the people that inspire Shiona are her besties. They’re all go-getters like her, but they also help enrich her life and remind her to always live in the moment!
What Does She Look For When Collaborating With A Beauty Brand?
Shiona doesn’t partner with brands that she doesn’t use. That has always been important to her.
It doesn’t matter how many zeros the cheque has. If she doesn’t authentically use that product, or she’d never find herself buying it, she won’t partner with them. She doesn’t like putting her name behind something she doesn’t believe in.
What Is Shiona’s Philosophy In Life?
As a self-confessed people-pleaser, her philosophy is to never say no to projects that might scare her.
What One Thing People Don’t Know About Shiona?
She’s not the “most practical” shopper. However, her particular fashion DNA and intuition have always led her to pieces she cherishes enough to purchase in sets.
Sometimes, it can be a Nike yoga top or a structured Alaïa crop top; other times, it can be a Diotima Lady Crystal Crop Top (yeah, Shiona loves her crop tops!).
What Is That One No-Fail Styling Trick She Has?
Tailoring. No feeling compares to when one is rocking a perfectly tailored suit. That’s why the Alexander McQueen Oversized Shoulder Wool Suit Jacket is one of her lucky closet items.
“The cut of the jacket allows you to play with proportions. The fabric is a lightweight mohair that can be transitioned across seasons.”
And it comes with a “matching pant that drapes so perfectly – I am obsessed,” she said in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar.
What Is Her Current Obsession?
Currently, Shiona is in her Issey Miyake era. Everything from the distinctive cuts to the vibrant colors and, most importantly, the snug separates is just *chef’s kiss*. And the fact that they also survive prolonged periods in packed suitcases is just an added bonus!
What Is Shiona’s Go-To Travel Item?
The Rimowa Original Trunk Plus. Shiona’s schedule involves a lot of travel, so she’s never without her trunks.
And while we all know Rimowa requires a bit of an investment, the band offers a lifetime guarantee on all their products, so you can island hop without worrying about it getting dented or scuffed.
What’s That One A Skincare Item That Makes Travel Effortless?
ZO’s Skin Health Exfoliation Accelerator. Shiona was experiencing bad breakouts due to stress and travel, so she visited aesthetician Jennifer Hollander, who implemented a regime of ZO Skin Health products. The range completely transformed her skin; their exfoliating cleanser is her go-to.
What’s Her Go-To Black Girl Handbag And Sunglasses?
The Prada Small Galleria Saffiano Special Edition Bag – the geometric color-blocking and simplicity of the shape is just out of this world.
Loewe Wave Mask Sunglasses – the brand consistently has a robust assortment of glasses, but the wave mask option makes an extra special statement.
What Advice Would Shiona Give To Stylists Starting Out?
Know your history. It doesn’t matter whether you’re just entering or are a seasoned stylist. It’s essential to know your references and where your inspiration comes from. While the internet is unmatched, it shouldn’t be your only point of research.
Commitment is key. You genuinely need to commit to the fashion experience and not give up. Decide that it is what you want, and you will achieve it by any means necessary!
Don’t be afraid of change. Had Shiona said no to Beyonce because she’s never done a music video, her career would have taken a different turn.
Stepping outside of that fear and being open to constantly learning and evolving wherever your path might take you instead of always being like no, “I’m just a writer,” and staying in your comfort zone would be the best advice she ever gives anyone.
