Styl'd - new competitive reality show on MTV

[stateofbliss]

Five aspiring stylists Brett, Janna, Gary and Tara are chosen for the highly competitive junior assistant program at the Margaret Maldonado Agency, where their work as assistants on real celebrity jobs in the field will be evaluated over eight weeks to determine which of them will be signed to a contract at the end of the program.

The new reality series Styl’d will follow the lives of five junior assistants as they toil for three celebrity stylists. Each episode will include the styling of famous Hollywood celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Pete Wentz and Ashley Tisdale. The three senior stylists include: Jen Rade (Angelina Jolie and Pink), Eric Archibald (Diddy and Usher), and Julie Weiss (Britney Spears and Eva Longoria).
Tonight’s episode features the boy band V Factory and will air @ 10PM ET/PT on MTV. Don’t miss it!
The five junior assistants in competition: Gary Samulian, Tara Ahmadi, Janna Brown, Brett Nelson and Cody Conti.

Cast Bios:
Jen Rade (Senior Stylist)

Not only is Jen Rade one of the premiere Stylists in the business, she is also the head of the MMA's junior assistant program, acting as Margaret Maldonado's eyes and ears when it comes to the junior assistants. When not keeping the assistants in line, Jen is busy styling some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Jen's has styled numerous music videos with clients such as Pink, Marilyn Manson, LL Cool J, Avril Lavigne, Dave Matthews Band, AFI, and Korn. Her work with Filter received a VH1/Vogue Fashion Award nomination for "Most Fashionable Video."

In addition, Jennifer has costumed designed a number of commercials for companies such as iPod and Target , for which she received the 2005 & 2007 Costume Designer's Guild Award for "Best Commercial Costume Design." She has also worked on editorials for Esquire, W, Harper's Bazaar UK, Marie Claire, GQ and CosmoGirl. Her high standard of excellence and no nonsense work ethic definitely keeps the junior assistants on their toes!

Eric Archibald (Senior Stylist

Ever since he was a boy growing up in the Caribbean, Eric Archibald knew he wanted to be a Stylists. Conquering New York City first, Eric now splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles, styling some of the biggest names in music and movies. Since his start, he has drawn on his inspirations to create his signature aesthetic that conveys a classically sexy and chic look with an edge. His work with Usher on the "8701 Tour" ranks as one of the most defining moments of Eric's career.

Eric's work has been featured in media ranging from music videos and tours to television and commercials to personal appearances and editorials, such as Harpers Bazaar, People, GQ, Glamour, Marie Claire. Clients have included Usher, R. Kelly, Faith Evans, Kirstie Alley, Tyra Banks, Toni Braxton, P. Diddy, Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Tahlia, Rebecca Romijn, and The Dave Matthews Band are among the celebrities with whom Eric has worked with. He has also styled for Season 2 of "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency," and created looks for Jenny Craig, Verizon, Hershey's Kisses, and Burger King. Eric may seem soft spoken, but that doesn't mean he's a pushover, if the junior assistants cross him, they will learn quickly that Eric Archibald doesn't mess around.

Julie Weiss (Senior Stylist

Don't let her youthful look fool you...Julie Weiss means business! Her unique styling keeps celebrity clients coming back for more and her passion for fashion is unmatched. Clients have included Terrance Howard, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears. She has worked with artists Kid Rock, Kanye West, NKOTB, The Pussycat Dolls and The Thrills and just recently styled an Eva Longoria Parker film. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she caught the fashion bug interning in Paris for Christian Lacroix and then continued to pursue fashion in Los Angeles after graduating from University of Arizona. Although she is only a few years older than some of the junior assistants, she will make sure they all know who is boss, and its best for everyone if they remember that, when on her jobs, she's in charge.



Gary (Junior Assistant

Gary was born to be a stylist! After studying Fashion Design at Parsons, he not only has a natural eye for fashion but also the experience to back it up. Dedicated and driven, Gary, upon completion of his internship at Vogue, turned down a permanent position there. Although he does not intentionally seek out drama, he will have absolutely no problem telling people off and volunteering unwelcome opinions. Never one to lack vision, Gary has an eye for creativity that makes even the senior stylists take note, but his inability to focus tends to get him in trouble. Suffering from ADD, staying on task is not his strong suit, but when things get chaotic, Gary thrives. As the competition narrows, look for Gary to give all the junior assistants a run for their money.


Tara (Junior Assistant

Tara is one of a kind. Quirky, dark, silly and articulate, this punk rock Persian chick is all attitude and sass. Tara grew up in Orange County, where she describes herself as a complete "fish out of water." She has an eccentric sense of style, and idolizes Patti Smith, Courtney Love, and Axl Rose for their daring/dirty take on fashion. She's spunky and smart, and she currently works at Betsey Johnson in retail as well as at the showroom where she interns. Tara is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to fashion, but her sense of style is not that of your average 22-year-old. She's wise beyond her years and has a biting wit that will surely polarize. She resents the close mindedness that comes along with living in Orange County, and she can't stand the "celebrity wannabes" that come into her store and go shopping for "dresses to wear to Les Deux." Tara is likable because she's funny, unique and unapologetic as to who she is, but watch for her outspoken nature to get her into trouble. Not everyone appreciates her candor, especially when her witty zingers are directed at them. With the most in depth knowledge of the fashion world, the other junior stylists see Tara as the one to beat in this junior assistant program.

Janna (Junior Assistant

Blond, bubbly and an ex-cheerleader, Janna is a true valley girl. Janna hopes to one day be able to afford couture, but for now she is okay being a self proclaimed "Forever Girl," as most of her wardrobe comes from Forever 21. Growing up as a military brat, she did not establish her taste for fashion until she was twelve yrs old, after she was made fun of for wearing knock-off Sketchers in middle school. Now Janna is turning fashion into a career, studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and merchandising in Los Angeles. Ultimately, Janna wants to help people discover their fashion sense as well. Insecure, moody and a huge gossip, Janna's nickname is "big mouth brown". Her inability to keep secrets and tendency to talk behind people's backs will definitely cause a scene and she absolutely has no problem stabbing someone in the back to advance herself. If Janna wants to win this contract, she's going to have to play tough because she has a lot to learn about fashion compared to some of her compatriots.

Brett (Junior Assistant

Brett is a complete and total character. Kansas City born and bred, he couldn't wait to get out of the midwest. He moved to Los Angeles with $500 in his pocket, and even had to live in his car for three months to make ends meet. He has worked a lot of retail in his life, from Abercrombie and Fitch, to Ed Hardy and he currently makes ends meet as a bartender. He's not afraid to embrace more daring fashion, and equates his style to a male version of Betsey Johnson. He has no formal training in the styling arena, besides the advice he dishes out to his friends and co-workers on a daily basis. But when Brett plays, he plays to win. He openly admits that "he can be a b*tch" and describes himself as "very competitive." The other junior stylists better watch out because Brett has his eye on the prize and will stop at nothing to get that contract.

Cody (Junior Assistant

Cody is the new guy in town. Born into a family with roots in fashion, Styling is something Cody has always wanted to do. His mother made her mark working as a VP of sales for Versace, among other companies within the fashion industry. Cody has considered a career in the business side of fashion, but has decided it is on the creative side that his passion lays. As the resident single straight guy in the program, Cody is ready to take advantage of the perks that come with working in a predominantly female industry. An incorrigible flirt, ladies must beware when he is around. Despite his flirtatious nature, Cody means business and he is ready to do what it takes to win. As Brett's replacement, Cody recognizes he has his work cut out for him to prove that he deserves to be there as much as the rest of them, but like any other challenge in his life, Cody is ready to take this one head on and prove that, not only does he belong in the program, he deserves to win the contract.
mtv.com/justjared

Official site: http://www.mtv.com/shows/styld/series.jhtml

Did anyone catch this last night? I missed it, but will try to watch online later.

 

[ally508]

i tried to watch it but couldnt get into it. I love Rachel Zoe and her show, this was show just seems liked a spin off. I dont see myself personally getting into this show. But i am curious what others think?

 

[Scott]

it's a shame that styling has now only become equated or striven for celebrity rather than the creative outlet it once was. dreadful,mindless entertainment.

these people don't know the work of ray petri,the original....or contemporaries like melanie ward,jane how,katy england,haidee findlay,olivier rizzo.....real stylists.

 

[NessaLee]

I tried to watch, but the senior stylist's insecurities made it way too painful.

 

[MyNameIs]

I tried to watch, but the senior stylist's insecurities made it way too painful.

OH MY WORLD. I couldn't even believe some of the stuff that was coming out of those people's mouths. Are you kidding me? If you've been working there for years and afraid the kid who's just starting out going to steal your job, then maybe you don't fit for the job in the first place. I was just in shock and how insecure they were and how they tried to control everything just to make sure nobody steals their client, lol. I actually don't see myself watching this again, i just happened to catch it while waiting for Mad Men.

BTW, why does this main woman look so familiar? Was she in anything else?

 

[NessaLee]

Exactly! Oh and let's not forget the crazy lady in suspenders at the PR firm. I think Jen Rade made an appearance 2 months ago on Project Runway - might be why she looks familiar. I just didn't really understand why Julie was so upset that this lowly guy in the totem pole was going to take the job and that she felt he wasn't capable of styling the client on his own. Then she should have let him do it and fail. She was more afraid he was going to succeed, despite what she said. If she kept her mouth shut, she would've looked less crazy and insecure and it would have made for a better storyline. When I talk about it, it sounds better than it was. I found it very hard to watch.

 

[songbirdsel]

It sounds like its completely indulgent in its drama but would still love to see it!! Anyone have a megaupload link or you tube?

 

[lady B]

I thought that show was a soso to be honest.I do think that Rachel Zoe is the best styling show.But Styl'd has great potential but something is missing,I'm not quite sure what it is yet.

I Thought Gary was great,even if I agree on the fact that that he talked too much during the fitting.Julie is an idiot,she should have beenok with the whole Asher thing,I mean come on it's not like that guy is a big star It's not going to kill your career.And as someone says,she should be more secure about her job and talent.If she is that much of a good stylist then maybe she wouldn't be afraid of a debutant assistant stylist taking her job.

And OMG,Jenna is such a backstabber.That's was painful to watch.I feel bad for Brett.I might wacth this show again lol

 

[sill]

songbirdsel.. the episode is available at mtv.com!

 

[sill]

and LOL at the boy band.

 

[mamasarollingsto]

I don't know if this is against the rules or anything but I just did an interview with three members of the cast of Styl'd.. it's here http://mamasarollingstone.com/fashion-tips/mtvs-styld-pt-2/

 

[loladonna]

I like this show! You can tell Gary really loves what he's doing. He totally took over that Kim Kardashian fitting.

 

[Cristal]

I like it!

Brett shouldn't have used Julie's name for the pull, but other than that I don't see why it would be such a huge problem for him to take the job.

 

[MsBeej]

Oh God- these people have THE most sickening attitudes, both the senior stylists and assistants! I have yet to meet a down to earth or just a non-diva, non-attitude stylist. I have assisted stylists (one of them celebrity) and they were the strangest bitchiest people... mood swings, silent treatment, manipulative, and the the list goes on. I'm at the point now I do my own styling jobs and I won't assist unless I'm getting paid, lol! These stylist shows make me gag because everyone is SO evil and it really is unnecessary...

 

[loladonna]

Oh God- these people have THE most sickening attitudes, both the senior stylists and assistants! I have yet to meet a down to earth or just a non-diva, non-attitude stylist. I have assisted stylists (one of them celebrity) and they were the strangest bitchiest people... mood swings, silent treatment, manipulative, and the the list goes on. I'm at the point now I do my own styling jobs and I won't assist unless I'm getting paid, lol! These stylist shows make me gag because everyone is SO evil and it really is unnecessary...

Why do you think stylists are this way? Do you think the job attracts people with these attitudes or does the competitive nature of the job make people catty?

I found it interesting how threatened the senior stylists were. Anyone with a good eye for style can do the job so the rankings of senior and junior seem almost inconsequential. As Brett's case illustrated if the celebrity likes a particular stylist their rank won't matter much at all. I think that is why that one senior stylist didn't want the assistants to speak to the clients. It's clear Gary was very personable and she felt threatened that Kim Kardashian would maybe request him to style her for future events.

 

[MsBeej]

Why do you think stylists are this way? Do you think the job attracts people with these attitudes or does the competitive nature of the job make people catty?

I found it interesting how threatened the senior stylists were. Anyone with a good eye for style can do the job so the rankings of senior and junior seem almost inconsequential. As Brett's case illustrated if the celebrity likes a particular stylist their rank won't matter much at all. I think that is why that one senior stylist didn't want the assistants to speak to the clients. It's clear Gary was very personable and she felt threatened that Kim Kardashian would maybe request him to style her for future events.

I think it's a little bit of both... some people who want to be stylists/people who are climbing the ladder on this career probably weren't always so evil & backstabbing, but along the way they were treated badly (by head stylists or whoever) and backstabbed themselves so they in turn do it to the next person. Then there are people who just have it in their nature to be like that; meaning no one or experience made them that way. I actually think it may be more of the latter... I can't say that I'm a saint myself, but I'm not as bad as ANY stylist I have met- seriously.

I just think most creatives in the fashion industry have some chip on their shoulder because of their insecurities because this is such a competitive field. I can tell you from first hand experience that insecurity can ruin you if you let it. Worrying if you're good enough, will you be successful, etc, can change your personality if you let it. The show displayed the insecurites of the senior stylists which made them seem very sad... I also agree that ranking really doesn't matter. There are small time stylists who are more creative & resourceful than MANY huge well known stylists who have little to no creativity but they have celebrity clients and are repped by an agency.

 

[loladonna]

After watching the second show I can say the senior stylists definitely have egos and seem to relish pulling rank on the assistants.

I absolutely love Gary. He shows the best natural eye for fashion of all the contestants and seems so excited about every shoot. I don't get why the senior stylists keep criticizing his outgoing nature on the shoots. The clients don't seem to mind. The outfit with the sheer white blouse and pencil skirt was amazing.

Janna is absolutely hopeless. I find it hard to believe she was one of the top four applicants. She has no vision and no clue how to style an outfit or pick clothes to suit the clients. I think MTV just needed someone completely incompetent to make the show more interesting.

I don't think Brett should be able to get his position back. That was shady of him to use the senior sylists name to get the free clothes. Who knows what other types of questionable things he'd be willing to do for money?

 

[Ievut]

I feel sorry for Brett. He is just so unlucky! And I hate Janna. She is a b*tch who puts on a cute face.

 

[platinumpink]

I wonder if they'll ever show this in the UK

 

[loladonna]

I feel sorry for Brett. He is just so unlucky! And I hate Janna. She is a b*tch who puts on a cute face.

Brett is one of those people who brings things upon himself. He makes poor decisions and seems to be a little careless. If I was driving a borrowed car I would be extra careful. That wreck was completely stupid on his part.

I think Gary is stronger at styling women than men. The new guy really showed him up this week.

The guys are so much better than the girls. Janna is out of her league. How did she become one of the finalists if MMA only takes the best candidates?

I really enjoy seeing how styling works.