Editor’s Note: When I decided on the Flood Sisters cover story, I turned to Westchester’s most ubiquitous fashion stylist, writer and instructor Sandy Hapoienu to help out. A permanent fixture at Fashion Week, her latest venture “Styling Session” embodies all her sought after expertise. Inside Chappaqua asked Sandy a few questions following the shoot:
Grace Bennett: What motivated you to choose a career as a stylist?
Sandy Hapoienu: I started as a shopping editor then photo stylist, styling celebrities, corporate, television, closet edits, wardrobe building and fashion shows. This also led me to teach as an adjunct Professor at SUNY Westchester.
GB: Is styling a natural gift, or something learned?
SH: I believe that there is an art and a science to styling. The art is the creative side that can be tapped into by reading fashion magazines and watching fashion shows. The science can be learned by knowing the type of clothing that is the best fit for your body type.
GB: What inspires you most about styling?
SH: Most people are married to a look and are afraid to take chances on their own. The confidence level rises significantly.
GB: What is rewarding to you about it?
SH: The thanks I get from my clients and the look on their faces. The befores and afters are amazing.
GB: Can you describe your experience with the Flood Sisters?
SH: The Flood Sisters are three young women working hard to bring attention to their foundation in the hopes of kidney donors. I took the whole picture into account: where are they now and where they are going in the future. First I started with their body types and what would be the most flattering styles. Then I made suggestions for hair and make-up. I aimed for a more polished business look.
If you would like to get in touch with Sandy Hapoienu, you can click to email her.
