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Keino Benjamin Interview

Keino Benjamin, stylist to the stars, has dressed everyone from reality TV star Jessica Rich and rising Finnish pop sensation Alexandra Alexis, to model Jaimie Hilfiger (niece to Uncle Tommy). Hailing from the island of St. Kitts, the Caribbean fashionisto has taken the country by storm. You will find him at all the hot industry parties, red carpet events, at the tents of Bryant Park, and even on the Satorialist’s blog. He shares with NYChic his journey to the top and his tips for success.

Co Editor-in-Chief An-drea Ng models different looks styled by Keino at LF shop in Soho.

Tarah Smith clutch ($198); Millau skirt ($88); Emma and Sam tank top ($48); Emma and Sam metal-lic crop top ($44); Please leather jacket ($724); Re-port Signature shoes ($198)

Keino Benjamin InterviewEunsan Huh

Keino Benjamin, stylist to the stars, has dressed everyone from reality TV star Jessica Rich and rising Finnish pop sensation Alexandra Alexis, to model Jaimie Hilfiger (niece to Uncle Tommy). Hailing from the island of St. Kitts, the Caribbean fashionisto has taken the country by storm. You will find him at all the hot industry parties, red carpet events, at the tents of Bryant Park, and even on the Satorialist’s blog. He shares with NYChic his journey to the top and his tips for success.

Keino came to the US to further his educa-tion when he was fifteen years old. He went on to pursue a degree in busi-

ness management, but divulges that all throughout, fashion was in his veins. He chuckles as he shares memories of using his stylistic expertise on previous girlfriends. “It all came very naturally to me,” he discloses, “I didn’t go to school to learn about fashion.” Dur-ing his college years, his style matured and Keino began a profes-sional career in fashion. The key to Keino’s success was his expert dedication to self-promotion. He started by going to industry-related events and marketing him-self. “I was a walking billboard,” he says. His confidence and thick-rimmed glasses became the two key compo-nents of his signature look. Soon, people were approaching him on the street and at clubs, wondering who the suave stylist was and asking for tips. At red carpet events, he quickly learned to network with celebrities, leading to a flood of requests and recommendations. Styling is a tricky business, whether it’s for a celebrity or a private

client - it is a balancing act between fashion and personal style. Keino analyzes his clients to ensure that they look and feel their best (his business savvy comes in handy, no doubt). He looks at their complexion and shape, as well as their features. One other thing he always looks at? Their walk. “You can learn a lot about a person

and their style just by watching her walk,” he explains. So who does this natural-born stylist look to for inspira-tion? “Anna Wintour,” he reveals, “She has made a major impact on fashion because she goes above and beyond to create a masterpiece.” Like Ms. Wintour, Keino puts great emphasis on taking fashion seri-ously, and respecting the trade. Despite his success, Keino remains ambitious: “I am still learning right now, but I hope that one day I, too, will be an icon.”

Previous page: Vintage hat ($75); Era of Chaos jeans ($178); Miz Mooz combat boots ($178); Mil-lau velvet jacket ($188); Emma and Sam t-shirt ($78); Chain mail bracelet ($38) – brand unknown

Keino’s Tips:

1. Educate yourselfLearn about fashion: read fashion magazines to familiarize yourself with designers, and brands. Remember to pay attention to trends!

2. Market yourselfDress the part and create a buzz! Create a website or print business cards to promote yourself. Remember, sophistication is the key.

3. Get ConnectedVisit local hot spots, show rooms, store openings and other fashion events to meet industry professionals

4. Be ConfidentAnd his number one tip?

5. Always wear the clothes; don’t let them wear you!

Millau jacket ($178); Millau cocktail dress ($158); Velvet An-gels shoes ($295); SOOS brace-let ($50); Stacy Sterling earrings ($35); Chain mail bracelet ($38)