Stylists Face Resistance from Company Executives
Despite the bold fashion statements that define K-Pop, fans often express their dissatisfaction with certain outfits. Former SECRET NUMBER member Denise has spoken out against such criticism, revealing the limited control stylists have over what idols wear.
Denise shared that her stylist would often create beautiful outfits that she loved. However, these designs were often rejected by higher-ups at the company.
“They would send it up for approval, and then they would be like, ‘Trash! Change it,'” Denise explained. “And the gag for me, honestly, was just the fact that these are men saying this.”
Stylists Resort to Deception
Faced with this resistance, the stylist found a solution. She would intentionally make the designs bad and send them back for approval, making the higher-ups prefer the better designs.
“We would come back, and then it got to a point where our stylist, so we would take the photos after our fittings to send, she would deliberately make it uglier just so that they would say yes,” Denise said.
Denise Defends Stylists
Denise expressed sympathy for her stylist, who had to endure these struggles despite being a professional. She also condemned netizen comments that target stylists.
“I understand that they have an image and a concept that they want, but, it’s just in the sense where you hired professionals to do this, let the professionals do their job,” Denise said.
Industry Struggles and Underpayment
Denise emphasized that everyone in the K-Pop industry is underpaid and trying to get their job done. She urged fans to avoid making hateful comments that suggest firing someone.
“But I would just hate seeing those comments ‘cause half the time, they’re honestly just doing what they’re told, which is most of the people in the K-Pop industry. Everyone’s just trying to get their check and go home,” Denise said.
Appreciation for Stylists
Denise acknowledged the hard work of stylists, hair, and makeup artists. She expressed her admiration for their dedication and long hours.
“They don’t get enough credit for all the work that they do because they’re there from like top to bottom. Like they’re there from the moment you wake up because they have to get there first, to be honest, because they have to open the shop and they have to put all their equipment out and then do your hair and makeup and then pack it up and then come with you to the shoot,” Denise said.
