Our featured influencer this month is Kim Appelt, a “fashion stylist” (more on that below) who’s upcoming book will see her style advice and fashion inspo jump from social and screen to the printed page. —Noa Nichol
Hi Kim! Please tell us a bit about yourself.
When asked what I do I often reply the short answer of, “I dress people.” I feel like the term fashion stylist is thrown around so often these days and there are so many different types of stylists. I prefer to be relatable in conversation and leave some room for questions. I have been blessed in my career to have experienced so much variation. From the red carpet of the Junos, Emmys and Oscars, print editorials and private A-list clients, I have loved it all and experienced everything I had wanted to when I started. On social, when I started styling, I was posting what I was wearing (back before influencing was an actual thing!) and organically gained a following. Many years ago my manager at the time suggested I start a YouTube channel; I did, and it took off. It now has a dedicated following and more than 8 million views. I was invited on CityLine as a celebrity style expert and I was just recently offered a publishing contract with Penguin Random House. My book will be on shelves in the U.K., U.S. and Canada in September 2023. I try to use my platform as a place to inspire women and teach them about HOW to look and feel their best. I spend a lot of time on YouTube talking about body shape and curating a wardrobe of basics. I also just recently had breast cancer and I shared my story in hopes of encouraging more women to get mammograms and be pro-active with their health.
What unique perspective/spin do you think “mature” content creators can bring to the table?
They always say that with age comes wisdom. Years ago, elders would share stories and tips, communities were smaller and this was easier to do. Social media is the modern way of sharing that wisdom. They have more time to experience dressing a changing body shape, they hunt out new brands that work. I follow a few mature influencers that I really love. I find them inspiring and help me think outside of the box for clients I’m styling.
What’s your personal style/beauty mantra?
It sounds cheesy but it’s so true: beauty starts from within. You can have on the most stunning clothing but, if your energy or vibrations are off … you will in fact ruin the look. My other mantra is that the key to great style and being able to get ready without panic lies in having the basics at hand. The fashion pieces are wonderful but, if you don’t have a base, it’s hard to pull a look together.
As we head into fall, what are some of your fave autumn activities to do locally?
I’ve only been in Toronto for two years; I’ve spent most of my time on the west coast (California and B.C.), but I love to stroll though Yorkville (my neighborhood) browsing the stores, coffee shops and restaurants (I’m a fixture on the patio at One!). I also love all the events that start up in September like TIFF, concerts and the simplicity of a bike ride or walk on the waterfront along Humber Bay!
Follow Kim on Instagram.
share:
Be the first to comment