EXPLORING THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE: A DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF STYLING WITH AISAJU

By: Connor Duszynski

In the world of fashion and celebrity styling, Aisaju stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and elegance. With her unique aesthetic that blends contemporary trends with timeless classics, the Los Angeles-based stylist has carved a niche for herself in the industry, quickly becoming a sought-after stylist for celebrities and a number of other high-profile individuals. One of the defining aspects of Aisaju's work is her ability to understand and enhance her clients' personal style. She doesn't merely dress them; she collaborates with them to create looks that resonate with their personality and public image. This collaborative approach has earned her the trust and respect of many celebrities, who often credit her for their stunning red carpet appearances and magazine cover looks.

Aisaju's Instagram profile, a vibrant portfolio of her work, is a testament to her exceptional skill, talent, and keen eye for detail. Every photo is a visual narrative that tells a story of her journey in the fashion industry, her collaborations with clients, and her creative process. Her feed is a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and styles, reflecting her versatility and ability to transform any look into a fashion statement. I first had the pleasure of scrolling through her work during my time at The House Magazine, where our team had brought Aisaju on as the Lead Stylist for the April 2022 Issue’s cover shoot with AGNEZ MO. Immediately hooked on her fashions and vibe, I knew I had to reach out to dive into her mind, creative process, and style inspirations.

Good morning, Aisaju! Thank you for joining me. Please share a bit about yourself that our readers should know, including where you’re based, your industry/profession, and a fun fact about yourself.

Thank you for having me. Hello readers, my name is Aisaju. I am a fashion stylist originally from Kazakhstan, currently based in Los Angeles. I have been living in America for four years now, and the vibrant city of Los Angeles has completely transformed my life. I am deeply passionate about fashion, and being a fashion stylist brings me a great deal of joy. One interesting fact about me is that I have never learned how to ride a bicycle. It’s something I still haven’t mastered! Also when I was just seven years old, I used to organize fashion shows in our backyard. I would play the role of a designer, dressing up my friends, choreographing runway walks, selecting music, and even doing their makeup. Our parents and neighbors would enthusiastically join our shows. Even when I was a little girl I knew that fashion is not just about clothes, but an art that has the power to inspire and bring joy to people’s hearts.

So it’s safe to say you’ve always had a passion for fashion? How did it develop time? Tell little bit about start in

My journey into the fashion and styling industry began with my education and practical experience. I started with small projects and collaborations with local designers, magazines, and photographers. Simultaneously, I began building my presence on Instagram, which opened doors to numerous creative and exciting opportunities, eventually leading to larger projects. Throughout my professional growth, I had the privilege of working on fashion shoots, where I could showcase my creative intuition and create unique looks. Along the way, I had the opportunity to learn from incredibly talented professionals in the field. My venture into the fashion industry started three years ago, and it has been an exhilarating journey ever since. When I arrived in the United States, I spent the first year trying to find my path and establish myself in the new country. Despite the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the local culture, I was determined to find my place in this new world.

At one point, I turned to my friends and asked them, “What do you see me as?” To my surprise, they unanimously answered, “A stylist!” More than twenty people gave me the same response. This reminded me of a childhood memory: When I was twelve years old, my mother would buy me clothes that didn’t quite match my style or fit me perfectly. However, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings because she put in so much effort and spent the whole day selecting those clothes for me. So, I would lock myself in my room, shed a few tears, and start altering and modifying all the clothes she bought. I would change the fit of jeans, alter blouses and jackets.

When I emerged from my room wearing the transformed garments, my mom would always be amazed and say, “Wow, it looks like a completely different outfit!” That’s when I realized I had a natural inclination for styling and transforming clothes. Fueled by the encouragement from my friends and those childhood memories, I decided to pursue a career as a fashion stylist. I enrolled in fashion courses, attended workshops, and immersed myself in the world of fashion. Over time, my passion for this industry grew stronger, and I knew deep down that this was the path I wanted to follow.

Pink Dress: Ella Zahlan

Ring: Federica Rossi

EARRINGS: VERONICA THARMALINGAM

Styled by: Aisaju

Photographer: Mila Grinko

Make up and Hair: Daria Matiunina

Would you say that you get a great deal of your inspiration from your childhood and upbringing? Who or what are some additional style inspirations for you?

I draw inspiration from three incredible women who, although not from the fashion or film world, are my greatest sources of inspiration. They are strong, intelligent, wise, loving, hardworking, incredibly beautiful, graceful, joyful, and determined individuals. These remarkable women are my mother-in-law, my mother, and my grandmother, who have contributed their best qualities to shape the person I am today. My love for beauty and art stems from my grandmother, who is an aesthete. She possesses elegance and refined taste. From a young age, she introduced me to literature and art, quoting classic authors ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Abdizhamil Nurpeisov. She appreciates beautiful music and films, and I absorbed the aesthetics of old movies and good music during my childhood. I am very grateful to my grandma for giving me the best upbringing.

My mother is my motivator and unwavering support. She believes in me and encourages every endeavor I undertake. From a young age, she told me, “You can do anything; I believe in you!” No matter what happens, she always stands by my side. Whenever something occurs, I run to my mother to share it, knowing she will provide the right advice. From childhood, my mother also taught me about proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of sports. I love you, Mom. You are the best.

My mother-in-law instilled in me the values of family, respect, and wisdom. May she rest in peace. She was a remarkable person, and I loved her with all my heart. I consider myself fortunate to have had her as my mother-in-law. She taught me so much, and I saw the world through her eyes and gained wisdom from her perspective. She was an extraordinary woman, strong and wise, and everything around her thrived. Wherever she went, there was a celebration. It is thanks to her that I have a deep love for hats, as she always adorned herself with beautiful hats and dresses. Thank you for everything, Nurzada apa. You will forever remain in my heart.

That’s so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with us. What is most fulfilling about your work? What are you most passionate about when working with clients and collaborators?

In my profession, there is a deeply fulfilling moment that never fails to bring me satisfaction: witnessing the transformation of individuals, both outwardly and inwardly. It is a truly beautiful experience to see someone bloom with newfound confidence and witness the sparkle in their eyes. This is something I hold dear and it brings me joy.

Being a stylist is not solely about helping people look beautiful in their clothes. It goes beyond that, delving into their lives. A stylist acts as a psychologist, assisting clients in discovering their true individuality and expressing themselves through their style. The interaction with clients becomes an emotional journey where the stylist helps them find confidence and joy in clothing that reflects their authentic personality.

What’s something you always consider when taking on clients? What kind of clientele do you work with?

When working with clients, I always take their individual needs and preferences into careful consideration. I pay attention to factors such as their body type, personal style, and lifestyle in order to create looks that enhance their assets and reflect their unique personality. Establishing a friendly and comfortable connection with the client is important to me so that they feel at ease expressing themselves. As for the type of clients I enjoy working with, I appreciate those who approach our collaboration with a positive and open attitude, ready to embrace new changes and explore different styles.

A positive, open attitude is definitely a game-changer. A client’s attitude to the process is almost always the determining factor in a successful shoot. With that said, what does your creative process look like? What steps do you take to ensure your clients are comfortable and that your vision is conveyed?

My creative process begins by building a personal connection with the client. Understanding their personality, preferences, and lifestyle is crucial in order to create a style that truly reflects their individuality. Once I have a complete understanding, I move on to determining the client’s body type to choose the most flattering garment silhouettes. From there, I create a mood board to explore different designers, brands, and showrooms that align with the desired styling.

Experimentation and uniqueness are key elements of my creative process. Each project I undertake is a reflection of my creative vision. I enjoy mixing high-end items with more affordable ones, as well as incorporating vintage pieces alongside contemporary ones. I don’t adhere strictly to fashion rules because I believe clothing should tell a story and capture the essence of the individual.

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Dress: feleppa official

Black gloves: @kristina_k_ny

Silver Jewelry: NINNA YORK JEWELRY

Styled by : Aisaju

What is one memorable story or experience that still sticks with you from a photoshoot or styling session?

I have a particularly memorable experience that still brings a smile to my face. During my school days, I was a devoted fan of Avril Lavigne. Her image adorned my notebooks and diaries, and her music was a constant source of inspiration. In an unexpected turn of events, I was offered the opportunity to work on a photoshoot for the cover of Basic Magazine featuring Avril Lavigne. It was a dream come true for me. The day was filled with excitement and unforgettable moments. I am grateful to Viktorija Pashuta for granting me the opportunity to work on this project and turning my childhood dream into a reality.

That’s amazing! I love Avril Lavigne too. What are some upcoming projects or developments for you that you can share with us?

I am delighted to share a project that has been in the works and has recently came to realization. I have ventured into talent management, and one of my clients has been presented with an incredible opportunity to be a part of a major project that we had only dreamt of. This project involves a well-known star whom I have always admired from afar. Working with her seemed like an unattainable dream, but now it has become a reality. While I am unable to disclose the names and specifics of the project just yet, soon I will be able to share more details with my followers on Instagram at @aisaju. Stay tuned for updates.

We definitely will be following along. In closing, what is a piece of advice you would share with young stylists, fashion enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs who may be interested in following a similar path?

Building a network and fostering relationships with professionals in the industry is also crucial. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, attend fashion events, and seek out collaboration opportunities and mentorship. The support and guidance of experienced individuals will greatly contribute to your career growth. The most important advice I would give is to stay true to yourself and embrace your uniqueness. Trust your instincts and follow your passion. Be courageous, take risks, and celebrate your individuality. Success takes time and perseverance, so continue to develop your skills and stay dedicated to your craft.

Aisaju, thank you for joining me. It’s been such a pleasure sitting down with you. Is there anything you’d like to share that we haven’t already addressed?

Absolutely! I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the readers, followers, friends and my family who have supported me throughout my journey. Your unwavering support and engagement mean the world to me. It is because of your continuous encouragement that I am able to pursue my passions and share them with you. From the depths of my heart, I sincerely thank each and every one of you for becoming a part of this incredible adventure.

I also want to express my deep appreciation for the invitation to this amazing interview. It is a tremendous honor and joy to be featured in the inaugural issue of Nocturnal Magazine. The opportunity to share my journey and story with your esteemed audience is both motivating and humbling. I am truly grateful for your support. Thank you, Connor, for this incredible opportunity.