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Joshua Kelly (Sève): You have a portfolio that includes editorial and celebrity styling with some of the biggest names in the industry including American Vogue, W Magazine, Julianne Moore and Jane Fonda, just to name a few. Looking at back at everything you’ve achieved, are there any moments that particularly stand out?

Keegan Singh: In general I tend not to look back so much on what I achieved, and focus on being present and in the moment. That being said, I reflect fondly on my time in New York City with my best friend Phoebe. We were downtown, charismatic and precocious teens. I remember tape recordings we made in our apartment discussing our deepest wishes and desires... we both knew what we wanted to do; I was to be a fashion editor, stylist, consultant, creative director. I had the drive, ambition and innocence to achieve anything I put my mind to!

It’s rewarding to look back and realise I did exactly what I set out to do, and even sweeter to know what a fun and amazing journey it’s been. The best part: I’m still on that journey and enjoying it every little bit as much as I imagined I would!

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"It’s rewarding to look back and realise I did exactly what I set out to do, and even sweeter to know what a fun and amazing journey it’s been."

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JK: What advice would you give someone looking to follow in your steps?

KS: BEING WHO YOU ARE PAYS OFF.
LOVING WHAT YOU DO IS VITAL.
LOVE YOURSELF, LOVE OTHERS, LOVE, LOVE!
YOUR DREAMS CAN BE YOUR REALITY.

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JK: You have contributed to a host of international publications, and have Finnish, Swedish, Irish, English, and East Indian origins (I think that’s got to be some sort of record!). Do your own cultural influences, and those of your clients, factor into your styling process?

KS: I am a multi-racial American, and I am proud of it. I am proud of being an American because it is the country I grew up in that gave me the opportunity to become who I am, and one that believes in freedom of speech and artistic expression. I am also very proud to come from a diverse family of immigrants who came to the US to forge new opportunities for their family.

Cultural influences absolutely factor into my creative process - whether it be a reference to my own diverse background, or a nod to a culture that is dear to my team or clients. I’ve also had the good fortune of traveling for my job (for shoots or fashion weeks) and experience so many different cultures in that context. I am fascinated by how culture translates into aesthetic so there is no doubt that seeps into my work!

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"I am fascinated by how culture translates into aesthetic so there is no doubt that seeps into my work!"

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JK: A stylist's job can be logistically stressful, what would you say are the biggest challenges? And do you have any tricks to stay organised?

KS: Totally! The biggest challenges for me are staying organised and not getting overwhelmed. My trick is pics, pics, and more pics...

My new answer to all of this is the technology that you are sharing with us creatives... thank you!

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JK: In your 20 years as a stylist, you must have seen the industry go through considerable change. Is there anything in particular you are excited about when it comes to the future of the industry?

KS: I have seen the industry change for the better in most ways... I think the most exciting thing for me is watching Hedi Slimane and his team evolve; I really see them at the forefront of fashion and creativity.

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"The biggest challenges for me are staying organised and not getting overwhelmed. My trick is pics, pics, and more pics..."

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