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Meet One of Our New Members and Runway Stylist, Gila Skelly!

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Buff State chapter.

The Basics

Name: Gila Skelly

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Year: Junior

Major: Fashion Merchandise

Zodiac Sign: Aries

The Favorites

Favorite film:  Mulan, lol I can be a kid at heart sometimes.

Favorite food: Pasta 

Favorite song at the moment:  Let Nas Down – J.Cole

Favorite color:  Blush

Favorite TV Show: Right now, Archer.

Favorite place to visit in Buffalo: Panos, or Elmwood in general.

Favorite animal: Dog

HCBuffState: What was your position while working on Runway 9.0?

Gila: My position for Runway was a Senior Designer Stylist as well as a stylist for Student Collection.

HCBuffState: How was it helping put together a fashion show? Did it give you a glimpse into how it is done in the industry? 

​Gila:Putting the show together was a little stressful, there was moments where the ball would drop one too many times but somehow I managed to get it together. The job of a stylist is a lot because there’s barely any room for mistakes when deadlines are approaching. I had to source hair, makeup, shoes, and accessories. Pair everything together to create a cohesive look and make sure my designer was satisfied. Sometimes, some of the designers would get catty with us but that’s expected lol.

To be honest, I probably was a part of one of the best Runway teams. I expect drama and “personalities” but it didn’t even feel like I was a part of a class, it really felt like I was just putting together a show with my closest friends. We really developed a bond no one can break and I am going to miss Runway.

It definitely did give me a glimpse of the industry and my professor made sure of that, from photoshoots to sourcing shoes (the amount of trips we had to make for these models, I don’t want to see another outlet until school starts again lol).

I’ll never forget Runway. I had an amazing professor, shout out to Erin Habes, you really do not know how much of an impact you’ve made in academic and professional career.

HCBuffState: What was your favorite part of Runway 9.0?

Gila:My favorite part of Runway was the Look Book Photoshoot. You probably would’ve thought I would pick a part of the show, but it really was the photoshoot. Also going to the outlet with my professor and some of my friends, that was a day to remember.

HCBuffState: If you could do it all over again, which position would you want to have and why?

Gila: If I would do it all over again, I think I would pick stylist or producer. I can’t see myself doing anything else but those two.

Alexandra Whitehead is a Senior at SUNY at Buffalo State. Originally from Virginia, she is majoring in Fashion Textile and Techonology with a concentration in Merchandising. She also has a minor in Theatre. Alexandra is a big advocate for the arts, taking great pleasure in literature, performing, and media arts. She also loves traveling and experiencing new things. In the Fall of 2014, she had the great opportunity to study abroad in London at Regents University. It was an amazing experience that taught her so much about herself and the different cultures around her. When she graduates, Alexandra aspires to be a film/television actress, owner of a eco-friendly fashion boutique, and owner of an animal rescue that saves feral cats and kittens from the streets.