Women Making History: Michelle Ten of Missfitstyles

Michelle Ten started Missfit Styles, an assortment of Fashion services ranging from styling, writing, and brand consulting, in 2004. In “game” years, that might as well be a full decade! Her clients include URB Magazine, XLR8R Magazine, Sean John, Chris Brown, Ludacris, Sean Kingston, and D Woods of Danity Kane, just to name a few.

Before this, Michelle was a fashion assistant at The Source Magazine. Leaving The Source to work on freelance assignments for artists like Ashanti and Full Surface Records, Michelle returned to The Source, at the height of the magazine, to act as Fashion Editor.

New York native Michelle Ten knew from an early age that she wanted to be in fashion. Cutting out her favorite looks from magazines like Vogue, Elle and Mirabella to create her own books out of photo albums. With fashion being her passion, she knew she wanted to have a career doing what she loves to do and this lady is doing it! This is why, today we honor Michelle Ten as a Woman Making History!

Michelle on some current and upcoming projects:

I’m a fashion stylist & personal shopper based out of new york. I work on celebrity and editorial projects along with ad campaigns and catalog. I’m a fashion consultant for t7live.com, styled Saturday Night comedian Fred Armisen for the cover of Urb magazine coming out March 2009. Did market for Mariah Carey in the Dream’s My Love video and recently styled New Era’s Fall 2009 catalog for their traditional apparel division.

Some on Michelle’s work:

Top left image: New Era Traditional Apparel catalog, Top right: The Gluttsie Gangster Glam Bottom left: Cream NYC Lookbook, Bottom right: The Peralta Project Fall 2008

Top left image: New Era Traditional Apparel catalog, Top right: The Gluttsie Gangster Glam

Bottom left: Cream NYC Lookbook, Bottom right: The Peralta Project Fall 2008, where Michelle took men’s t shirts and had them made in different women’s silhouettes! So fun!

We have a Q&A with Michelle, including a handwritten survey and more, after the jump!

Women Making History: Michelle Ten of Missfitstyles

Above another shot from Michelle’s heavy portfolio…and below we have the Michelle Ten rundown via the M.I.S.S. survey! Peep:

M.I.S.S. survey: Michelle Ten of Missfitstyles

Q&A time with Michelle! Read on…

1.  What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

There are so many women that I find aspirational and hope to accomplish what they have. On a family note, my aunt Sonia, who has been like a big sister and second mother. She’s non-judgemental, impartial, and extremely generous. I don’t know what i would do without her. on a career note, I admire women like Oprah Winfrey, Ivana Trump, Anna Wintour, Patricia Field, Kimora Lee Simmons and Melinda Gates. I want to be a strong business woman who is successful, but yet gives back to those in need. On a fashion note, I admire Victoria Beckham, Sophia Loren and other women that are stylish on their own and take fashion risks.

2.  How did you get your start?

I was a fashion assistant at the source magazine for two years. then two years after leaving i was hired back as the fashion editor. I thank people like William Rawls, Daniel Hastings, Adila Francis, Chris Jordan, Caiaffa, and Mike B who either gave me chances when no one else would or were just great cheerleaders for my cause.

Hard to answer. I really enjoyed working with kids for the Vibe prodigy issue, giving each child a character and using fun accessories. My favorites are when I get to customize pieces and have adecuate budgets to pull stunts.

Vibe kids editorial by Michelle Ten

4.  Who do you want to dress?

Beyonce. I would love to give her a makeover, New York City fierce bitch style.

5.  What part of styling is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

I love my job and I am very fortunate to have the ability to follow my dreams. I thank God that I don’t sit at a cubicle all day. But being an independent stylist has its challenges. Last minute bookings, low budgets, invoices with infinite payment dates and schlepping hundred pound trunks.

Great answers, Michelle! I think many people might think that not working a normal 9 to 5 is cake but it definitely hard work! Thanks again, for taking time to do this interview, Michelle! We hope you get to style Beyonce someday, too! 😉

Michelle Ten logo

For those of you in the styling game or looking into a career in styling, definitely stay up with Michelle and what she does. Below are her links:

missfitstyles.com • riottt.com/missfitstyles • t7live.com • twitter.com/missfitstyles

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