How intuition got this fashion stylist his dream job

Do you like your job? Or wonder what it would be like if you’d gone against your parents’ advice and pursued your dream career? Her World’s Career Confessions column spotlights the professional journeys of its subjects and reveals how each individual’s career path and the choices they have made can have an impact on their personal finances, psychological health, and interpersonal relationships.

Growing up, Daryll Alexius Yeo always loved collecting fashion publications as he was drawn to the beautiful visuals and narrative in the pages. He wasn’t sure, however, that what he loved could actually become a career for him.

“I wasn’t aware that fashion styling was a real job,” he confessed. “Little did I know, this intuitive journey would lead me to explore the world of fashion styling.”

He enrolled at Lasalle College of the Arts to do a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Communication (now known as Fashion Media Industries). At that time, he decided to try his luck as an intern for a local fashion publication. “I e-mailed them and later got a call back from fashion editor Sharon Tulasidas, eventually scoring an internship with the magazine.”

Today, the 35-year-old has been living his passion for fashion as a stylist for 15 years. He has had many career highs, including meeting his favourite designer Dries van Noten at the Fall/Winter 2024 men’s show earlier this year, and being nominated “Stylist of the Year” by the Textile and Fashion Federation Singapore (now called Singapore Fashion Council) in 2017.

However, he’s candid about the difficult times as well, which happened during Covid. “It was definitely the lowest point in my career,” he shares. “The very nature of my job requires human touch and interaction. As a freelancer, it was tough during that period because jobs either came to a standstill, or were eventually cancelled. I would say the uncertainty really made me contemplate what I was doing at that point my life.”

Thankfully, that time has passed, and Daryll is now busier than ever. On top of his styling projects, he recently launched his own merchandise label Daywear, which offers tinted eyewear (for now). He’s already in the design process for a new accessories/object drop.

In any line of work, people will always be quick to criticise and have a million opinions about the work you put out, and it can get demoralising at times. Being self-assured and confident is pivotal. Daryll says: “It was important for me to cultivate a strong sense of confidence – to always trust my own instincts at the end of the day.”

The Stylist: Daryll Alexius Yeo

Instagram: @daryllalexiusyeo

What is a typical day in the life of a stylist?

It’s very dependent on the specific projects I’m working on. A day might start with client meetings or fittings in the morning, followed by sourcing clothing and accessories through shopping trips to boutiques or showrooms from midday to evening. Alternatively, the entire day could be spent on set for shoots, whether it’s for magazine fashion editorials, brand lookbooks, or individual clients.

Who in the styling scene inspires you?

London-based stylist Robbie Spencer, Paris-based stylist and Vogue Hommes fashion editor Giovanni Dario Laudicina, and fashion editor and stylist Benjamin Bruno. I’m drawn to their innovative and beautiful approaches to styling, and their ability to challenge conventional fashion norms.

What do you love most about being a stylist?

It’s not just about dressing bodies; it’s about crafting compelling visual narratives.

Do you prefer styling fashion editorials or real clients?

I find fulfilment in both. Fashion editorials allow me to fully explore my creativity, pushing boundaries, and experimenting with and executing bold concepts. Styling for clients offers a deeply personal and rewarding experience. Personally, it’s always been very satisfactory to help clients discover their own sense of style and confidence just by witnessing the transformative power of fashion.

What are some challenges working with clients?

It often revolves around understanding and interpreting their personal style preferences, and navigating budget constraints while still achieving the desired style and quality. It’s also about balancing client preferences with my creative vision for them.

Is it tough to be a stylist in Singapore?

Absolutely. It is challenging due to the exclusivity and relatively small scale. Fashion is a niche industry in Singapore, and being a small country, we have a limited pool of fashion personalities and clients. However, it’s also a realm of potential for those who possess the resilience to persist, and assert their unique point of view.

The Client: Gabriella Chong

Instagram: @gabriellachong

Daryll and entrepreneur Gabriella Chong met through a mutual friend at an event and instantly clicked, and their friendship has since evolved into a professional styling relationship.

How did you meet?

Gabriella Chong (GC): We met at an event in 2022. Introductions were made, and after 15 minutes of small talk, we realised we vibed.

How did your relationship evolve?

GC: We grabbed lunch a couple of weeks after the event, and three hours just flew by. Like all relationships, we make the effort to connect and meet up whenever our schedules align. Nothing beats some face-to-face time!

Daryll Alexius Yeo (DAY): We discovered our shared passion for fashion, art, design, and music. This burgeoning friendship led to collaborations on various styling and creative projects.

If something doesn’t work, is honesty really the best policy?

GC: As our friendship strengthens, and as we accept that we are sincere towards each other, the level of honesty (or in my case, bluntness) increases. People are cautious about saying what they really think, especially in the fashion and social circles. So when you find someone who you can be yourself with, keep them close.

How would you describe your style now?

GC: I think I’m more adventurous now. Daryll has such a unique take on fashion and styling, and it is exciting for me to adopt his perspectives.

DAY: From the get-go, she demonstrated a willingness to explore beyond her comfort zone. I think what sets her apart is her unwavering confidence in my creative vision, fuelling my drive to deliver nothing but the best as her stylist.

Styling DARYLL ALEXIUS YEO
Hair MARC TENG, USING GOLDWELL PROFESSIONAL
Makeup GREGO, USING BOBBI BROWN