Styling is a form of expression whether as a personal style, a reflection of societal views or a portrayal of a mood. For London based stylist Paula Damberga it’s a tool to portray her personality whilst also having a creative freedom.
Paula did not always envision being a stylist. When she was younger she believed she would pursue a career as an artist. Albeit, growing up and dabbing into floristry, music and gymnastics, the creative found her true calling. Her love for fashion blossomed even more when she decided to change her hometown in Latvia to the picturesque coastal town of Brighton. There she found herself surrounded by fashion-forward locals, beautiful beach views and an abundance of cultures and characters. Soon after she moved to London and in 2013 graduated from the fashion foundation course at London College of Style (LCS). A year later she continued onto an advanced editorial styling course and gained experience styling editorials for print and online fashion publications.
Paula admits that she is constantly feeling inspired in London due to the unquestionable truth that London is one of the main fashion Meccas. Most of her inspirations come from street style from which she gains fresh perspective on how people are wearing trends or creating news ones day-to-day. Hence why most of her work is “unusual combinations” of memorable, unique and interesting looks that gain attention and create conversation. Menswear styling is among her favourites. This preference she discovered early in her career on one of her first shoots in LCS. She understands that gents styling is still quite niche with much less famous designers compared to ladies but nevertheless she likes the anonymity of designer brands; with the focal point remaining on styling.
So far one her career highlights has been assisting on the Tirade Magazine cover shoot with Poppy Delevingne. Alongside that, her personal editorial highlight was working for the first print issue of STREETS Magazine.
On the subject of essentials, Paula lists her phone, make-up bag, Oyster card and a water bottle as the ultimate items to have on hand when travelling in London.
Talking about the future, Paula is going to take a little break from fashion collaborations for the moment and focus on her personal projects. However if the right project came along, she would not be quick to turn it down, as she believes that working with a good team is the key and quotes Oscar De La Renta’s famous line “When you rest, you rust” as motivation.
We consider that the combination of London fashion life and Paula Damberga moulds perfectly together and we cannot wait to see what’s next in store for this aspiring stylist.
written by Elizabeth Pascka