1. For the ones who may not be familiar with you, or you work, tell us about yourself.
"I am a celebrity stylist and image consultant. I live in both NY and LA depending on where work takes me I could wind up anywhere. I went to school for fashion design and have worked in the music industry for about 9 years. I have amazing clients such as Rihanna, Kerry Washington, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smiuth, Jay-Z, Ciara, Q-Tip just to name a few."
2. When was it absolutely inevitable that styling would be your career choice?
"I always knew I loved fashion but thought I wanted to be a designer and just before I graduated college and assisted on a few music videos, I realized that being a stylist is a way of being a “designer” with more flexibility."
3. Arguably your most known for creating Rihanna's "bad girl" appearance. Did you ever think from the start of your relationship, it would capture this much recognition? Also what inspirational factors went into the played a role in the process?
"I had No idea that our working relationship would get this much recognition. When we first started working together we chose looks that I felt would be young and funky and different but still make a statement. It was a very natural process and she was so busy that we didn’t have much time to sit around and brainstorm ideas, we just went with the flow!"
4. Coincidently one of my favorite videos of 2008 was Q-Tip's "Getting Up", a piece you styled. Explain the process in developing the clothing direction for a music video.
"Amazing! This was one of the best moments with mens fashion that Ive had. I would say the only process to direction in his clothes was to make different statements with each look. To show Q-tips versatility was the main goal. Being that the video was shot on a white background and there wasn’t much art direction in the video, we used this opportunity to let the clothes shine!
Finally a man that was willing to take risks! Thanks Tip!"
5. What does an ordinary day consist of for Mariel Haenn in the intervals of:
-Morning:
"Ha! No day is ordinary but if I'm not traveling or on set shooting a video or photoshoot I'm managing an exceptional amount of emails and phone calls. Following up with London, Paris, Milan and Japan designers since those emails are coming while I'm sleeping, creative calls with directors and photographers and my clients on direction of the projects we are working on; Mapping out my wish list of designers and stores that I'm going to shop in."
-Afternoon:
"Shopping and hunting from top to bottom for those special pieces that will makes statements."
-Night:
"Usually I have most of my fittings at night where I lay out all the clothes, shoes, and accessories for my clients to try on and fit and see if we need to alter or change anything. This process can be very quick and easy or sometimes take a long time to perfect the looks that we want the world to see."
6. Your portfolio covers hundreds with Rihanna and Ciara being the most notable. Who would you like an opportunity to working with in the future?
"I've been asked this question a lot lately and its so hard b/c I feel like I have the best clients! I wouldn’t mind working with Brittney Spears I think we could show a whole new side of her. I think I need to take some time to think on who else I would like to work with. Its hard to say when you have the hottest folks in the game."
7. Before the start of you work with MTV, you worked as a fashion editor. How does that job, compare to being a stylist?
"I loved working in editorial there is a lot more control over concepts as and editor it was my job to come up with ideas for the photoshoots as well as style them so there was a lot more creative freedom. Although working with celebrities I am able to create trends that are made visible world wide versus just in a regional magazine."
8. Do you fine it easier to work with men or women and why?
"Well its 50/50…women come easier since I am one but sometimes its complicated with men because usually they are not as open to taking risks as often as women. I do love menswear though!"
9. You recent project with Mastercard and Saks Want It! Collection, explain how this came about.
"They were looking for a spokesperson and it was a perfect fit! The Saks fifth ave World Elite Mastercard one of my favorite accessories b/c it rewards you for shopping in and outside of Saks. It’s the perfect fit being that one of the only tools I need is a credit card and I'm in Saks everyday!"
10. I plan on making a name for myself in the near future, any hopes of us working together?
"(Laughs) Ha…of course as long as your willing to think out side the box and take risks! "
Sid Ashford: I want to really thank Mariel for participating in this interview. We shall collab in the near future! You can visit her site HERE, as well as follow her on Twitter.
