California Apparel News

Stylist Sydney Zekley makes a connection with her designer impulses by creating new line Pinky Starfish

Los Angeles-born stylist-cum-designer Sydney Zekley spent six years styling celebrities before combining her fashion sense with design partner (and Rod’s daughter) Kim Stewart to create a leisure collection called Pinky Starfish. Zekley recently visited California Apparel News and shared her fashion origins with manufacturing editor Claudia Figueroa.

How did you become a stylist?

I entered fashion when I was 13 years old—I worked at retail stores in Los Angeles. When I was 18, I worked at the California Mart as a rep’s assistant. Shortly thereafter I worked my way into becoming a stylist’s assistant, which I did for two years before getting my own styling jobs.

How did you make the leap from stylist to designer?

I decided to create my own line on a whim. Kim, my partner, approached me asking if I knew how to make clothes. We basically were up and running within a week. Pinky Starfish was the next logical step for me. I also wanted to be a part of something that would last longer than just a job. The risk of starting my own business excited me. I love the challenge.

Is designing very different from styling?

Designers and stylists share one common thread—that is to create an amazing and original look that is classic and will have longevity. Hopefully something that would inspire others.

The hard part is spending my own money to create a line—unlike whereas in styling I get a budget and spend the production’s money. I know it seems a shallow difficulty, but when it’s your cash every detail can break your bank. Patience and risk-taking go hand and hand, and those two things generally contradict one other. The hardest transition aside from the money is that there is no wrap on this job. As a stylist I would sign on for a day shoot or a six-week film and I knew the day we’d wrap. I have to keep my energy up as if every day is the first day of a shoot.

Who were some of your clients and why did they come to you?

Melissa Joan Hart, Cindy Crawford, Jamie Lee Curtis and Breckin Meyer. People who seek stylists generally are talented in specific areas, and fashion may not be one of them.

Did you ever have a bad experience as a stylist?

No, because I think my clients trusted my ideas. Although, on some occasions I would have a totally out-there concept, and my clients always had the right to say “No way I am wearing that.” I would rarely twist a client’s arm to wear something they didn’t want to wear. A good stylist knows how to make a client feel as good as they look, and they have to feel comfortable in what they’re wearing.

As a stylist, who were some of the designers you recommended to your clients, and as a new designer do you still look to them for fashion direction?

Richard Tyler, Gucci, Pamela Dennis, Paul Smith, Valentino, Chloe and Earl Jean. I also styled my clients in vintage clothing as much as possible. Pinky Starfish really pulls from past genius. Rock ’n’ roll styles from the late ’60s through the ’80s are what inspire us most.

What’s Pinky Starfish’s approach to fashion?

Comfort is what’s hot, and that’s what Kim and I base our line on. Our couture dresses are as comfortable as our one-piece tracksuits. Our first collection had about 20 pieces. We now are working on the next look, which is unique one-piece leisurewear. Simple basics that make you look great and sexy.

Where is Pinky Starfish currently sold and what are the price points?

Tracey Ross in Los Angeles, Planet Blue in Malibu and Blonde in Santa Monica. Our wholesale prices start at $50 to $500.