Header photo: Fools Envy by photographer Richard Wakefield and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

Walter’s Wardrobe is the amazing creation of Manchester, UK-based model turned stylist Jen Brook. It provides photographers, models, MUAs and designers with the chance to come together at stunning locations and make some awesome images happen!

Read on to see why Walter’s Wardrobe caught the eye of the PurplePort team!

The Naughty Elephant by photographer Richard Wakefield and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

Fools Envy by photographer Richard Wakefield and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

So tell us about your background. What do you think has led you to where you are now?

My creative career began in 2011 when I discovered modelling on a chance opportunity. After 5 years in front of the camera, I came to realise I had worked in France, Germany, Fiji, Australia, Belgium, America, Canada, Iceland, Austria and Finland, hosted several workshops, presented on stage at The Photography Show and started writing for several big name photography blogs such as CreativeLive and FStoppers.

However, the challenges were dwindling and my interest in modelling was evolving into a passion for the greater process as a whole – it was here that Walter’s Wardrobe originated.

Inspired by the magical new world of Narnia, each location represents stepping through those creaky wooden doors, wading past the old coats and straight into a new world of ethereal imagination, heavily inspired by themes of whimsical fashion.

Eventually she had read every book that Jane Austen wrote... by photographer Kevin Roche and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

How have you developed your career?

As a model, I worked hard to gain an abundance of contacts – photographers, designers, MUAs and, of course, other models. I made efforts to engage regularly with my networks and to support them wherever I could. I had no idea at the time that this support would provide me with a solid foundation for growing my own business, which would later rely on them to exist and grow.

The creative industry is a very tight circle, where reputation is everything. So when I’m asked for advice by new starters, it’s always the same and the best I can offer: be kind, supportive and work smart. Interpret that however you want.

Waiter by photographer Rob Howarth, stylist Jen Brook and designer Walter's Wardrobe

Image by photographer Simon!, model Ivory Flame and stylist Jen Brook / Walter's Wardrobe

Who would you say are your biggest influences?

In human form, Tim Walker. He’s my favourite photographer of all time. I have no idea what kind of person he is…and I don’t really care if I’m honest. He’s not that kind of hero for me. I just bask in the enjoyment of his imagery and adore the work he produces.

Other than him, I love Kirsty Mitchell, Brooke Shaden, Gregory Colbert, Rosie Hardy, Miss Aniela, Rodney Smith and Gregory Crewdson. Each with very identifiable (yet often replicated) styles that I could look at for hours at a time.

In the form of everything else, it’s unlistable. Mood, music, film, colours, seasons…even food! The list goes on and on.

When artists take influence from their feelings and surroundings, that’s when they create something original. When they use Pinterest for inspiration, it’s much harder to look beyond what’s in front of you and to avoid replicating somebody else’s work.

Dance Like Nobody's Watching by photographer Helen Bissell Bland and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

DayDreamer - or - What the hell is in this tea?! by photographer Richard Wakefield and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

How do you get bookings?

By selling my soul to the internet! A lot of my time is spent advertising, building a social media presence, keeping in touch with contacts and maintaining the expectations/satisfaction of attendees at each event so that word of mouth carries the advertising banner for me.

She has robes and she has monkeys, lazy diamond studded flunkies by photographer Toulouki Orsini, model Olivia Harriet, stylist Walter's Wardrobe and Photoshop wizard Toulouki Orsini Retouching

Do you have any tips for people who want to become a stylist or create photography events? Are there any essentials?

Time, dedication, honesty and reliability. Don’t advertise an event until everything is in place and it’s checked, double-checked and triple-checked. Prepare for every potential problem, just in case.

Once you go live with the event, it’s better to keep going and let it be a flop with lessons to learn than to pull out and never know. I imagine many will disagree with that, but for me, sticking to your word is more important than cancelling. You get one shot at trust and first impressions…and if you lose it, you won’t get it back.

Thinking of you by photographer Rob Howarth, stylist Jen Brook and designer Walter's Wardrobe

Living doll up ladder by photographer richard benn, model Jen Brook and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

What’s your best bit of equipment?

“Pins, boob tape, heel covers and toilet roll!”

Ruffles & Ready by photographer Richard Wakefield and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

Play it again Johnny by photographer Rob Howarth, stylist Jen Brook and designer Walter's Wardrobe

How has PurplePort helped you?

I really like being able to share the BTS blogs, photos and videos in the groups section, as well as seeing attendees achieve so many fantastic FPI’s (Front Page Images on PurplePort.com).

It’s exciting to see their work exposed to others, so they might make other contacts for future work.

Image by photographer Simon!, model Ivory Flame and stylist Jen Brook / Walter's Wardrobe

She enters, glowing like the moon... by by photographer Kevin Roche and stylist Walter's Wardrobe

Thank you to Walter’s Wardrobe for taking the time to answer our questions! 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Let us know with a love or in the comment section below, and don't forget to share this interview with your fellow creatives!

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