Case Study One
Designs on a Professorship: a Mid-Career Refresh
The Brief
Build a striking wardrobe commensurate with the client’s design knowledge and authority. Select pieces that convey her quirkiness, creativity and wit; keep budget needs in mind and pick travel-ready styles that can also flex toward a future pivot into academia.
Additionally, adapt to recent changes in body size without defaulting to traditional plus-size labels and their shapeless, polyester-heavy staples. Above all: look polished and effortless, with room to indulge a love of vintage accessories.
CLIENT INDUSTRY: B2B Design Sales
COMPANY BRAND PILLARS: Style, Innovation, Luxury
CLIENT TITLE: Senior Client Director
CLIENT REMIT: Oversees 30+ high-end, to-the-trade interior design showrooms across North America; owns revenue growth, program operations, and employee development.
DRESS SIZE: US 16
HEIGHT: 5'10"
The Vision
We agreed with the client from the outset — a plus-size body doesn’t need to hide in shapeless clothes and dull colors, especially when representing a high-end design firm known for innovation and taste! We pulled a cheery green dress, pants in interesting shapes, and we especially loved the striped suit in classic black and white. The latter is a great conduit for vintage brooches or bright shoes, or can easily pivot to serious academic mode down the line. The focus was on imparting confidence while also telegraphing it to anyone who encounters the client, be it in showrooms or airplanes or lecture halls.
The Results
A wardrobe that doesn’t scream “plus-size”, and is true to the client’s personality. The final collection delivers effortless mix-and-match versatility, bold silhouettes and colors that won’t let her hide, and the freedom to express her personality through striking accessories.
To protect the client’s privacy, the selected wardrobe choices are shown on an AI-generated model.
The Feedback
I wouldn't have initially considered a styling service, but if I invest in professionals to elevate and streamline other areas of my life, why not extend the same priority to my professional image? It's especially true as I prepare for a career change, and a confidence boost is invaluable.
From the moment I opened my lookbook, it was obvious how much thought went into it. Each outfit is presented cleanly and styled on a model with a body type close to mine, a touch I really appreciate. The lookbook also shows how individual pieces can be styled multiple ways, which helped me see their versatility upfront.
What surprised me was how much fun the process was. I'd long stopped enjoying shopping and had reduced it to a chore ahead of events, presentations, or trips. Scrolling through the looks, I found myself genuinely excited. Because Aparna's styling has such a clear point of view, I trusted her vision and it gave me the confidence to branch out of my comfort zone.
Last but not least, it feels personal. Aparna is a pleasure to work with, and it was clear that she deeply considered my questionnaire, input, and photos. The whole package felt tailored to me. It's an investment in myself and my career that I'd recommend to friends!
— JM, Senior Client Director at KDC