Thank You 2022

As the final hours of 2022 tick down, I decided long ago that I would stay in tonight and continue my tradition of starting the year well rested. After years of working a corporate job and running my styling business also as a mostly full time endeavour, 2022 was the first year spent entirely betting on myself. And, while it was invigorating, most of the year was sprinting from one project to the next, with very little down time. As I look back, I accomplished much more than I could have ever imagined, but the many lessons made the year so much sweeter.?

When To Say Yes!?

In May of this year, I was tired. I was talking about taking some time off and going to plant myself on a beach in Maui, thanks to a delightful invitation from a good friend. Around the same time, I received a request to style three clients for the Goldhouse Gala in Los Angeles. My instinct was to say, I am going on vacation but my gut screamed to not pass up this opportunity.

And what an opportunity it was! Dolce & Gabbana had agreed to work with us to style Vanessa Yao, Tzi Ma and Ludi Lin. It was really kismet because when I had sent in the look I loved for Vanessa Yao,? the gown had been sold to a private client. Dolce & Gabbana proposed a custom gown and it was absolutely incredible. That custom piece and two couture suits later, carefully planned and hand carried from Milan, the gold carpet sizzled in LA.

One Opportunity Leads To Another

You know the song, right? One thing leads to another? I can hear it know in my headphones and it might be my theme song! Dolce & Gabbana loved the way Ludi was styled and wore the suit from Goldhouse and extended the invite to us for the 10 year celebration of Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria in Sicily, Italy. This is the couture women’s and men’s show and is considered to be at the pinnacle of fashion. As I write this, I am still in awe that I was able to be there. We created three custom looks for Ludi and as he sat front row with the likes of Sharon Stone, Helen Mirren, Ellen Pompeo and Leslie Odom Jr. When I landed back in Vanacouver, I had a text from a new friend, which I will never forget, “I hope this experience made you realize that you belong here and it helped you dream a little bigger”.?

Dream I did. I don't think I have stopped! Upon arriving back in Canada, I worked on a magical shoot for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The images are not out yet but it was a magical project that I can’t wait for everyone to see. Being in the location was an amazing privilege and when the photos are released, everyone will see why. I also continued to tell magical fashion stories for Boulevard Magazine, which is really special that a magazine in British Columbia is still producing these important shoots.?

Your Health Matters

You know the mantra - “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. It’s ridiculous. I loved being so busy with calls and emails to consult on projects and create wardrobes for my clients but early in the year I felt that feeling of burn out creeping up. Balance is something I know I will have to practice continuous improvement on, but it is one of the most important keys to success.?

Count The Wins

To wind down the year, I styled Ludi, Yvonne Chapman and Eddie Liu from the CW’s Kung Fu for the Unforgettable Gala in Los Angeles. All three stunned on the carpet, especially Yvonne in a couture gown by Toronto’s Stephan Caras.?

I am so grateful to all my clients, collaborators and colleagues. This year was an incredible year for my business and what I am sure is just the start of amazing things to come.?

Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe and balanced 2023.?

Much love,?

Sarah?