Interview with the STYLE HERO

LOS Magazine, ROBERT BALLEW STYLE HERO  BY DANA SCHAFER

Even if you don’t work in the fashion industry, if you’ve seen the Devil Wears Prada, then you already have an idea that this industry can be extremely arrogant and snobbish (to say the least).

It’s so invigorating when you finally come across someone like Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Editor, Robert Ballew.  His exciting and fun personality brings a refreshing energy to the scene! Even the Twittersphere would not be the same without Robert’s enlivening tweets.

Robert started his career in retail setting visual standards for stores such as Armani Exchange, DKNY, and Old Navy. That path led him to interior design creating stylish furniture for wealthy clientele. Years later his eye for style and design brought him back to the fashion industry.  Robert has worked on national and international print and runway projects.  Some of his published work can be found in Billboard Magazine, In Touch Weekly, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Arizona Bride Magazine, Golf Digest  just to name a few.  Yet the most rewarding part of Robert’s profession is helping everyday people find their style and confidence.  He says “I love to laugh & have fun. That tends to put my clients at ease, I make fashion fun & not so serious or scary.”

Robert Ballew, “Style Hero for Real People” is so interesting we just had to find out more.

LOS:  You started out in retail, then got into interior design which seems like lots of fun.  How did you become interested in interior design and how did you land your first client? 

Robert: I was raised in a home where the interior ambiance was very important; it silently spoke volumes of your style and character. My first real client was a friend of a friend. We spent over a year working together on their 6000 square foot new build home, from frame to finish. The jobs rolled in from there. I have been blessed to know some very wonderful clients who I still consider great friends.

LOS:  You were very successful in interior design, so how did you wind up in the fashion industry as a wardrobe stylist and fashion editor?


Robert:  As the housing market took a downward turn, I decided it would be a perfect time to try something new. I wanted to get back into fashion, but not looking to return to retail. I had a model friend who needed help updating his portfolio. We were about the same size, so I looked through the most current Vogue, GQ & Norstrom’s catalogue and tore out several images I thought would be great for him. All varying in look and style to show his range. Pulled the clothes from my closet, ironed them and organized them by looks (with the magazine tear) on a rack, that just so happened to be in my garage. I showed up to the photographers studio, rack in tow.  The photographer said “I have been interviewing stylists for three months… where have you been?” We shot together for the next six months.

LOS:  How does your love of architecture and your sense of design influence your styling? 

Robert: When I look at people I see geometric shapes and lines. We all are very unique in shape, so throwing something on that the “big box” store puts on a mannequin usually leads to disappointment… even for me. So I love to take the time to get to know the client. Including their likes, dislikes, work and habits. The reason I come into the picture is because of a necessity to make a change due to life events, some good… some bad.

LOS: For someone that grew up in a Midwest small town, you have clearly engraved your place in the styling industry.  How were you able to make your mark?

Robert: My Mom empowered me, by stating as a matter of fact “you can do anything you want to do.” I took her words to heart. With this confidence and my own unique style sensibility, my brand is recognized through out the style industry.

LOS:  You definitely put the fun in fashion!  One of my favorite shots of you is the one where you are laying in a swimming pool fully clothed.  Tell us about this photo.

Robert: I believe in doing whatever it takes to get the shot. In this particular shoot, the models were floating in a pool… well supposed to float. One of the models couldn’t float… probably because he had negative body fat. Anyway, I had to support the model in between shots. The photographer would give a count… 1, 2… 3 and I would have to dart backwards out of frame. It was a HOOT.