By Lorena Barroso Orendain. Cover Manuela Juaan ph. Paolo Colaiocco
The Fashion Stylist Skills Students Need to Succeed in Today’s Industry
Minimalism, street style observation, graphic design skills, and a clear creative identity: today, building a career in fashion styling requires much more than putting together good outfits. For fashion styling students, the journey often starts with experimentation—sometimes even chaos—before evolving into a stronger and more focused aesthetic.
That’s exactly what happened to Manuela Juan, a Styling and Creative Direction graduate from Istituto Marangoni Firenze, who transformed her early love for maximalist layering into a sharp monochrome and futuristic fashion styling aesthetic. From the streets of Madrid to the classrooms of Florence, her journey reveals the skills fashion stylists need in 2026, how social media and street style influence trends, and what aspiring creatives should really focus on to stand out in today’s competitive fashion industry.
What is your name, what course are you graduating in, and where are you from?
My name is Manuela Juan. I’m from Madrid, Spain, and I have graduated from the Styling and Creative Direction program at Istituto Marangoni Firenze.
From Chaos to Monochrome: 2026 Fashion Styling Trends Explained
How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Chaotic, monochromatic, and futuristic. Chaotic, because I’m always searching for disorder in my work; monochromatic, since my identity has been shaped by the exclusive useof cool tones; and futuristic, because I’ m constantly pursuing the contemporary, the new, and the innovative.
Surprise Skills Fashion Styling Students Should Master
What skills have you mastered that you didn’t expect to love?
During the course I had the chance to explore fields I never expected to become passionate about, like graphic design and set design. I discovered they are powerful creative outlets for me, allowing me to express myself in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
Key Inspirations Driving Modern Fashion Styling Looks
What inspires your work the most at this point in your career?
My biggest inspirations are places, disciplines, and people. Above all, my mother and sister inspire and motivate me constantly. I also draw from art movements such as surrealism and hyperrealism, and within the industry I’m strongly influenced by creatives like Georgia Pendlebury, Natacha Voranger, and Demna.
How has your style changed since your first year?
My style has evolved significantly. Before starting the course, I leaned toward maximalism —layering clothes, creating bold, playful looks. But as I learned more, I shifted toward minimalism: cleaner lines and a“less is more”philosophy. It surprised me, but I love it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore a minimal approach while stillensuring that every look communicates something.
The Toughest Real-World Challenges in Fashion Styling
What has been the most challenging project you’ve done?
Working for someone else is always challenging because you have to merge their aesthetic with your own. I had the opportunity to design for a singer I admire, and since it was my first time, it taught me a lot. The hardest part was finding a balance between building their identity and staying true to myself while creating something fresh.
How to Balance Creative Freedom and Constraints in Fashion Projects
How do you balance creative freedom with project limitations?
A: I always begin by understanding the limitations—knowing exactly what I can and cannot do. From there, I integrate my creative freedom so the project becomes a balance between constraints and innovation.
Social Media vs Street Style: Tracking 2026 Fashion Trends
How do you stay updated with fashion trends and industry shifts?
Mostly through social media, which keeps me informed about the industry. But I’ m also very observant; I love watching how people express themselves through fashion. The streets of different cities are an endless source of inspiration—one of the most authentic ways to see how trends emerge and evolve.
How Culture Shapes a Fashion Stylist’s Identity
How does your cultural background influence your work?
A: Growing up in a small town south of Madrid, in a household full of artists, art was always present—painting, visiting museums, dressing up in my mother’s clothes, celebrating Halloween and Carnival. That environment shaped me deeply, and this part of me always finds a way into my work. My creativity and passion wouldn’t be the same without the privilege of growing up surrounded by art and my family.
Fashion Styling Tips Every Student Needs in 2026
What advice would you give to students just starting the course?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Learn as much as you possibly can (and more). Explore the city every day, meet new people, fall in love, and appreciate every moment as the gift that it is—because that’s exactly what this amazing experience will be.
As Manuela steps into the next chapter of her career, her journey reflects the balance between chaos and clarity, tradition and innovation. She embodies how curiosity, discipline, and personal history can shape a creative identity. With her eyes set on the future, her work promises to continue challenging conventions while staying deeply personal; a reminder that style is not only about clothing, but about storytelling, memory, and vision.
