Q&A With Image Consultant Melany Kuperman

Melany Kuperman Tells WOMAN.ca What To Look For In An Image Consultant

It's not always easy knowing what to wear. Even with an expendable budget or a closet full of clothes, making up your mind and knowing what flatters you best can often be a chore.

Enter Melany Kuperman, an image consultant and all around confidence booster.

Born and raised in Brazil, Kuperman's flare for culture and language are apparent in everything she does. In 1993, she graduated with a degree in communications after having studied fashion at Anhembi Morumbi.

Today, she spends her time helping others construct and maintain their image. By helping others to develop a persona, not only by using wardrobe, but also by using confidence and social tools, her clients are able to do bigger and better things - feeling more empowered each day.

According to her, it's not about knowing exactly what to wear, it's about knowing how to wear it.

How did you decide to get into this business?
I started working as an image consultant without really noticing that I was doing it. People would ask me for fashion advice, and always ask to borrow my clothes. I always took great pleasure in helping friends! One day, my friend asked me to come over and help her pack for a trip. We spent the whole day making outfits, and getting rid of the items she never wore. It was at that moment, when she said thank you, that I realised there was a need in the market, money to be made, that not everyone feels confident enough to that themselves and might need a helping hand.

How important is a first impression?
Well, let's put it this way. If the first one isn't good, odds are there wont be an opportunity for a second.

You've met a lot of people through out the course of your profession - what was the worst first impression you have ever encountered?
I hate when I meet people who are arrogant, or condescending. That's a terrible way to behave.

How do you think people might describe you?
I know people would consider me outgoing, for sure... People often say things like, that hotel... or restaurant...or play, or outfit... whatever may it be, has my name on it', so I would say they perceive me with a clear and distinctive style.

Is that description accurate?
I would say so, my style hasn't changed much over the years.

How important is a woman's appearance? How does it compare to her personality? What do people notice first?
Appearance is equally important for both men and woman, and it usually reflects one's personality quite well. I think that the first thing people notice is attitude and disposition.

How would you describe your personal style?
It's very classic, basic, and contemporary, with a fashionable twist. I only where black, white, navy, beige and grey. I toss on color on the odd summer day.

What are three things that every woman should consider before leaving the house?
Her scent, purse and shoes. If those three items are in place, you're set for the day!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
If you want to succeed, transform your hobby in a profession.

What is the worst piece of advice you have ever received?
Melany, forget it, you can't make it.

A lot of people feel that image consultants are... silly? After all, can't we pick our own outfits? Why might someone benefit from having an image consultant?
Well, the truth is that some image consultants are silly. It takes a lot to do well in this profession. You have to be professional. You can't just be someone who wakes up in the morning and says, hey, I want to be an image consultant,' because in order to be good at it, you've got to know a lot. You've got to understand the clients' needs and more than understanding fashion, fitting and style, one has to be sensitive and above all emotionally intelligent. This job requires you to be able to read the client, know about her without her having to put it in words. If your image consultant isn't like this, then she probably isn't worth having. If she is, then she really might be able to help.

What's the best part about being Melany Kuperman?
I can be free!

Style Lisa
		About the author:
		I love fashion more than life itself. My mother says my first word was Gucci! When I'm not sitting front row at FashionWeek, I'm blogging, reading and watching my favourite TV show, Gossip Girl.
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