By Monet Manesh
This past Tuesday, K.J. Moody, Beyoncé’s stylist, spoke to SMU’s fashion-forward student body about the harrowing job of dressing one of the world’s biggest celebrities. As a part of the SMU Black History Month Speaker Series, Moody shared insights into his experience as a Black man who had to overcome numerous obstacles in order to get to the top. Despite the immense stress and hard work that the job entails, Moody claimed there is nothing he would rather do, explaining that he leaves every single show “feeling like he’s home.”
Moody is a Dallas native and his work is heavily influenced by the city’s fashion-loving culture. He began his career by interning for a celebrity stylist named Jeanette Chivvis. For an entire year, he would do a photoshoot “every day he had off.” Within six months, he had compiled a portfolio that appeared as though he had been styling for years.
“With fashion, certain items become a superpower for you,” said Moody, who explained that he is heavily inspired by street fashion. “I want my clients to leave feeling invincible.”
Right before the Lemonade World Tour, he brought his portfolio to the attention of his cousin, Beyoncé. For nine months, Moody waited for her to respond; then she got pregnant. Two weeks later, he got a call from Beyoncé’s team, saying: “We’re hiring you. You’re moving to LA in 15 days.” He was 23 at the time.
Shortly after, he was styling Beyoncé for her Renaissance Tour, which embraced the theme of being open, free, and comfortable with who you are. Aligned with the tour’s overall aesthetic, Moody incorporated chrome into many of Beyoncé’s looks.
“It’s crazy when you work with a super star and you really get to know them and realize they’re human. I was standing there, and I was like, this is Beyoncé,” Moody said. “I remember standing on the side of the stage crying, and I was like, wow, I am really a part of history.”
Since the Renaissance Tour, Moody has kept his schedule full, working with various other celebrities including Normani for Dolce & Gabbana and Bebe Rexha for the Grammys. Recently, he had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Milan styling the Dolce and Gabbana Men’s Couture Show.
“Growing up, you don’t think you can experience things like that,” Moody said, growing emotional. “Being Black, it’s hard to get into these doors — not only getting paid, but having someone trust you enough to do it.”
Moody’s story was particularly appealing to attendees because SMU is well-known for its stylish student body. Moody shared a lot of beneficial advice for students looking to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
When hiring people, Moody looks for hard workers with great taste in fashion, art and history, as taste is something that cannot be taught. Additionally, he recommends that aspiring stylists allocate time to learning about pattern making and design. Although, he encouraged the audience to be bold, advising that if you feel it’s your time, not to let anyone stop you.
“Don’t take no’s to heart. You’re gonna get a yes eventually. Just know if it’s not your time or if you’re as good as you think you are, they’re gonna come back,” Moody said.
To conclude the talk, Moody shared the exciting news that he is developing a new line, which is rumored to include menswear, womenswear, unisex and plus-size clothing.
Keep up with Moody’s career and the launch of his new project by following his Instagram or visiting his website.
