Tamsin goes from Shawlands Shopgirl to Stylist

Burgeoning Glasgow stylist, Tamsin Koslowski, realised her wildest dreams when she became one of the final ten sales assistants in Elle’s nationwide Shop Girl to Stylist quest. Shop Girl to Stylist was a six-month nationwide talent search to discover a shop girl or boy who has what it takes to make it as a fashion stylist.
Essentially, the fashion media’s answer to the X Factor. 

The Shawlands student, who also works in Glasgow’s branch of House of Fraser, presented an impressive 1970s inspired final look to a panel including fashion heavyweights such as celebrated stylist Arianne Phillips, Giles Deacon and accessories designer Katie Hillier, as well as Elle’s editor-in-chief, Lorraine Candy.

It seems that a career in the fashion world has always been on the cards, as Tamsin has the styling gene in her blood. “My father’s a photographer and used to be a stylist on Fair Lady magazine, and my mother has always been into fashion. So there’s never really been any other route that I would take.”

Refreshing for someone about to embark on a career amongst the po-faced fashion set, she takes a fun, liberal approach to dressing herself: “I like getting up in the morning and decorating myself, as cheesy as that probably sounds. It’s all about layering it up. Typically, I wear high-waisted shorts and skirts. As I’m so tall, I don’t wear trousers. And lots of jewellery of course!” She’s also willing to share wisdom on how to dress for the Scottish chill this winter: “Get some shearling, wool and leather. It’s all about layering natural textures and colours, like beige and khaki.”

A former student at Cardonald College, she is now studying a BA in Fashion Technology in Manchester. Despite her move south of the border for university, she still stays true to her hometown stomping ground. “I work in the Biba Concession in House of Fraser. I’m Biba mad. I love all of the original Barbara Hulanicki designs, and I love the way illustration is used in her work. My other favourite places to shop in Glasgow are the charity shops in Partick, Mr Ben's, and Jodie’s Jewellery Boutique. In terms of the high street, you can’t go wrong with Miss Selfridge for jewellery.” Her favourite designer is one close to home as well. “I love Holly Fulton’s designs, the look is so individual, and the accessories and jewellery can be dressed up or down.”

With the success of being a finalist under her (no doubt bedazzled) belt, along with her original take on Glasgow style, there’s no doubt Tasmin will be someone to watch.