Calyann Barnett is making waves in the fashion industry, whipping up expertly crafted outfits that are much like the human experience itself: layered. Barnett is a professional stylist and creative director who creates visual identities for an impressive roster of clients, such as Dwyane Wade, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, Shaggy, and Spike Lee, among many others.

It’s Barnett’s sharp eye and artistic inclination that lure top celebrities and companies to call upon her expertise. In 2009, Barnett co-founded WWB Lifestyle Agency, an artist management company that has since styled for films, editorials, television segments, and brand campaigns. Barnett’s daring yet dapper looks have garnered the attention of Vogue, GQ, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Good Morning America, and The New York Times. But don’t assume Barnett is some kind of “cookie-cutter stylist,” as she puts it; rather, she specializes in the bespoke, working across multiple aesthetics and morphing her approach for every client’s unique demands. When Barnett has a vision, nothing can stand in her way. If an item doesn’t exist, she’ll create it, literally tailoring the experience to the individual.

You can check out their latest projects on Creatively here.

What is the first creative project you remember? 

The first creative project that I worked on was for one of Shaggy’s music videos in Miami. When I first started out, I worked with mostly hip hop artists, and when you work with [director] Hype Williams, he challenges you to include colors and fashion while still trying to make it sexy. In the music video, we had 12 different models that all had different color palettes and themes; we did this sort of boudoir meets Paris fashion meets urban: lace gloves, Agent Provocateur bras—it was just fun, and I got to work with women when generally I work with men.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Eclectic, organized, mess. 

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

The most fulfilling collaboration that I worked on was with Stance Socks. When I first started with them, they were a small sock company. I sent references of what I wanted and they sent back stripes. That’s not what I wanted. I envisioned colors and patterns and print, and then from there, the sock brand went on an upward trajectory. It was really fulfilling to stand up for what I wanted. After being told no, I challenged them repeatedly and it ended up being one of their most successful launches to date. To know I played a part in that is huge.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

I would say creating The Shop Miami, a retail concept that is not small—it’s 6,000 square feet with 20 different vendors. This has been a three year ordeal. Persistence, persistence, persistence. I’ve always been persistent, but it takes another level of persistence and faith. I had to trust in the plan to bring this idea to life. It taught me to keep going as long as you have the vision. I’ve spent the last 14 years of my life building relationships, and I learned that I can [leverage] my relationships to bring something to fruition. If I can dream it, it can literally come to life. You get to create things, build wonderlands…it’s spectacular. It’s everything I imagined, and more. 

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I think you are born with creativity and you lose it over time. As you go through life and people tell you to quiet down or say “oh, you’re so different,” “oh, you’re so weird,” “why aren’t you more like other people?” That’s what sucks people away from their creativity. I’ve been called “Crazy Caly” but I think we should all be aware that our differences are where creativity lives.

What’s the last dream you had?

You know what? I don’t even know because I barely sleep. So, once I do sleep, I’m out. The last dream I had was today and I went about my life. I am living my dream.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I hope people write that I took chances and won. That I wasn’t afraid to change. That I changed industries. That I made the world a happier, more colorful place. That I opened doors for everyone and anybody who looks like and doesn’t look like me. That I made anybody who was told “no” feel comfortable and that I inspired them to push forward.

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