Is Image Everything

Jordane Delahaye, Gleaner Writer

Not many make-up artists can boast of working with the prime minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson-Miller, for her ad campaign. And very few local stylists can say they have worked with almost all of the major celebrities in the island along with a few international ones.

These are just a few of the notches on Emily Newland's and Tamo Ennis' fashionable belts.

The creative duo, who are directors of Chic Image Consultancy, are now in the process of redesigning the fashion landscape on the local entertainment scene.

The most noteworthy project the two style aficionados have worked on so far is probably Tyra Banks' hit reality TV show - America's Next Top Model (ANTM). They revealed that they moved to Montego Bay for six weeks to work on set while Banks and her crew filmed the series in the island.

"That was an amazing experience in more ways than one. It was a real confidence boost to know that we were on the same playing field as other international stylists and make-up artists and we were all learning from each other. They really have nothing over us Jamaicans," Newland told Outlook.

Ennis has also styled the music video for German pop sensation Oceana's Endless Summer, which was the UEFA European Football Championship's official song for 2012.

industry clients

Chic image can boast of a cadre of clients that they have worked with including Konshens, Cherine, Lady Saw, Shaggy (on the music video for his song Love Jamaica), Diana King, Sean Paul, and Major Lazer on the video for their latest single, Bumaye, featuring Busy Signal that was shot in Jamaica.

"The Bumaye video is dear to our hearts because it was a big production and a lot was invested in the styling and make-up. They wanted to portray this whole '90s theme in the video, so it leaned heavily on make-up and styling and that meant we really had to shine," Ennis recalls.

Chic Image's extensive and growing clientele also includes corporate organisations like Digicel, LIME, Flow, NCB and Wealth Magazine. There are also other celebrities like Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who utilise the services of these talented image consultants.

Image undeniably plays a major role in the careers of artistes and celebrities. In fact, in Ennis' eyes, image is probably the most important factor in determining how successful an artiste becomes.

"Image is everything and one prime example of this is Rihanna. Her entire career was built on her image and her ability to constantly reinvent herself. Talent is very important but standing on its own, it is not enough. A lot of persons are talented and can really sing but what's really going to boost your career is the image you put forward," Ennis explained. She ads image does not only refer to the way artistes dress, but their character and the persona they project to the public.

"It's not just an external thing. It gives you a wealth of confidence. It makes you feel better about yourself and that, in turn, affects how others feel about you," Ennis expressed.

The chic chicas' biggest style advice to local artistes is to be original and never be afraid to take fashion risks. They acknowledged Konshens as the most original entertainer that they have worked with when it comes to style.

Both Ennis and Newland went through a long list of male entertainers who they deemed worthy of the 'style icon' accolade putting Craig from Voicemail at the top along with Jah Cure, Konshens and Shaggy receiving honourable mentions.

Female entertainers

When it comes to the female entertainers however, the chic ladies were stumped as they said most of the fashionable females artistes do not stand out and the ones who do are not consistent.

"The men are doing it well but the women need to step up their game," notes Ennis.

Chic Image Consultancy consists of the two directors, Ennis and Newland, along with make-up artist Peta-Gaye Rogers and Jacqueline Edwards who handles the business aspect of the organisation.

Ennis and Newland shared their dreams of expanding the company into a full-fledged production house which would not just be dedicated to styling music videos and photo shoots, but involved in the entire production process from start to finish.

"We do everything from weddings to personal consultation and personal shopping to Valentine's Day pictures, you name it, explains Newland.

Those interested in gaining a chic image can contact Chic Image Consultancy at chicimageconsultancy@gmail.com and (876) 289-1109.

Shoot Credits:

Photographer: Randy Richards

Hairstylist - Latoya Reid

Wardrobe styling - Tamo Ennis

Make-up artist - Emily Newland/Peta-Gaye Rogers