Once in a while you’ll run across a stylist who motivates and inspires you to take a good inventory of your bedroom closet. You get the urge to remix whats already in the black hole turning it into something fresh and unique that you’ve seen on your favorite celebrity.

Do you know that majority of the time your favorite celebrity turns to their favorite stylist?

Well  meet one of them,  Atlanta based stylist, Toye` Adedipe aka Visual Artist to the Stars. His work can be seen on celebrities such as Chilli, Fantasia, Keyshia Cole, and  blogstress Necole Bitchie. With a new online boutique, The Circa Shop, open for business, his client roster growing, and between brainstorming and drawing sessions, I was able to steal a bit of Toye`’s time. 1 part stylist and 2 parts artist, Toye` Adedipe allows us into his mind as he talks about declaring his victory, his favorite visual artist, and tips for the Urbane Perspective reader!

Urbane Perspective Magazine: What was your “aha” moment in regards to becoming a stylist?

Toye` Adedipe: It truly wasn’t until I claimed it for myself that I stood in the face of victory.  So many times we let the nagging little “I can’t” voices in our head do all the talking that you can’t even hear the quite strength inside of you showing you that you can.  So in light of that, I studied the craft, interned, absorbed all I could, and took a huge leap of faith to step into my authenticity and I ended up becoming who I was truly destined to be… Toye` Adedipe, Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist at your service!

UPM: Would you say styling is easy?

Celebrity Stylist and Artist Toye Adedipe

Toye` Adedipe: [Laughing] A lot of people have the misconception that styling is an easy job.  I think its because they see the final result of the work we put in, or the clients/celebrities we get the opportunity to work with.

They also see the perks and think its a kick- back luxury . But here’s the kicker, styling is labor intensive Blue-collar industry! Sometimes I wish I could show the world just how hard we, fashion- wardrobe stylists, work so that people can  see the energy  that goes into creating a “look”.  It’s about meticulous detail and accurate interruption of style  and even though  I’m still in the fairly early stages of my career,  I’ve gotten super far because I’ve worked really diligently at it!

That means, at times, being told “NO” and staying consistent anyway, slaying dream killers and the dead-weight that held me back in life, asking God/ the Universe what I truly want to accomplish as a stylist, and exploring all my possibilities to their highest potential.  So when its all said and done and you go through all of that, and you still find the commitment to take a stand for what you are purposed to do… the role of styling becomes more manageable but not necessarily “easy”.

UPM: Do you have any formal training?

Toye` Adedipe: Of Course! I have a BS in Fine Arts and a Minor in Graphic Art Design which means I’ve been formally trained in the esthetics of human anatomy, Architecture, Design, Color Theory, and not to mention Art history which is a major trade secret I use to get totally inspired when working on special projects or editorials.

UPM: What  celebrities, photographers, and fashion houses have you worked with?

Toye` Adedipe: Many people! Everyone from Mary Mary to Fantasia, Keyshia Cole, Chilli, Derek Blanks, Kandi Burress, Eva Pigford, BRAVO, VH1, America’s Next Top Models, Ocean Drive, Tommy Chung.

UPM: When styling a subject where do you get your inspiration?

Toye` Adedipe: As you may have guessed, I’m a big nerd and I love art! Love learning from the past too! One of my favorite periods right now is the Harlem Renaissance and the collage work of Romare Bearden.  I relate to him and that period because of the layers and textured used to convey a message. He used oils, and monotype to reflect the excitement of the times. For me, not only am I in a really exciting time in my life, but I’ve been able to inspire and motivate myself to work harder after each self-pat on the back.

UPM: What is the stylist process?

Toye` Adedipe: The Styling process is whatever you make it!  It can be a really long difficult grind or a super sexy stroke! [Editor's note: Toye`, you are a hot mess! LOL]

UPM: Besides styling, what are your other talents?

Toye` Adedipe: Im an Artist 1st and wardrobe/Celebrity stylist 2nd.  I doodle in my free time  and just opened up an accessory shop, The Circa Shop, with some of the doodles that inspired my  line of gloves for the masses! It’s is my new baby!  I design pimped out leather gloves that some of my celebrity clients have had the opportunity to wear along with chain earrings that totally rock!

I’m really in love with this venture and plan to market and brand its creation to the highest pinnacle of success!  For me, designing products that people enjoy is the next closet way for me to style those whom may not be able to afford a personal stylist under normal circumstances.

[View with PicLens]

UPM: What trends do see for the rest of Winter 2010?

Toye` Adedipe: Well aside from my “circa” leather gloves, Im totally into a strong military or equestrian inspired boot- they command forum and attention.  Also, Inner strength is really BIG this season, so you’ll probably see a lot of mixed fabric and hardware pieces pop up onto the scene  not to mention the return of the strong shoulder pads. Fashion armor is key right now to an updated wardrobe.

5 things that the everyday Urbane Perspective Reader should have in their closet NOW?

1. A business Suit. Major! no man or woman should be left without one
2. Straight leg trouser or Dark Denim Jean (w/ stretch if you have curves)
3. A Blazer that can go from day to night
4. Cardigans
5. Hard bottom shoes for men and a quality pump for women

UPM: Any last words, advice, quotes?

Toye` Adedipe: Sometimes you can’t fit-in in order to stand out, so use your inner blueprint to its highest potential  and SHINE!

Toye with Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson

Check out Toye` Adedipe at his official site and follow him on twitter!