Photography by JEROEN NOORDZIJ
“I’m Tommy Driessen, and actually I’m busy with styling every hour and every day of the week. My parents raised me with a huge passion for craftsmanship, details, and classic items. I have a down-to-earth attitude and keep both feet on the ground, but I also really love bold things. For me, it’s never: ‘just act normal, that’s already weird enough.’ I think that’s such an odd saying.”
From Wijchen to Hilversum to Amsterdam
"As a little boy, I didn’t immediately know that I wanted to become a stylist. I did know that I wanted to do something in television; I thought that had something magical about it. But I came from a village, so going to Hilversum was really a bit of a far-off thing. There was no one nearby to take you by the hand and tell you what you had to do or where you had to be. So I eventually started discovering that world on my own. I first studied at the Media Academy and, in addition, worked part-time in the studio, even as a camera assistant! Just purely to be in the studio, see what was happening and discover what I liked."
After that, I ended up in Amsterdam, where I worked for an online entertainment magazine. I was asked to create content, such as a cover. There is a lot involved in creating that, so I started calling agencies for people for the cover and I went to stores to borrow clothes. That’s how I came into contact with styling and built an ever-growing network. After two years, I landed my own assignments and felt that this was what I wanted to do. I then quickly started my own business.
The Life of a Top Stylist
It did take a while, of course, before people really came to me saying: “I need Tommy for this.” You do have to give something up for that; you have to keep proving yourself. Moreover, you really have to start believing in yourself. The first few times I stood on set pretty insecurely, but ultimately it is essential that you project your confidence onto the people you work with; otherwise it won’t work. For me, that turning point came around the age of twenty-two. Certain collaborations really contributed to that as well, such as my assignment for Petticoat, with Chantal Janzen. At the beginning I also worked a lot with Kim Lian. She gave me the chance to show and prove myself as a stylist. I found it all very exciting, but I did need these assignments and that trust to get that boost.
By the way, as a stylist you don’t have a 9-to-5 job, it’s just seven days a week of nonstop work. Of course I sometimes go for a quick coffee on a Monday morning or Tuesday afternoon with a nice sandwich, but then I still have to be in the studio at 5 o’clock, until 3 in the morning. After a shoot, all the gear also has to be unpacked again and taken to the dry cleaner. No weekends, no days off, and working hours don’t really exist either. You finish projects and then the next project is already at the door. Everything moves along at quite a pace.
"A suit should convey that a man appreciates the subtle details, the craftsmanship, and the beauty of a timeless piece."
Clothing Does Not Always Come First
What many people don't know is that styling isn't just about clothes. I work closely with people, and that means there has to be a solid foundation of trust. If the person I'm dressing, for example, is going through something difficult or receives bad news, then they're not in the mindset to put on a glamorous dress and go live. I also need to be there for them to help them switch gears. That requires trust, humanity, and empathy. You want that person to feel empowered, and as a stylist that's also my job. However, you also have to sense when it's really not possible. Then fashion doesn't always come first.
Precisely because this profession is so personal, you can do it at the very highest level if you have that extra connection with people. That reinforces each other; only then does it all come together. You're present at the most vulnerable moments in someone's aura; you share the beautiful and the sad moments with each other. I've been working with Humberto Tan for quite some time, and I really have a nice connection with him. Naturally, I don't have that connection with everyone, and that's probably a good thing too; otherwise it would become too busy and unclear. I've worked with artists plenty of times whom I felt less connected to, but that was still really great to do. They are professionals from whom you can learn a lot. Then I can look at them with great admiration.
Tommy’s Signature
I often hear that I really do have a signature style. I think that becomes especially clear when you look at the red carpet. Besides really loving glamour, I'm not a fan of the saying “just act normal, that’s crazy enough already.” I think that's such a strange idea. Glamour has nothing to do with being excessive or wanting to stand out. Entertainment is simply a very outspoken world, and you should be proud of that and show it. That's what I really try to make clear on the red carpet. I hope it serves as inspiration for people at home. I really do love that down-to-earth attitude, too, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't treat yourself to anything. The average Dutch person just finds it hard to spend money on, for example, a nice suit or a dress. “Yes, but it's only for one time,” they say. Yes, you only live once, and tomorrow it could be over. So go to the PC and swipe that card through once.
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