Jennifer Kolomoni: The Stylist With Passion And Inspiration

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Jennifer Kolomoni: The Stylist With Passion And Inspiration

23 Dec 2024

How often do you come across a professional photoshoot and wonder, “How is it possible to style something so effortlessly unique — blending vintage and contemporary elements so seamlessly?” Probably quite often.

In this interview, we speak with stylist and creative director Jennifer Kolomoni, who styles photoshoots for renowned photographers, leading magazines, celebrities, and top models. The best part, other than sharing insights into her personal journey and professional experience? Jennifer reveals her insider tips — for both fellow stylists and fashion enthusiasts — on where to find hidden clothing gems and how to prepare for professional shoots.

— Hello, Jennifer! Let us start from your journey. Where are you from? How did you move to Dubai?

— I am from Belgium, born in Brussels and raised in a small town just outside of Brussels. Both my parents are from Congo, DRC, so I grew up in a mix of cultures. I went to a Flemish (Dutch in Belgium) school, but we spoke French at home. That mix of languages and cultures shaped a lot of who I am.

I came to Dubai in 2013 for a job. A friend I went to university with reached out — he had met someone in London who was opening a concept shop in Dubai. She needed someone to run the store and handle PR, and he thought of me because I had experience in both retail and PR. It sounded exciting, so I said yes, and I have been here ever since.

— Do you feel like Dubai is home now?

— Definitely. It has been home for 11 years. It took me about four or five years to feel like it was truly home, but now, whenever I travel and stay away too long, I feel the pull to come back. It has the routines, the comfort, and the life I have built here. But Belgium will always be my other home because that is where my childhood and family are. I think it is okay to have multiple homes at different levels.

— What was your relationship with style in your childhood? Were you experimenting with clothes or trying to stand out back in school?

— Styling has always been a part of my life, even from a young age. My earliest memory is watching my mum get ready for dinners with their friends. She always dressed so elegantly, and her transformation was magical to me. The moment she was dressed and had her makeup done, it was like she came to life in a different way.

I think I was around four when I decided to dress myself for school. My mum used to pick my outfits, but one day, I told her, "No, I am going to do it myself." And surprisingly, she approved! She even said it looked good. That little moment built my confidence — it made me feel like I understood style.

— How did your career in styling actually begin and evolve?

Growing up, I loved sketching dresses and imagining a creative life in fashion or music. I think I always knew that is where I would end up. As a teenager, I started a fashion blog, which I carried into my early twenties. Blogging led me to a job in fashion PR and marketing. So, I was always around fashion, but styling as a full-time career only began about seven years ago, in 2018. Before that, it was more of a personal passion.

Instagram: @bambikoko

— How did your transition from marketing and PR to becoming a full-time stylist go?

— At the time, I was working at an agency where I wore a lot of hats. I was booking models, talents, and photographers, producing shoots, and organizing fashion events. It was a small structure, so everyone had to juggle multiple roles.

Through those productions — fashion shoots for magazines, events, and putting together teams — I started connecting with photographers, makeup artists, stylists and models. People began noticing me. They would say, "You are always so well put together, you have such a good eye for fashion. Would you want to do a test shoot?" So, over weekends, I started doing test shoots with friends and colleagues just for fun.

Towards the end of the year, the agency’s management approached me. They told me the division I was part of was not performing well and they were going to shut it down. They suggested I resign and start working as a stylist full-time, with them representing me exclusively.

— Was it a scary decision?

— Oh, it was definitely scary. I was terrified. I spent almost a year resisting the idea. I kept saying, "No, we have good clients coming in. Things will pick up." And for a while, they did. The agency itself was growing, but the events side was becoming increasingly difficult.

Eventually, I realised it was time. I handed in my resignation and became a full-time stylist. It was such a big shift — going from agent to talent — but it felt like the right move.

— What were your first projects like, and how challenging were they?

— I cannot quite remember which one was the first project, but the first photoshoots I styled were with photographers like Ivon Wolak, David Wang, Greg Adamski, and Francesco Scotti, who were also represented by the agency I was working with. I felt really lucky to start with such talented people. It felt like the right place at the right time, but I was definitely nervous and had my doubts — wondering if I was truly meant to do this. At that point, I was not taking it too seriously. I loved fashion and styling, but I did not see it becoming a full-time career. I thought I could be a weekend stylist.

— And of all the projects you have worked on, which one stands out as your favourite?

— One of my favourite campaigns was with Francesco Scotti for Fashion Forward in 2019. It was featured on billboards all across the Dubai Design District, and I remember thinking, "Wow, we really did something amazing here." The photo was of a woman standing on a rock, layered in garments with a huge ball coming out of her neck. It was extravagant yet dreamy. The setting by the water made it feel like an escape, like you were being transported into another world.

Another shoot that I really love was with Greg Adamski. We shot in a restaurant, and the model wore big, retro-style hair, cowboy boots, mixed with some designer pieces and random items just picked up. The result had this nostalgic, almost time-capsule vibe — like a photo from the ‘70s. Greg is known for his cinematic style, it is one of those moments I will always treasure. It was even more special because we were surrounded by friends — the model was Greg’s wife, Klaudia. Besides being an amazing model, she is a talented artist and film director. We had an amazing team, it was a wonderful experience.

Campaign for Fashion Forward; Campaign with Greg Adamski

— You have such a unique style, often featuring brands that are unfamiliar to many. How do you discover them? Any tips for finding hidden gems?

— To be honest, most of my favourite pieces are ones I stumble upon by chance. I love finding good deals and little "crush" items — things I fall for at first sight. Often, it is something I have noticed on someone. I am not shy about asking where they got it, whether it is a stranger on the street or someone I follow on Instagram. For me, it is about getting ideas. I might not buy the exact same item but draw inspiration from the aesthetic.

I also discover wonderful pieces while travelling. Curiosity guides me as I explore shops I would not usually step into — especially those outside my usual style. That is often where I find real gems — items that stand out because they are so unexpected.

I absolutely adore vintage shopping. Right now, I am wearing something from a vintage shop, and it has so much character. These kinds of pieces often add a raw, intriguing edge to my otherwise polished style, making it feel unique.

Instagram: @bambikoko

— What is the best item in your wardrobe, the one you would never leave behind?

— For me, it is probably my Paco Rabanne dress. I got it for my birthday in 2021. It is a chainmail dress — very extra, flamboyant, and a little complex. It is definitely a conversation starter — whenever I wear it, it gets so much attention, and I love that about it. But it is not something I wear all the time; it is the kind of garment you need to have the energy for. You need to be in that space of giving and receiving because it draws so much focus — if I am feeling like I want to stay low-key, I will leave it in the closet.

— Are there any emerging trends in the UAE that you feel deserve more global recognition?

Hijabi fashion is becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. The trends it has inspired have also influenced the resurgence of balaclavas and headscarves, bringing a fresh perspective to the fashion scene.

That said, there is still a significant lack of understanding when it comes to meeting the needs of Emirati modest fashion, particularly for hijabi women.

I have styled a few shoots for global brands launching abaya collections, but many fail to address the preferences of local women. For example, the sheilas were often made from unsuitable materials and lacked variety in colours. Some silhouettes were impractical, and the prints were too loud or overly busy — styles Emirati customers tell me they would never wear.

To better connect with this market, global brands need to hire local Emirati or GCC consultants — or at the very least, work closely with individuals who understand and regularly collaborate with local women.

Instagram: @bambikoko

— Your Instagram highlights feature some big names. How do you handle situations where clients want changes or do not agree with your solutions?

— It all comes down to emotional intelligence, people skills, and understanding the process. I always remind myself that it is not personal. As I told you, before becoming a stylist, I was already familiar with client servicing, PR, and marketing. I see my role as providing a service, and I welcome feedback as long as it is done professionally and on time. If it is not, I flag it, but I remain calm and keep my integrity. I was raised to never let outside factors affect my core — what others are going through is their issue, not mine. I always stay professional and focused. — You mentioned that timely feedback is important. What happens if something urgent arises during a photoshoot?

— For last-minute changes, I always inform the client if it falls outside the original scope and explain what options are available. I also make sure to bring extra outfits and alternatives — something I recommend to every stylist. Having a plan B (and sometimes even a plan C) is crucial. If you are working alone, making adjustments can be challenging, but with a strong team, it becomes much easier. For example, I can stay on set while my assistant goes to pick up a missing item from another location. A reliable team truly makes all the difference.

— I also noticed on your Instagram profile that you volunteered in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a while. What inspired you to take such a big step and put your life on hold for some time?

Oh, it was such a meaningful experience. I got in touch with the owner of an all-girls school in Congo — a friend I happened to meet on social media. We connected instantly, and one day, she invited me to visit and share my journey with the girls. It was an easy "yes" for me. It felt like the perfect opportunity to reconnect with Congo and my roots, especially since I hadn’t been back in so long.

For me, it was about more than just giving back — it was about sharing hope. Telling my story to the girls became a way of showing them what is possible. It was so humbling and inspiring to witness their strength and potential. It made me stop and think about my own privileges and how much I have to be grateful for. Every time I go there, I am reminded that not everyone has the same opportunities I’ve had. That reminder pushes me to embrace what I have and use it to make a difference.

It also feeds the soul in ways I did not expect. I went there thinking I was the one giving back, but honestly, I felt like I gained just as much, if not more. It was so worthwhile.

— Would you do it again if a similar opportunity arose?

— Absolutely. I would go back in a heartbeat. Those experiences stay with you — they fuel you to do more and remind you why giving back is so important. If the tables were turned, I would want people to support me too.

— As we approach 2025, could you reflect on your journey in Dubai so far and share some advice for those in the same field?

I have been in Dubai for 11 years, having moved here in 2013. Most of those years have been spent in fashion and styling. The journey has not always been easy, but the challenges have made me resilient, and I am deeply grateful to Dubai for shaping who I am today.

For anyone starting a career in fashion, my advice is simple: begin where you are and with what you have. Gratitude for what is already in your life creates space for more to manifest. Even a small step — like organising a photoshoot with your own wardrobe — can open doors. That is how it worked for me. I started with a blog, taking photos with friends and sharing them online. I never imagined it would lead to jobs — first with a PR agency in Belgium, and later a role in Dubai. Both times, it was my blog that caught their attention.

So, just start. Even if no one notices at first, someone will. You never know who is watching. The right person will see your work, and that can change everything.

by Barbara Yakimchuk