Nzinga DuVerney’s Quest as an Independent Stylist

Her motivation comes from the inspiration of her family being stylists and fine artists.

Image courtesy of Nzinga DuVerney

When you’ve worked with and styled notable artists like Dwayne Wade, Bayli, and Sonya Curry on your account, independence becomes a priority in your career and passion. For wardrobe stylist and consultant Nzinga DuVerney, her day-to-day looks like pulling garments from stores and showrooms around New York City and other major cities, becoming knowledgeable in a client to understand their style, and combining fashion with artistic aspects.

DuVerney inherited her niche in fashion from her stepmother and mentor, Khalilah Beavers, a stylist. Because her parents are also fine arts artists and gallerists, DuVerney incorporates texture, lighting, patterns, and functionality into each look she puts her clients in to make them look and feel like walking art pieces. The stylist specializing in national NBA athletes spoke to 1202 MAGAZINE on why fashion and the people in the clothes are her biggest inspirations.

What’s your story that led up to you becoming a stylist?

My mom is a fine arts artist. She has a Master’s degree in fine art, and my dad owns an art gallery. I started off with a very artistic background. I watched my mom go through the motions of becoming an artist, and I watched my dad go through the motions of opening an art gallery. My stepmom was already a celebrity stylist, so I was exposed to that as well. I spent a lot of time with artists, understanding and showing them and imagining what it would be like to become them.

Have you ever considered pursuing fine arts?

Not really. I occasionally help my dad sell pieces. I did a lot more studying, learning, and picking up on the craft and picking out pieces of art that I adored.

What inspired you to become a stylist?

I was on set for FootAction with A$AP Twelvyy, and I was literally just there for shits and giggles. I fell in love with it after that. I dropped out of college and just started assisting Khalilah Beavers, who’s my stepmom, and Calyann Barnett. I was assisting with Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler, Dwayne Wade, Jordan Clarkson, and Donovan Mitchell.

Who were some of your favorite people to style so far?

Jordan and Melo were always really fun, and so was Dani Leigh. With Jordan, you could be a lot more expressive with clothes. There were no boundaries, and you could have fun. With Melo, I did a lot of learning about the game and how to go about it in the most strategic way possible. I learned about brand development and the business behind it. With Dani, she was the first woman I ever worked with. I was able to do a lot of self-reflection on her and a lot of the things I imagined I would do with women, and I was able to do it with her.

What does your step-by-step process look like when styling a client?

I study the person. I try to go as far back into their career life, where they started, where they are now, how I imagine them to be in my head, and try to piece all of those things together. I meet them, and we do fittings. I understand the things they dislike and love about their body, who they want to become, and who they envision themselves as.

What do you do if you have a challenging client?

I ask them what they like and ask them to put a look together. We build from there. If I can’t figure you out, then tell me who you are and show me who you are, then I’ll add my twist on it.

What do you find most challenging about being a stylist?

I think the most challenging part is the receipts and doing returns. It’s also important to make sure you’re not fucking up anyone’s money.

What do you find to be the easiest part?

The easiest part is putting together looks and getting to know the person. It comes naturally.

Do you have permanent clients, or are you more of a freelance stylist?

I consistently do marketing for Melo’s team. I’m not going to say it’s a retainer because it’s still by the job, but it’s more so my permanent job. Everyone else is freelance as the jobs come in.

Do you usually have to pitch yourself, or do you have a team?

It’s like 75%, 25%. Sometimes, I pitch myself if I really want to work with somebody. It hasn’t happened in a while, but for the most part, people will reach out, and then you try to make it work based on what we can both offer.

Who are some people you want to style?

I really want to work with Jordan Poole. I want to work with Lady Gaga at least once and Bktherula.

Are there any other passions you want to pursue aside from styling?

I want to move into creative direction. I like working with people, but I think brands reach a bigger network of humans, and it means more to people when you can do something from a brand’s perspective.

Did you go to school for fashion?

I went to high school for fashion, but afterward, I went to school for business and marketing with a focus on economics. It didn’t last very long — about three months.

Do you prefer to style athletes or artists?

I prefer athletes. They’re more faithful in the sense of working with them again and again. You’re building an image. I feel as if you’re building an image rather than with artists, and they have an image that they’re trying to either maintain or grow, but it stays about the same. With athletes, they’re more open.

What are some of your favorite brands to style clients in?

Recently, I’ve liked going in the more custom route. It’s more creative. I like making things or seeing things being made from scratch. I like to pull from showrooms because it’s a more vast collection.

How long do custom pieces usually take?

It depends. Sometimes, one or two months. With the timeline that I have, I need them in a week or less. By the time it’s ready, it’s like two hours before a show.

What is fashion week like for you?

I usually do more work. It’s a lot of brands reaching out for shows. People will hit me up for specific people.

What are some of your goals?

I want a consistent athlete to dress, build up their image, and client brand development altogether. I want to start a clothing line specifically based on the things I feel like people should wear or the things that I wear. I want to build my own personal brand. I do a lot of things, and I don’t talk about it. I want to get better at hyping myself up and giving myself credit for the things I’m doing.