Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Malco.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My fascination with fashion began at an early age. My mother talks about having to devise a plan to put an end to my daily tantrums at the age of 2. Every time she chose an outfit for me I would not only refuse to wear it but throw a fit. She eventually realized if she chose a few options for me, I would happily make my “own choice.” I guess it’s no wonder, I eventually became a Wardrobe Stylist, and named my own company Chosen Skyn…” because clothing is your chosen skin.”
As a child, I used to love when everyone would line up during mass for Communion so I got a chance to check out everyone’s outfits, and give a silent “yes” or “no” depending on whether or not their outfit met my standards. Once I got a little older and into my teenage years, I would spend summers coaching gymnastics (I was a competitive gymnast for 15 years) to save up money to buy clothes for the school year.
My obsession for clothes only grew at this point, and if you ask my husband or daughters they will tell you the only thing I ever want for my birthday or Christmas is clothes and more clothes (lol). However, like many people, my life didn’t always go in a straight path. When I was 16 I enrolled in a program that allowed me to complete my Associate’s Degree while at the same time completing my last two years of high school.
To fully take advantage of this program, I felt I needed to decide what my career would be. During this time, my mom asked me to make a list of as many careers as I could think of and eliminate all of the ones that I knew for sure I wasn’t interested in. While several creative and artistic careers were remaining on my list (fashion design, writing, stuntwoman); my mom suggested I choose a more stable field of work. Since I spent a large portion of my childhood practicing gymnastics, I also had Athletic Training and particularly; Physical Therapy on my list.
I decided this was the most sensible choice for me at the time, and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. I then worked as a Physical Therapist for almost 5 years, by which point I had gotten married and was now about to have my firstborn. At this point, my husband and I decided it was best for me to stay home with my daughter.
While working as a Physical Therapist I also began helping my husband with his performing arts company in the costuming of dancers, models, etc. In 2013 I enrolled in several fashion design courses at the local college and virtually from a University in Italy. In 2015 I was hired as one of the costume stylists for “Duende” which was the 100th Birthday celebration for Broward County.
This same year I started my own company, Chosen Skyn; which initially started not only as a styling company but also as a clothing boutique. This led to the creation and execution of my own show; Cirque Du Fashion in 2016. This show allowed me to blend two of my passions which were: fashion and the aerial arts. (I became an aerialist in 2011-focusing mainly on the silks and also delving into the Lyra and straps).
Then in 2017, I was blessed with my second daughter, which completed our family of four. In the next few years, I continued to hone my practice as a Wardrobe Stylist and further developed my company’s reach on social media. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of clients from your everyday stay-at-home mom to businessmen/women, performing artists, and actors/actresses.
In 2022, I received the opportunity to partner with Express as a Style Editor, which lined up perfectly with my own company. With this new role, I started hosting in-person styling events at various Express and Express Edit locations in South Florida. During this time I also became part of the LTK and ShopStyle platforms to expand my reach as an influencer and content creator on social media.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face as a Wardrobe Stylist is costuming for major theatrical and dance productions that include large groups. Not only do I have to account for different body types, but also make sure that the costuming fits the theme and nature of the show. This obstacle has only magnified when I’ve been hired from other countries as their wardrobe stylist. However, with every obstacle has come growth and I’ve expanded my reach, thanks to those opportunities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through my company, Chosen Skyn, I offer various wardrobe styling services.
VIRTUAL SERVICES:
Closet Detox-We all know the saying “Out with the old, in with the new.” I will virtually assist you in giving your closet a full “detox” or reset, and get rid of all of the unnecessary clothing and accessory items lingering in your closet. I will then create new outfit combinations with your remaining clothing and identify what essential pieces are missing from your wardrobe.
Capsule Wardrobe-I will select 20-25 pieces, consisting of clothing, shoes, and accessories that are all interchangeable and allow you to wear them in several different outfits. I will not only send you links to purchase the items but create a lookbook for you to have where I show you how to pair the pieces to create different outfits. A capsule wardrobe can be created seasonally or to last you year-round and that will all be determined from the detailed styling questionnaire that you are first asked to fill out.
Special Event Styling-Do you have a special event coming up and don’t know what to wear? Let me find the perfect outfit and accessories for the occasion! If you are not 100% satisfied with the outfit recommendation, I do offer one whole redo. Once you approve either the 1st or 2nd look, I will send over the links for you to purchase all of the pieces.
Multiple Events Styling-Do you have multiple events coming up in the next few months? With this package, you have up to 3 months to have me create 3 full outfits for you for 3 separate occasions! I can create them all at once or you can use them as needed during the 3 months. VIP Styling-Let me be your “on-call” personal wardrobe stylist! Do you have a busy schedule full of events? Let me take some of the workload off of your shoulders by assisting you with all of your styling needs!
Services Include:
*Finding outfits (clothing, shoes, accessories) and sending links to items
*Purchasing pieces for your “Personal Shopper”
*Styling advice- e-mail, texts, calls, FaceTime
*All services are virtual
*Closet Detox and Wardrobe Capsule creation are not included in this package
*Customizable in-person styling packages are available as well.
What do you think about happiness?
Happiness to me is being with my husband and two girls. As a family, we enjoy doing everything together! As an individual, I’ve realized that whether I’m working as a Physical Therapist or as a Wardrobe Stylist, what brings me the most happiness is helping people.
Both of these jobs have that in common and leave me a feeling of satisfaction that I either helped someone to get rid of pain or be able to walk in therapy or that as a wardrobe stylist, I brought someone the confidence that they needed to land a job or meet that special someone on a first date!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.chosenskyn.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chosenskyn
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/chosenskyn
