By Iryna Lirnyk – Style Engineer
The Call That Changed Everything
When I applied for a volunteer opportunity through School of Style, I knew it would be meaningful—but I didn’t realize I was about to step into a moment of fashion history.
It wasn’t just any shoot.
It was for Vogue and GQ’s May 2025 issue, commemorating the Met Gala and its theme, Tailored For You.
I had the privilege of assisting on set as part of Law Roach’s styling team, working across multiple shoot days in Manhattan. The production featured a staggering array of talent—icons, artists, designers, athletes, and cultural changemakers. It was an ode to American individuality, tailoring, and legacy. And I was there, not as a spectator, but as part of the team behind the scenes.
From Studio to Set: Fashion in Motion
During the first two days of production, the studio was a constant flow of fittings, prep, styling, and photography. Every hour brought in new talent—each with a presence that added another layer to the visual narrative Vogue was building.
Among those featured were:
Ayo Edebiri, Myha’la, Spike Lee, Dapper Dan, Jon Batiste, Yara Shahidi, Naomi Ackie, Jeremy Pope, Anok Yai, Keith Powers, Alton Mason, Teyana Taylor, Janelle Monáe, Tyson Beckford, Rashid Johnson, Honor Titus, Grace Wales Bonner, Jerry Lorenzo, LaKeith Stanfield, Tyshawn Jones, A’ja Wilson, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Deadwyler, Noah Lyles, Ferrari Sheppard, Yseult, Jordan Casteel, Lana Turner, and more.
Even Law Roach himself was styled and photographed—an incredible moment, considering his influence on fashion’s modern narrative. The shoot was described by Vogue as capturing a world of the “Superfine and Dandy,” which couldn’t have been more accurate. It was elegance, soul, and precision in every frame.
And then came the separate cover shoot day with A$AP Rocky, followed by a deeply personal moment as he posed again—this time with his grandmother, Cathy. That session held a stillness and warmth that reminded everyone in the room: fashion may be fantasy, but it’s also family.
My Role: From Assistant to Engineer
As part of the student support team, I worked under Law’s core assistants—Jerrica Williams, Patrick Lynere, John, and Ali Hussainy—who guided us with incredible grace and precision.
My responsibilities included:
- Organizing and mapping wardrobe racks
- Prepping, steaming, and styling looks
- Managing fitting logistics
- Setting up and maintaining luxury presentation spaces for talent
- On-set support: steaming, taping, brushing, adjusting mid-frame
- Acting quickly and intuitively to support talent, stylists, and production
On set, there were no second chances. Every moment mattered. Every detail needed care. But being there, contributing with clarity and purpose, was a kind of flow I’ve only ever felt when I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing.
When I Made a Mistake — and Engineered a Solution
On one of the most critical days, I made an error: I showed up in pink, forgetting the unspoken all-black dress code for on-set support. I returned in the proper attire as fast as possible—but the team had already moved into rhythm, and I didn’t want to disrupt their flow.
So I focused on what I could quietly do to make things better.
I created a physical rack-mapping system, labeling rows by number, rails by letter, and tracking designers by section. When someone needed a garment or accessory, I could identify it in seconds. This turned chaos into clarity—and restored the trust I felt I had briefly lost.
That moment reminded me of what it means to be a Style Engineer:
To solve under pressure.
To support without needing the spotlight.
To bring logic and grace into creative spaces.
On Set with Icons
The Manhattan set days were cinematic in their own right. High ceilings, soft light, controlled sound, and quiet intention. The talent—whether Spike Lee or Naomi Ackie, Jon Batiste or Anok Yai—entered the space and trusted us to hold it with care and discretion.
At one point, I watched a fully styled look being captured in perfect light. The gown, the energy, the lens, the presence—it was as if time stopped. And I remembered prepping that same garment, steaming the lining, brushing the surface, mapping its location so it could be found in seconds.
This was the work.
This is where I belong.
What I Took With Me
Working on this shoot solidified something for me:
Fashion may appear glamorous, but what makes it great is what happens behind the scenes.
It’s the systems. The timing. The humility. Compassion.
It’s the ability to serve a creative vision at the highest level—with precision, efficiency, and heart.
The assistant’s role is never small.
It is the structure. It is stillness.
It is the reason magic unfolds with such effortlessness.
Credits
This historic production was made possible by an extraordinary creative team, including:
Fashion Editor: Law Roach
Art Direction: Ali Hussainy
Assistant Fashion Editors: Patrick Lynere, Jerrica Williams
Writer: Jeremy O. Harris
Cover Story Writer: Leah Faye Cooper
Photographer: Tyler Mitchell
Hair: Sondrea “Dre” Demy-Sanders, Ro Morgan, Tashana Miles
Makeup: Keita Moore, A. Love, Kenneth Soh
Grooming: Camille Ariane, Michelle Waldron, Alex Keating
Manicurist: Dawn Sterling
Creative Director: Raul Martinez
Visuals Director: Yukino
Editorial Producer: Kat Costigan
Global Entertainment Director: Sergio Kletnoy
Tailors: Matthew Reisman, Da Shoné by Dash, Travis Thi, Daniella at R-Zee, Carol Ai at Carol Ai Studio, Tae Yoshida
Set Design: Julia Wagner
Production: Rosco Production
Let’s Build Something Together
As a Style Engineer, I bring creative clarity, visual logic, and calm leadership to editorial shoots, red carpet moments, and personal styling journeys.
If you’re producing a project and need styling support that blends artistry and systems thinking—I’m here for it.
Explore my services or reach out directly. Let’s build something unforgettable.
