MYRQ: Michael Yates
N: Nillie De Grakovac

Nillie is a stylist and friend that I’ve worked with on a few shoots and we clicked from the jump. First off, she is a super cool chick that’s easy to get along with, so the part about us clicking is most likely her fault. When you google the phrase “Down for Whatever” you will see this photo that I took of Nillie and this definition via the Urban dictionary. Please note: Nillie fits the “Homie” description.

Down for Whatever
"Ready and willing to participate in most any activity. If said by your homie it implies that he is ready to have a good time in any situation. If said by or about a ho it implies that she is a chickenhead."

MYRQ: Ok Nillie, here is the day you've been waiting for, why don't you tell the curious readers what you are about?
N: I am all about standing out. I want people to notice me because I am different and I bring something new to fashion.

MYRQ: What inspires your style and creative vision?
N: I am inspired by anything that catches my eye. Whether it is something completely crazy and out of the box or its something breathtakingly beautiful and intricate, it can inspire me. I like to look at what is up and coming rather than what is current. I'm always researching and keeping up with avant garde and high fashion runway, Vogue and W magazine, art, and pop culture. I also like to get inspiration from nature, awkward situations and other photographers and stylists.

MYRQ: This is the most important question of the day: We have worked together a few times, so what do you think about our collaborations and
what the future holds?
N: What does the future hold...hmm. Well first of all SUCCESS! I think that the collaboration we have discovered between us is going to be worth it (it already has proved to be). We are both so dedicated and passionate about what we do that nothing is going to stand in our way.

MYRQ: Who is your favorite stylist and designer?
N: My favorite designer just passed away. (R.I.P. Alexander McQueen). He had an amazing vision and was and still is one of the most "out there" designers I have ever seen. His creativity is endless. I hope that someday I can be that legendary. I also really love Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent & Betsey Johnson. I almost forgot to say who my favorite stylist is...
Definitely Alex White for W Magazine. Genius!

MYRQ: What well know model would you love to work with? Why?
N: Tyra Banks. She has so much personality and intelligence, I love her.

MYRQ: Steven Klein or Miles Aldridge? Why?
N: Miles Aldridge!! His candy color coated images make my mouth salivate.

MYRQ: What's your most memorable story or learning experience to date?
N: In the past I have been guilty of not paying enough attention to things. One thing I have learned that I will take with me everywhere is to pay attention to detail and to always work my hardest. Even a professional or expert needs to be on top of things at all times. Styling is all about detail. A stylists job is not only to dress the models but also to make sure that the wardrobe looks good in every image. Whether that means adjusting accessories or keeping clothes neat and in place, a stylist needs to be be one step ahead of the camera at all times making sure that wardrobe always looks perfect.

MYRQ: Don't let your history be a mystery. What will you leave us with as your legacy?
N: You will see ;) I promise.

MYRQ: What other interest do you have besides styling?
N: Cooking. Michael has had the pleasure of eating my home cooked meals so he could definitely tell you. I can watch cooking channel all day, it is one of the most relaxing things to me. I have been told I am pretty good at it too ;)

MYRQ: What does an average day for you consist of?
N: An average day for me consists of a combination between school, work, styling and spending time with my family when I have time left over! I am working on getting my business degree and I also have a part-time job in retail. I like to schedule photo shoots and meetings with photographers on my days off, those are always the best days! On my free time I like to spend time with my family (family is very important to me), my boyfriend and of course, shop.

MYRQ: Tell us a secret about yourself that you want everyone to know.
N: When no one is around, I like to sing, LOUD!

MYRQ: What is your strongest connection to the fashion industry?
N: My passion, my drive and my opinions (I can never shut up about fashion!).

MYRQ: What does style mean to you?
N: Style is something unique and personal to each person. It is your image, your personality and your way of being. I do not like to impose my style onto people, I like to help people find their own style by showing them what is current and what types of things would look best on them and possibly making them take some risks to spice up their style. The way I style is my interpretation of fashion, not my definition of fashion.

MYRQ: What do you fear the most?
N: Not living up to my standards.

MYRQ: What are your desires?
N: To be successful and to make an impact. I want to be well known for SOMETHING.