Wear the power with Nevo Burrell
Nevo Burrell is a force of nature. Her style is fierce and she oozes confidence; when she walks into a room; she owns it.
Nevo is an image consultant and fashion stylist who is deeply passionate about the transformative power of fashion. She believes in the importance of making intelligent choices rather than relying on disposable fashion. Through her unique approach, Nevo offers practical tips, which empower her clients and help them achieve transformation, as well as showing them how to make fashion choices that truly reflect their personalities.
What exactly is image consulting?
An image consultant works with clients, considering their personality, lifestyle, personal colouring, body shape, and profession. Also, the client's verbal and non-verbal communication – what image do they want to project? For example, helping them find their style to ensure that their wardrobe is congruent with their lifestyle and personality reveals their uniqueness.
How did you get into this line of work?
I've always been interested in fashion and helping people look good since childhood. I began considering it when I worked at a concession at Selfridges many moons ago. A customer returned to thank me after I selected an outfit for her for an occasion; she was very well received. I asked her how the event went, and she told me she met someone there! That surprised me – I thought about her comment and realised it was probably the first time she "popped". It took me back to the day I met her. The outfits she chose for herself before my involvement did not flatter her colouring or shape; I wasn't aware of it, and I was glad she
accepted my help. However, employing an image consultant/stylist in those days was almost unheard of. People assumed rightly or wrongly that such services were exclusively for the wealthy and famous! No one understood it then, and I felt stuck until a few years ago.
Some women really struggle with their body image. Can clothes help with confidence?
Yes. People get stuck in a rut for many reasons. For example, tradition, religion, family, relationship, profession, illness, etc., I help them reconnect/reclaim their bodies through style. I call clothes the "window dressing". When you look good, you feel great. And done well (in your style), it can open doors and get you taken seriously. That said, clothes alone will NOT do the work. I also help with the mindset shift – how do you see yourself? What happened to get you to your current situation? Also, you must be competent, or else you'd be spat out as quickly as you were welcomed!
How can this type of consultation empower them?
The consultation helps them understand their best colours, body shape, proportions, style, and personality and encourages/empowers them to feel comfortable in their skin.
You adopt more of an 'inside out' approach, what does that mean in practice?
It's about a mindset shift. What goes on inside reflects outside. I probe with love and care into their feelings about their bodies, style, and why they feel that way, then coax them gently out of their comfort
zones.
You also work with cancer survivors and thrivers. How did your own personal journey shape your decision to support women going through
treatment?
When I was preparing for my radiotherapy treatment, I was told to protect myself from direct sunlight due to the skin damage that could occur, and it was during the summer. So, in my mind, shielding myself, especially my upper body, meant a hat, soft fabric, loose-fitting outfit, and sunglasses. The items were ordinary, but together, the impact was something else. I didn't think about the overall effect until I stepped out of the tube station; I felt people looking at me, and then it dawned on me that they admired how I was dressed, but they had no idea what I was going through! When I arrived at the hospital to commence my treatment, the team commented on my appearance, i.e., they knew what I was experiencing; however, both parties felt the same way.
Post-treatment, I was unprepared for the PTSD that would follow; I thought it only happened to army veterans! I sought help and received a few sessions from a clinical psychologist, who taught me how to manage my gremlins and sign-posted me to peer-to-peer support groups.
During the peer support sessions back in 2012, experts talked about exercise and diet, not about the dissociation from one's body that could occur and the importance of body acceptance. I realised quickly during the counseling sessions that there was no provision for reconnecting with the body post-treatment then I remembered the hat, dress, sunglasses, and wedges moment. That was when dressing for healing/overcoming trauma through style was born. I decided to use my image consultant/styling
skills to help breast cancer patients regain body confidence.
Furthermore, I started to share my story to encourage people, especially within my community, that they are not alone. I talked about how to build resilience and regain body confidence.
Lastly, many events can lead to trauma, e.g., relationship breakdown, loss of earnings, upbringing, or other life-changing experiences, which leads to loss of general confidence, body confidence, or self-esteem challenges. Therefore, an inside-out service comes in handy in such instances. Empowerment through style!
What would you say are your fashion essentials and why?
I love comfort, colour, and accessories. Being comfortable doesn't
mean frumpy. When you wear the right colours, the style that suits you and your personality, and they fit well, you will look your best and feel comfortable, empowered, and confident!
The look is ruined if you wear nice clothes and shoes but look
uncomfortable!
Improving our image can feel daunting and costly. Especially now that funds might be a little restricted for some, what small changes can we implement to improve our style?
Looking good or your best needn't cost the earth. Making small changes, like wearing the best/most flattering colours for your skin tone, is the quickest way to improve your appearance. For example,
accessories like jewellery, scarves, hats, hair bands, and tops such as vests, t-shirts, shirts, blouses, etc., can make a huge difference.
Also, lipsticks!
You can learn more about Nevo through her social media channels and website: