Within the world of fashion styling, Malina Joseph Gilchrist has artfully balanced the fine line between contemporary and classic, which has solidified her status as a sought-after stylist in the industry. After early exposure to fashion through her parents’ hair salon in Michigan, Gilchrist moved to the East Coast and eventually ended up in New York City working in PR, casting, and production before beginning a fashion styling career working with prestigious magazines i-D, M le Magazine du Monde, Self Service and as the former style director at T: The New York Times Style Magazine. Gilchrist’s influential touch has been seen with brands like Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Tiffany and Co. and Khaite, collaborating with a new guard of photographic talents like Sam Rock, Anthony Seklaoui, Hanna Tveite, and Robin Galiegue. “What I love about fashion is it’s a voice on culture, a voice on our time,” Gilchrist describes. “[With] this element of storytelling that fashion does, you can see where culture is, based on clothes.” Models.com spoke with Gilchrist about making a career switch at the right time, pivotal moments in her career, and the importance of the photographer and stylist relationship when approaching projects.