What is a boss? A boss, often associated with a man in a position of power, is a person who employs or superintends workers; a manager. The word is also often used to describe a person who makes decisions, exercises authority and/or dominates.
Nasty Gal Founder and CEO, Sophia Amoruso, a boss herself, recently started a “not-so-new” phenomenon; #GirlBoss. By cleverly naming her now New York Times bestselling book the hash tag, Amorusa and her team implemented a world-wide social media campaign to get women to identify, and own, everything that made themselves a girl boss.
With this “girl-boss phenomenon,” we wanted to highlight women we’ve found embody characteristics that makes them bosses. One such young lady, Dara “King of Posh” Adams, took a leap of faith and carved out her own lane.
Who is Dara Adams? Dara Adams, p.k.a. “King of Posh,” is a chic, twenty-something, budding stylist preparing to take the industry by storm; so much so, new mom and rapper, Lil’ Kim, enlisted Adams to style her and boyfriend Mr. Papers for their royal-themed baby shower back in May.
We got a chance to speak with KOP, who also just founded her own company, K.O.P. Styling, to discuss what it is exactly that makes her a #girlboss and why we should keep watching to see what else she has in store.
For those who don’t know, who is Dara Adams and describe King of Posh in three words?
My name is Dara “King of Posh” Adams (often referred to as simply “KOP”), and I am a wardrobe stylist, fashion director, and writer of the online style guide “The Posh Projekt.” Three words to describe KOP are passionate, creative, and direct. I would say stylish, but I think that comes with the territory.
When did you begin styling? Was it initially a hobby, and if so, when did it become a career?
I began styling during early childhood. I just did not know the terminology for what I was doing. I always took the game of dress up to an entirely different level. My parents were actually concerned that I cared about fashion and designer brands a little too much. The pictures in high fashion magazines inspired me. The desire to create using garment stuck with me, as I grew older. I began pursuing a career in college when I became bored with my school’s curriculum. I decided to take learning about the fashion industry into my own hands. I researched opportunities and went after them.
Give us some background information about your company and services.
K.O.P. Styling was founded in 2013. We specialize in providing fashion-related support to our industry and personal clients. Some of our projects have included styling and serving as creative director for several advertising campaigns, music videos, and runway shows. We also specialize in brand image reconstruction, personal shopping, and wardrobe editing.
Who are some celebrities you’ve styled for?
I’ve styled America’s Next Top Model cast member and Fox TV correspondent Bianca Chardei for various appearances. I’ve also styled X Factor winner Marcus Canty and rapper Jadakiss while on set for a number of their music videos. I’ve personally shopped for the ex-fiancee of rapper The Game, Tiffney Cambridge. And, as you know, most recently I’ve styled new parents Lil Kim and Mr. Papers for their baby shower.
What was your experience like styling for Lil’ Kim’s royal-themed baby shower?
I had a great time, but it was extremely intense. Not only was I responsible for wardrobe during taping of Kim’s appearance on WeTV’s David Tutera’s Celebrations; I was also responsible for styling on the days leading up to the big event. I was pulling clothes from Barneys just a few hours before the shower began; but, I live for that rush. That’s a part of what makes the job fun.
Any diva-like antics you can tell us about?
She is the “Queen B” and was the mother-to-be at the time, so there may have been a few diva moments. Overall, she’s a very sweet person.
In the “new era” of girl bosses and women embracing what makes them the boss, we have to ask, what makes you a #GirlBoss?
What makes me a #GirlBoss is that I always present myself as one. Your appearance can say so much about you; so when I walk into a meeting, I want people to understand I’m about my business before I open my mouth. I feel invincible in a pencil dress and pumps. That confidence carries into my work ethic and is ultimately what drives my success. I think all women should understand the relationship between appearance and attitude. If you look good, you feel good, you do good. As a stylist, I educate on the best ways to execute this mantra. As a boss, I live by it.
What are some other projects we can look forward to?
I’m currently preparing for a few magazine editorials. New York Fashion Week is right around the corner, so that will consist of me attending back-to-back shows, notating possible garment selections for clients, and networking with designers and other fashion industry professionals. K.O.P. Styling will also host a few fashion related events so I have a lot on my plate right now.
Where can people find out more about you and your service, social media, website etc?
My Instagram and Twitter pages go by the same alias, “@kopstyling.” You can check out my blog via theposhprojekt.blogspot.com and official website kopstyling.com.
Also, check out the upcoming episode of David Tutera’s CELEBrations, featuring Lil Kim on WEtv Friday night at 9pm. Be sure to tweet us at @kopstyling using the hash tag #kopstyleslilkim.
(Photoshoot/Campaign: Dara Adams/Philthy Ragz/Models – Catherine and Noel Page (The Page Twins)/ Photographer Peter Dang)
