The Initial In-Depth Interview

Analysis of lifestyle and environment

The initial interview is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that goes beyond basic data.

It should probe deeply into the client's work environment: whether they have a uniform, how their superiors dress, and what they need their clothing to communicate in that specific context.

Leisure activities and family composition are also analyzed, asking what they do in their free time or if they attend social gatherings, to determine the actual functionality their closet should have.

This information allows us to calculate percentages of use and avoid unbalanced closets with too many party clothes and not enough for work.

Mapping of tastes, references and aversions

To decode the client's aesthetics, we explore his visual universe. The client is asked about the colors he loves and hates, as well as the brands he consumes or aspires to consume.

It is very useful to ask about style references, whether celebrities, fictional characters or public figures, to understand what they consider "good taste" or aspirational.

Even seemingly unconnected questions, such as the type of home décor or your culinary preferences, can yield valuable clues about your personal style (minimalist, baroque, natural, etc.).

Identifying self-image and blocks

A critical part of the interview is to assess the client's emotional relationship with their current image.

You should ask how they feel about their clothes, what they feel they have too much or too little of, and whether they feel their closet represents them.

Often the self-image is distorted by comments from the past (parents, peers) that formed limiting beliefs.

The coach should detect if there are any perfectionistic demands or body misperceptions that need to be worked on before implementing external changes.

This is the time to tactfully ask difficult questions to bring out the real obstacles to change.

Summary

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