Best young stylist 2025 Anete Väli: “If you dedicate yourself to something and work hard, anything is possible”

On May 21, a new episode of “Noor Meister” aired on Kanal 2. The “Noor Meister” (Young Master) vocational skills competitions have been held since 2009, offering young people the opportunity to showcase their talents in various fields. Competitions take place year-round across Estonia in different formats. The program is commissioned by the Education and Youth Board to promote vocational education, professions, and learning opportunities.

 

In the latest episode, talented stylists from two educational institutions competed. The first place was won by 23-year-old Anete Väli, who is studying to become a decorator at the Tartu Art School. Anete has always been passionate about the fashion world, and in addition to her studies, she works as a makeup artist and participates in different creative projects.

 

The editor-in-chief of the web portal Haute Mood spoke with Anete about the competition, her experience, and her future plans.

 

How do you feel connected to the world of fashion? Is it through your work as a makeup artist, your studies as a decorator, or perhaps through personal projects?

The fashion world has always fascinated me; it’s been a constant feeling. I hadn’t really thought about it as a potential career path before. But a couple of years ago, when I started makeup school, my interest deepened even more. The same goes for interior design—it’s always been close to my heart. Then I enrolled in the decorator program at Tartu Art School, which opened up even more opportunities. Last year, I worked on a styling project where I created a photo shoot set, and seeing how it all comes together and what happens behind the scenes made me even more intrigued.

 

What inspires your creativity? Is it music, nature, or something else entirely?

I think inspiration can come from anywhere—it’s very subjective, different for everyone. For me, it’s mostly visual things, sounds, or even an interesting conversation. I believe inspiration often strikes unexpectedly. You don’t go looking for those moments; they just appear out of nowhere.

 

How did you learn about the stylists’ competition, and what motivated you to participate?

Last year, I took part in a styling project where I created a photo shoot set, and one of the mentors noticed me. When the competition came up, they offered me the chance to participate. With my background as a makeup artist, I thought it’d be a good fit. I also figured, why not seize the opportunity and put my skills to the test?

 

 

Did you find the competition challenging, or did you feel that your skills as a makeup artist and decorator helped you stand out?

The competition was quite challenging, especially since I hadn’t done photo shoot productions on my own before. I focused heavily on preparation: I studied styling nuances, revisited color theory, and talked to stylists at our school to understand exactly what needed to be done and how. The school was incredibly supportive, and my mentors were very helpful. My makeup artist background definitely gave me some confidence, so I didn’t worry too much about that part. My decorator skills also helped, especially with designing the photo shoot sets. So, in the end, I leaned heavily on my preparation.

 

Tell us about the atmosphere on the set. Were there any funny moments, or did it feel more tense?

We had an amazing production team—everyone was supportive, friendly, and professional. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun. It was great to see how we were competing but also cheering each other on. It didn’t feel like rivalry; it was more like we came together to create something cool as a team.

 

What was your reaction when they announced you as the winner? Was it unexpected?

Since styling is still a new field for me, I didn’t even expect to make it to the finals. So, the win was a pretty big surprise. But it probably shows that if you dedicate yourself to something and work hard, anything is possible.

 

 

Have you stayed in touch with other participants or the judges? Did anyone offer you advice or propose collaborations after the competition?

We don’t keep in direct contact, but I can say that after the competition, one of the judges invited me to work on their photo shoot. She was launching a new collection, and I did the makeup for it.

 

Has your victory changed your future plans? For example, are you considering diving deeper into the fashion world and pursuing styling professionally?

I think this win gave me a confidence boost. It shows I’m on the right track. I was already interested in the fashion world before, but this experience made me realize that it’s a field I want to continue working in and exploring further. The whole process was so inspiring and truly enjoyable.

 

Haute Mood’s signature question: Imagine you’ve been invited to the front row of a fashion show by one brand. Which brand would it be and why?

I really admire designers with an abstract approach. For example, I immediately think of Lady Gaga—her costumes are always incredible. That theatricality and vibe are just so powerful. When it comes to designers or brands, I’m not looking for something wearable but rather an artistic expression. I love Rick Owens, for instance. He has a bold approach and a dark aesthetic. His theatrical silhouettes and striking designs are so cool. He plays with shapes that feel imaginative and rebellious at the same time.

 

 

The original interview in Estonian was translated into English with maximum accuracy, preserving the meaning and style of the original.