Lilly Cook, a professional stylist and image consultant from Taiwan, has made significant contributions to helping Asian women in the Bay Area find and showcase their unique styles through her teaching. With a background in art and a certification from the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), she holds the title of Certified Image Professional (CIP) and has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Lilly’s keen understanding of fashion trends and aesthetics, combined with her sharp design sensibility, has enabled her to guide many women in expressing their individuality.

From a young age, Lilly showed a passion for fashion and recognized her talent in it. “I designed my first dress when I was just 13 years old, and I remember creating a gown at 16 that resembled something a designer brand released shortly after,” she recalls. “I still think my design was better.”

Later, Lilly pursued her education in the United States, majoring in body sculpture and minoring in fashion design. This strong foundation gave her a deep understanding of the human form and a nuanced appreciation for aesthetics, allowing her to develop an eye for beauty and individuality.

“I can see the framework of any person in front of me,” Lilly explains. “For an image consultant, understanding people is crucial when guiding them in their clothing choices.” She likens her role to that of a translator who interprets the story a designer wishes to convey through their clothing and matches it to the right person. “What matters is how the story of the clothing resonates with the individual, not whether it’s a designer label or if someone has the ‘ideal’ body type.”

Lilly emphasizes the importance of image in both professional and social settings. “Dressing appropriately helps one to be accepted and noticed; when you don’t blend in, you get more opportunities to stand out,” she notes. “Attractive people draw attention, and that’s just human nature.”

However, she stresses that image isn’t solely about appearance; communication and etiquette are equally vital. That’s why her classes incorporate history, culture, and art, along with a dedicated session on social etiquette.

According to Lilly, the majority of her students are successful career women, including lawyers, doctors, and executives in the tech industry. Her professionalism and expertise earn their trust, with one mother even bringing her daughter to class after experiencing significant benefits herself. Still, Lilly candidly admits that challenging students are not uncommon; she continues her lessons without pandering, choosing to remain focused on the task at hand.

Distinct from many in her profession who shy away from networking or social events, Lilly eagerly accepts opportunities to give free talks to various groups. “Even though it’s voluntary, I strive to teach as much as I can. I want to share the concept of image design with more people,” she expresses.

Lilly doesn’t view her work merely as a business; she sees it as a sacred vocation. “I’ve empowered many women to feel beautiful, transforming their lives,” she shares. “Every time I see a student’s transformation, it brings me immense joy and fulfillment.”