How old are you?
Getting up there, I am currently 33 years old.
What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be?
I mainly am called upon to style for e-commerce and editorial, but also have a handful of personal styling clients. I am what you’d call a fluid learner, always learning. The more I know, the more I need to know.
These days, I am really focused and passionate about my work in PR (public relations). Specifically, media relations and internal communications. It’s not quite styling but is a great vertical that keeps me on my toes.
What made you decide to become a Fashion Stylist?
Many moons ago, I had a really intense romantic relationship. The person I was involved with was very into fashion. I only knew that I wanted to be a designer. I didn’t know too much about that world. He did, so that really intrigued me. We’d talk for hours on end of people, places, and new things in the fashion industry that were happening.
I think I really fell in love with fashion, while he was falling in love with me. Lol. At some point, he encouraged me to become a fashion stylist because of my innate sense of style, or as perceived by him. Anyway, the rest was history.
Is fashion important to you? Why?
Fashion is important to me, but not as important as style. I think that has been my reference point my entire life. While I love brands, and swoon over European-driven style, I really pay attention to the details of a look. The accessories, the way it’s all put together, and of course the personal aura of a person in anything. Personal aura has a lot to do with style, which, in turn, influences fashion. It’s a weird but eloquent cycle. They need each other to thrive.
What are your successes and how did you achieve them?
Successes, Lol. I try not to think of them often so I don’t get stuck on them. I would say as of late, I have had to reflect on them, especially through the Pandemic, because it was hard to stay motivated. So, something I am extremely proud of was launching my fashion showroom for independent brands in the Flatiron District of New York City and starting a fashion journal simultaneously.
It’s definitely a lot of work, a lot of inner contemplation and prayer. I must, however, emphasize that I have learned so much from watching other people in my field who have successful business models and killer work ethics; people who I have been privileged to either work under or call friends. I learn a lot by observation. I then internalize it, make it my own, and then build a dream around it. One that I can call my own.
Then I build the foundations of the dream by researching what I’ll need to get started. This part is usually in a repetitive cycle, but with anything I have brought to fruition, it started with me seeing it repeatedly, getting it down in my spirit.
Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing?
Yes, and no. I am not really into fast fashion. 2019 was probably the last time I stepped foot into a major fast-fashion retailer. So essentially quality, sustainability, and legacy matter to me when shopping. I love to thrift because a lot of the pieces I love come with a rich heritage or are from an era that is nostalgic for me, like 90s hip hop or 70s fashion in old Italian movies.
Describe your personal style of clothing?
I love to be comfortable with anything I wear, no matter where I’m going. My go-to's are a pullover hoodie, preferably in a neutral color, leggings or free-flowing pants, and some sneakers, preferably Nikes. I mix various styles to achieve my mood for the day, but I have a pretty core wardrobe of oversized graphic tees, hoodies, denim jackets, blazers, destroyed denim pants, and sneakers.
I also wear the same jewelry pieces from day to day, so I try to buy pieces that last, in terms of wear. I really love yellow gold, vermeil, or beaded things. Anything with texture, like mohair or snakeskin, really has my heart.
How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look?
Through trial and error. You never really land on a fixed personal style, if you ask me. It’s likely going to be fluid throughout various life changes and moods. One year, I remember having a huge fixation with knee-high flat boots. That phase didn’t last too long, as I rebuilt my sneaker collection.
I am highly inspired by music (hip hop, R&B, and Rock), Black culture, and West African fashion. These things have found their way into my personal style, as well as my work overtime. I am a Nigerian who was born and raised in New York City, so I feel there has always been a disconnect between me and my true roots. My fashion choices over the last few years have been my advance towards reconnecting with them.
In what way do you influence other people’s clothing style?
I am always talking about the way we consume fashion and how everyone looks the same these days. People I am close to either already feel the same way or have adjusted their shopping habits to reflect a more sustainable lifestyle after a few conversations. I try to show clients and friends a new perspective when building their own wardrobe. Conversation is key in driving home key style principles and challenging the industry at large.
What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?
Trends are a little fickle, but if I had to name a superb one; it’d be the “Above the keyboard dress” look. This became popular during the Pandemic (the Zoom era). That’s where everything from the waist up looks really put together, and from the waist down, everything is super chill, and sometimes even out of pocket from what’s being worn above. That’s a trend I can subscribe to.
What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment?
Leggings as clothes, lol. But I don’t care, I am sticking beside ‘em!
What kind of fashion advice would you give us?
I say: Be you! People are always going to have an opinion about how you should dress and what you should look like, and by the way, it resets every 2 - 3 years. However, comfort breeds confidence; so if you’re not comfortable with a trendy look, you won’t look trendy in it. I’ll also say: Clothes are your language before anyone even hears a word from you, so make sure you’re saying something special, something you’d want to say.
Who is your style icon and why?
I really love singer-songwriter and chef Kelis. To this day, no one is touching her in my eyes. She has just always done what she wanted and set a lot of trends in motion that we still love.
Is there something else you would like to share with us?
You can connect with me on Instagram @thereeljanedoe. Thanks for having me.
Thank you, Jane, for taking the time to answer my questions. I love the idea of clothes being your language. 😎
Check out some other fashion stylist interviews, while you are at it. 😃
