Oh! Before you go, I suppose my Creative Director had plenty of beans to spill when I asked to do this interview with him....see for yourself, promise you'll enjoy....
Your are known as the Creative Director for Joli'....give us a little bit of background on how you got your start in the industry, specifically as the headliner for group....the people want to know!
"I have always had an interest in fashion. My passion started with a love for clothes. Sense I was a little boy I loved clothes. My parents would spend so much money on clothes for me. I had to have a new outfit every time I went out, even in elementary. I believe my family; especially my grandparents influenced my love for clothes because they believed in looking your best every time you go somewhere. While in high school I started working in retail. I landed a job working with Abercrombie in Houston Galleria. While working in the Galleria my love for clothes expanded to a love for fashion and style. I loved looking at the visual presentations of the high end retailers located in the Galleria. Even though I had this passion for fashion I never pursued it because my lifelong dream was to become a doctor. When I went off to college I majored in Pre-Med Psychology. I found out that the school I was attending offered Fashion Merchandising as a major. I started asking people about the profession and if I should change my major. Everyone I asked was totally against it and said that fashion was just a hobby not a career. I joined the Fashion Merchandising Association on campus where I learned about the fashion industry. After doing more research I decided to change my major and pursue my passion. While in college I received an intern position with Talbots, where I worked as a visual merchandiser. I joined the Houston chapter of Fashion Group International as a student member. My summer before my senior year I went to study abroad in Paris, France at the Paris American Academy. At the Academy I studied Fashion Merchandising and Communications. I also worked the shows during Paris Fashion Week for Haute Couture Designers. When I got back to the states I was offered a position with Talbots in sales. During this time I also started working for a Fashion PR company in New York. I had the opportunity to work the shows during New York Fashion Week. I went on to work for Forever 21 as a Visual Merchandiser, then after a few months I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager." "I was at an event for Fashion Group International when I met Denise, CEO and head designer for Diary of Joli’. She approached me at the event and stated she had heard so much about me and my fashion experience. She told me about herself and her vision for her clothing line. I agreed to help her out but I had no idea we would come this far. I have been working with Denise as the Creative Director for Joli’ since the beginning and have enjoyed the ride thus far."
Working as the right-hand man for the designer- that has to be a demanding job...what typically gets you through the day, and what single advice have you learned from the designer that you will carry around forever....
I always start my day with a prayer and I play gospel music while I am in the shower and getting dressed. I have to stay organized because if I am not my whole day will be off track. I stay in touch with everyone on the team, especially Denise so I will know what’s going on with the company. I read fashion magazines and visit the blogs for inspiration. I also like to stay abreast on what’s going on in the world. World events affect fashion and the industry so much, it’s important if you work in the industry that you know what’s is going on in the world. I also read my twitter updates (lol). I think twitter is fascinating and I get so much of my info of what’s going on from twitter. The most important thing I learned from working with Joli’ is to speak your mind. Denise encourages us to be free and speak our opinions. In our line of work it is important to say how you feel about something because if we feel a certain way about a design most likely the customer will feel the same way too."
What's "in" for you this season? I think our tasteful gentleman can appreciate this....
"This season there are a few things in style when it comes to mens fashion. Short sleeve plaid shirts are great for the warm summer weather. You can wear one with a pair of chinos and sperry’s. Give the pants a little roll up to add a little style. I personally add a cotton tie with a strip or polka dot pattern. It makes the look more fun for summer. Hats are a great accessory this summer as well. My favorite is the straw fedora style hats. You might even try the newspaper boy inspired hats as well. Every man should own a pair of white denim for this season. White denim paired with a chambray shirt is also a cool look for the season. Cotton banded watches are also great accessories for the season. Save the leather banded watches for the office. Gingham is another one of my favorites, also paired with chinos and a canvas shoe.”
Time for the shout-out! Do you have a favorite designer/stylist? If so, who is it and why...
"I admire a few fashion designers/design houses and stylist. I love Lanvin and Dries Van Noten for their craftsmanship and creativity. I love Geogres Chakara whose show I actually had the chance to watch during Paris Fashion Week. I admire designers who take the construction of their garments seriously. I believe it to be the most important part. That is why we make sure that when creating garments for Joli’ that we examine the construction with great detail. I love Rachel Zoe and June Ambrose of course. They are great stylist and have impeccable knowledge about fashion."
