Art. Future. Ferocity.
When I was a little girl, I watched my father dress for work. He discussed (in great detail) why he chose a yellow pocket square versus a blue one. He laid possible outfits on the bed and described how the print of a certain tie accented the fine grey stripe in his suit. It was from him that I first heard the Coco Chanel quote about taking one accessory off before leaving the house. Had my father been born in another time he may have been a fashion stylist, not a financial advisor.
Around the time I was under my father’s tutelage, a young boy in Bridgeport, CT was pulling from his first closet (his grandmothers) and reconstructing the vintage garments in an attempt to stand out from his middle school crowd. Years later, he’s found a way to get paid for his efforts and styles for runway shows, hi-fashion editorials and regular folks like you and me. With a number of reality shows about fashion stylists, a tabloid frenzy about a certain underfed celebrity stylist and the unfortunate lack of fashion “don’ts†on the red carpet nowadays (save for Cher) it seems fair to say this young man was born at exactly the right time. I asked Jlamar some questions.
What were you like as a boy?
An imaginative introvert with a great attraction to space and otherworldly things. I was very much into science fiction and the arts as a kid. I started out reconstructing old things I found around mine and my grandmother’s house. I have a ‘thing’ about seeing the same stuff that I have on other people, so I started designing to make my wardrobe a bit more exclusive.
What do you do as a fashion stylist?
Being knowledgeable of designers and collections is a must. You do everything from researching inspiration for shoots and setting up appointments with showrooms to dressing models & creating/styling looks. Even the small things like steaming garments, setting up racks and taking inventory of loaned items. You do it all, and it’s definitely to your advantage to know how.
How would you describe your personal style?
Hmm… I love to wear neutrals, especially black. Particularly, pieces that are strong and defined. I usually get dressed with a specific item in mind, and build a look from that. It’s pretty entertaining to watch.
Who/what are your influences?
Art. Future. Ferocity.
Who are some of the designers you’ve styled for?
Marc Jacobs, Imitation of Christ, Vogue Italia, Womens Wear Daily.
You also design clothes, what’s the name of your line and what’s the aesthetic?
I had a line out called Junk by Jlamar a while ago. It was a small line of shirts and accessories that were made with re-used fabrics and materials. I’m working on some really fun and interesting new stuff right now. It’s all still in my head, and I need a good chunk of time to get it out and execute. You can email me at jlamar.w@gmail.com. Website coming soon!
What are three items of clothing that you’re really into right now?
1. Neon Yellow Patent dress shoes
2. Black Dior Homme pleated front trousers
3. An Ivory fencing uniform.
What trend would you like to see die?
Girls: I despise Ugg boots with all of my being.
Guys: Sagging pants. I mean… really?
What music are you listening to right now?
Kelis (always), punctuated by some 80’s to mid 90’s hip hop and r&b, classic/northern soul, doo wop, and depressing love songs.
What kind of sunglasses are you wearing these days?
Most of what I own is vintage, but I recently bought a pair of black/grey gradient wayfarers in Soho that I really love. I’m on the prowl for some Horn – Rimmed frames, though.
If you could style/design for anyone who would it be?
Bjork. She’s insanely creative and uninhibited when it comes to fashion, and music. The closet for that project would be AMAZING.
Sheehan McGuirk
Jlamar has styled for (left) Marc Jacobs and (right) Imitation of Christ.
