Welcome to the weekend POU!
Today’s featured stylist is the creative force behind many of today’s hottest black actresses, including Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union and Amber Riley. However, he doesn’t consider himself a stylist, oh no. He’s a “Lifestyle Curator”.
Alrighty then!
Jason Bolden
Jason Bolden is an American entrepreneur, a fashion stylist and interior designer known for (per his bio) melding practical modernism with vintage elegance. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jason began his career working in retail for luxury ready-to-wear houses Chloe, Oscar de la Renta and Gucci. He followed his love of fashion to New York City and opened a vintage store, The Garment Room, at the famous 112 Greene Street space in SoHo. Jason curated the store’s collection and worked with designers to perfect the image and inspiration of their looks. He soon began dressing celebrity friends for appearances and ultimately parlayed his expertise into a profession as a fashion stylist.
Though his client list is long (he’s styled Amber Riley, Monica, Taraji P. Henson, and Gabrielle Union, among others), the 30-year-old Northwestern grad is best known for his work with Lala Anthony. Under his direction, we’ve seen the reality starlet stunt in everything from Balmain bodycons to Balenciaga knits to Kenzo separates and Stella McCartney fringed frocks.
In 2012, collegelifestyles.org interviewed Jason about his work and advice for up and comers in the fashion industry:
College Lifestyles: Can you explain to CL what it is you do and the clientele you work with?
Jason Bolden: I am a Lifestyle Curator and serve my clients by helping them cultivate a look that elevates them while staying true to the essence of who they are. I’m also an interior designer with an aesthetic point of view that points toward comfortable luxury – Alfred Hitchcock meets downtown.
CL: How did you get into fashion and what made you interested in this particular field?
JB: I got my start working in high-end retail at a mall in St. Louis and saw how people gravitated towards my point of view. It really just came to me.
CL: What would you say is the best part about your job? In your opinion, what’s the hardest part?
JB: The best part is meeting new, creative people and traveling the world. I really haven’t found anything difficult about this [job] yet.
CL: What is a typical day in the life of Jason Bolden truly like? CL wants all the details!
JB: Every day is different, but every day starts early and by reading tons of emails. My life is truly like a television show. From having phone calls with my celebrity clients, fittings and also tending to my entrepreneurial endeavors. Every day serves as a new challenge, whether it be finding LaLa Anthony the perfect jewelry or trying to get a taxi in the rain.
CL: When you think over your entire styling career, what would you say was your defining moment when you knew you had made your impact on the industry?
JB: There have been numerous moments but the most impactful was being quoted in the April 2012 issue of Vogue Magazine.
CL: Where do you get your style inspiration from?
JB: Oh my gosh, anything Alfred Hitchcock. I am truly obsessed with the past.
CL: With summer officially here, what summer trends should CL’s classy co-eds be on the lookout for?
JB: CL’s classy co-eds should be on the lookout for vivid colors and prints.
CL: What would you say is the biggest fashion faux pas our readers could make this summer? Do you have any tips on how they can avoid it?
JB: Please, please, please….keep it simple. When I say keep it simple, just pick one favorite item and wear that. Don’t try to wear everything all in one day. There are seven days in a week— you could make every day a fashion moment.
CL: What would you say are must-have pieces for any college co-ed?
JB: A pair of high top Converse, and the perfect pair of jeans.
CL: Throughout your career in fashion, what would you say was the best advice you’ve received?
JB: It’s not what you say “yes” to but it’s what you say “no” to that sets you apart from the rest.
CL: What advice do you have for those who are interested in breaking into the industry and becoming stylists themselves?
JB: The biggest thing is just knowing that you may have a great sense of style, however you may not be able to dress other individuals. The best way to get a sense of styling is simply starting off in retail and working from there.
CL: You are known as a celebrity stylist and a luxury brand guru. In five to ten years, what do you hope to be known as?
JB: In the next five to ten years, I will be Martha Stewart in color minus the jail sentence.
