Atelier Visits and Collaborating with Designers: The Styling Process

I wanted to explain a bit about how the styling process works- in part because editorial work is such a huge portion of what I do, and in part because even my friends and family still don't realize exactly how this all comes together. 

When I arrive in a new city I immediately start seeking out local designers. I really like to work with up-and-coming creatives, because it is a chance to create an editorial that is mutually beneficial. New designers appreciate the exposure, and are not so inconvenienced by collaborating for smaller projects. They are also wonderfully friendly and helpful! On my most recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico to style an editorial for Dexter Magazine, I had the opportunity to work with several talented designers. 

After a day of location-hunting with the photographer, Ricky Cohete I had the opportunity to visi the Ateliers of Sophia Arana and Ruscherly Huyke- who so graciously loaned their beautiful clothing for the shoot and helped us with suggestion of other boutiques and designers who might fit our concept. Of course you will be seeing more of there work in the coming weeks, but I cannot say enough how friendly and helpful they were in this process. I always enjoy seeing the environment in which someone creates- it is a look into their mind. A designer's atelier never seems to be as messy as say, a painter's, but there are generally more fashion magazines laying around. 

Love is You and Me, Hecho e Mano, Pure Soul where three of the fantastic boutiques who opened their collection of locally designed and crafted clothing for our shoot. The entire vibe of the fashion scene in San Juan was collaborative and friendly, it made me wish that I had time for a few more shoots... perhaps next fall if I am able to return for their High Fashion Week.

The day of the shoot we arrived on location and during the 3 hours of hair and makeup by the brilliant Christopher Feliciano, I created a few last looks, we all had coffee, danced around a bit, and chatted with the rest of the team. Looks where packed into bags to take to different location, and I practices building the turbans that you will see when the shoot finally premiers. Next week I will be posting the editorial- so stay tuned- it is the best project I have collaborated on to date.

Jonathan Randall Grant//Culture Keeper