International Swagger
Posted on June 17, 2008
Filed Under STYLISTICS
txt_Shawn Lawrence James//ph_Rahan Cotterel
Styling others for a living requires a special charm, external instincts, and an unlimited reservoir of influence. British-born stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste is well-noted for refreshing herself with the latter and here, she chats about the mechanics of making people look good.
Name: Nasrin Jean-Baptiste
Age: hmm?
Born: in the 80’s
Based: London
Occupation: Fashion Stylist and Consultant www.nasrinjeanbaptiste.com
Background: I was born and raised in London by two Haitian parents. I have always had a dual sense of cultural identity. The concept of different-ness and being open to our many diverse cultures will always be a point of intrigue and something to embrace.
My fearless, non-conformist mother would never bat an eyelid when I would come home with bright yellow hair or the most horrific outfits I would make out of ripped up t-shirts, bleached denim jeans and florescent ribbons. So being open, coloring outside the lines and self-expression came quite naturally and is reflected on my approach to life, work and my appearance.
Favorite Brands: I am a very fickle brand follower. You’re only as good as your last collection, so I go season to season falling in and out of love with designers – but British designer Ashish has stood the test of time as I have been a huge fan since his first s/s collection in 2005. Lashings of sequins, beading and knitted enmeshments is divine and he somehow combines it with enough wit and edge to make me feel like a lady.
Luella Bartley and Danielle Scrutt are new favorites. I love their interpretation of Britishness and Youth Culture. Up and coming designers Timothy James Andrews and Pam Hong will prove to be significant future talents. Oh, and I can’t not mention Vivienne Westwood for her menswear.
What inspired you to become a stylist?: I have always enjoyed the idea of creating alternate worlds and hyperreal personalities. Whether it is in print or film, styling allows me to explore these mediums. Being able to interpret and manipulate garments like an artist’s paint pallet and using them to convey a story, message or to even make someone feel the same excitement I do when I see a shoot that inspires me is the reason why I’m so passionate about styling!
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The popular saying goes that every five years, we change. Where do you see yourself changing into for the future?: What don’t I want to do seems an easier question to answer! Mostly I daydream about one day being Fashion Editor of a high fashion magazine, owning my own boutique, brand consultancy, starting a fashion label, designing and directing wardrobe for tours or movies. But really I hope to continue to grow and learn professionally and travel to as many places as possible.
Tell me a secret that no one knows about your travels in fashion: Uh uh…A good stylist never reveals her secrets!
Where in the world did you discover your favorite article of clothing?: There’s nothing quite like finding one off rarities in vintage shops. I really feel like some kind of archaeologist who has unearthed an ancient treasure. I find myself running to the checkout like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones! One of my favorite finds, a rainbow stripe angora wool bomber jacket was brought in a vintage shop in Camden, London for only £18! And I was very pleased with myself when I found a 1980’s black denim zip dress right here in New York City: it looks and fits like a Gianni Versace piece circa 1989 and only cost me a fraction of the price! My 70’s brown shell and gold bean shape clutch has got to be my all time favorite accessory. Oh and then there’s the shoes…!
What song best describes your outfit?: Right now I would have to say “Uptown Top Rankin” by Althea and Donna. It’s the lyric, “Nah pop no style, I’m strictly roots” that speaks to me. It suggests a cool, effortless and innate sense of style. If you YouTube the video you’ll see the two girls in matching beige jumpsuits, simple jewelry, thick rimmed glasses and minimal make up. They are so natural in their performance, giggling and enjoying every moment. They are not showing off, or strutting for effect, but it’s their shining personalities that make them look dope! My style for me is about doing what feels natural. It is not an effort, nor is it considered. I generally just pick an assortment of whatever is clean and matches my mood on the day and make it work for me.
You’ve traveled many places in the world. How has it influenced your style and perspective on individuality?: I did a google quiz the other day where you put in how many cities you’ve visited and it calculates what percentage of the earth you’ve covered. Despite having visited about 16 different cities around the globe, I only covered 5% of the world surface area?? Needless to say i was very disappointed!!
I feel blessed that I’ve managed to explore just a little bit. I have done fashion shoots in Rwanda, video promos in Norway, worked on shoots in New York and traveled through the Caribbean, but it’s the little things that I hold most dear, like the absolutely stunning, regal lady carrying a stack full of branches on her head, who didn’t hesitate to strike the illest high fashion pose when I stopped her for a photo while a shoot in Rwanda. Or the wealthy looking Parisian lady that walked past me one day while having lunch in a Paris cafe. She was like 100 years old but would she have any Hollywood A-lister fall back feeling utterly inferior! I mean she floored me, strutting down the street wearing a green knee-length fur coat, the highest Louboutin heal, Hermes bag, trilby hat, silk scarf, leather clothes, diamond broach, make-up immaculate and hair perfectly coiffered; all completely overdone yet so necessary, each addition enhancing the other… truly chic. Unknowingly, it’s these types of people and the moments they create that inspire and remind me that style is limitless and can never be confined…it’s universal.
Nasrin Jean-Baptiste is a brilliant stylish, so in touch with culture and this reflects in the quality and direction of her work.