GETTING RAW #2
Makers and creators continue to inspire, shape fashion and shift the culture forward. I was able to sit down and interview eight super dope creators in a series called RAW, a fashion project powered by Walker Wear and aimed to challenge us to think of sustainability as a people and planet.
Interview #2
MEET CL WHITE
When did you become interested in fashion?
A: I became interested in fashion in high school. My older brothers bought me my first pair of Prada sneakers, Louis Vuitton backpack, Gucci waist belt and Moschino tees. What really peaked my interest in luxury was my best friend’s mother’s style. She was a model and her glamorous RTW collection was my first introduction to luxury and I’ve loved high fashion ever sense.
Why did you decide to be a stylist? What year was that?
A: The year was 2006 when I decided to be a stylist. Growing up in a time where music videos set the tone in the fashion industry, I always wondered who was dressing the artist in these videos. I researched the stylists from my favorite music videos and fell in love with June Ambrose and Misa Hylton. They are the creative geniuses that created the looks for these music videos. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the creative process through dressing talent.
How did you get your foot in the door? What was your process?
A: I honestly didn’t realize that styling was a career path where I could earn money. I was watching Love and Hip Hop NY and realized that I wanted to work with Miata Kamara who styled Mona Scott-Young and Yandy Smith at the time. I reached out to her via Twitter and she responded… we scheduled a meeting and within 2 weeks I was assisting her on season 2 of Love and Hip Hop NY.
What are some of the qualities needed to become a stylist?
A: I would say to have a sense of style, knowledge of fashion, fashion history and to be creative. There is obviously so much more but that should be enough to get you started. lol
**Have you encountered any obstacles? Absolutely, obstacles are my middle name. I encounter obstacles every single day navigating this tough industry from juggling freelancing, establishing relationships and gaining clients but it’s not what you encounter it’s what you don’t let break you.
Do you feel you’ve ever encountered oppression or racism within the fashion industry? Absolutely. There have been quite a few times I’ve experienced oppression and/or racism, mainly on set or in the temperament of the emails that I receive from PR firms while requesting clothing. It happens too often but I do see a shift amongst Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic.
Is gender and race an issue for the fashion industry from your encounters? If so, how. Please explain or share a story. Yes, I believe gender and race are huge issues for the fashion industry for it divides us. I see all the time with brands, PR firms and designers how segregated the industry can be, especially when it comes to hiring black creatives with the same if not more substantial work as our white counterparts. I can remember a time when I, a black male creative, requested a look for my black female client and was denied. So, yes just to test the waters I had my white female counterpart literally send the same exact email but only changed the client to a white artist at the same caliber of my black artist and she was approved. I knew then it was a race war.
Have you ever had any showroom difficulties, creating relationships or pulling samples because of the color of your skin? Yes. I have had and still do have many difficulties when it comes to pulling clothing for my clients and I am certain that it had everything to do with me being a black stylist. I have talked with my white counterparts and they do not experience the disrespect black stylist experience from white PR associates and/or white designers
If you could style anyone in the world of your choice, who would it be? Why? I honestly do not have a specific person I would want to style. I would just love a client who isn’t afraid to try new things and lets me be the creative and we can create together.
What advice would you give a young black or brown person wanting to become a fashion stylist? I would tell them to Keep going. Just keep going and NEVER give up. You can never lose if you never give up.
What’s your personal style? I always describe my style as Sporty Spice. I love a relaxed and comfortable sporty look with a hint of sexy. Which usually consist of me wearing short shorts. lol
Styling: CL White @stylemonster
Photographer: Maya Iman @mayaiman
CL White is a bi-coastal (New York, LA) freelance celebrity stylist and creative consultant from the Wilmington, Delaware/Philadelphia area. He has worked with talent such as Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Cardi B, Lori Harvey, DSmoke and many more. He has also worked with companies such as Parkwood Ent, RocNation, Essence Magazine, W Magazine, Elle Magazine, InStyle Magazine and Marie Claire Magazine. CL hopes to change the fashion industry through his visual art and great eye for true fashion. IG @stylemonster
https://www.complex.com/style/walker-wear-humanity-sustainability-campaign-black-history-month/
Follow @walkerwear for more on the RAW Series.
