RAW
Next up in our RAW Series on Sustainability as it relates to “People and Planet” is Marci Rodgers.
When did you become interested in fashion?
I became interested in fashion at an early age, I would say around 13.
2. Why did you decide to be a stylist?
What year was that?
To be honest, 1996 when I entered into high school and I started dressing my friends.
Years later I became a costume designer for TV/Film, Theatre and Opera.
3. How did you get your foot in the door? What was your process?
I attended Central Saint Martins in London where I obtained a certificate in fashion design and marketing and University of Maryland College Park to obtain my MFA in Costume Design.
4. What are some of the qualities needed to become a stylist?
Being able to build a rapport with your clients and vendors is extremely important.
Punctuality. Creativity. Willing to learn and grow.
5. Have you encountered any obstacles?
Thankfully no. I made it work.
6. Do you feel you’ve ever encountered oppression or racism within the fashion industry?
Yes.
7. Is gender and race an issue for the fashion industry from your encounters? If so, how. Please explain or share a story.
Happen just recently. I entered a store on Rodeo to shop for my client and I was asked what my credits were and who else I had “ worked with”. I felt discriminated against so I requested to have my form of payment and id back and gladly let $17k worth of merchandise stay in that store. After I left, I’m sure I was researched and the salesman from the store called me twice and texted me.
It’s a no for me.
8. Have you ever had any showroom difficulties, creating relationships or pulling samples because of the color of your skin? Yes and also my clients.
9. If you could style anyone in the world of your choice, who would it be? Why?
Kamala Harris. Because she is the epitome of Grace.
10. What advice would you give a young black or brown person wanting to become a fashion stylist?
Trust the process.
Take notes and have talks with older colleagues in the industry.
11. What’s your personal style?
Street Chíc with a Touch of instant vintage.
ABOUT MARCI RODGERS
Marci Rodgers is an award-nominated costume designer who created the rich palette and ’70s wardrobe on Spike Lee’s highly acclaimed film, BLACKKKLANSMAN, which won an Academy Award in 2019.
Known for her ability to bring stories from script to screen through impeccable detail and authenticity, Rodgers designed Season 1 and Too of Spike Lee’s modern reboot of SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT, which premiered on Netflix and was nominated for best Television — Contemporary TV Film Series by the Costume Designers Guild. This past summer, she wrapped on the show’s second season. Marci has recently collaborated with directors such as Liz Garbus on her upcoming thriller film, LOST GIRLS; Steven Soderbergh for his Netflix drama film, HIGH FLYING BIRDS, Christopher Morris on his upcoming film, THE DAY SHALL COME, for See-Saw Films and Archer Gray; and WU TANG CLAN AN AMERICAN SAGA on Hulu.
IG @marcirodgers
Creative Director/ Stylist: Marci Rodgers @marcirodgers_
Photographer Gabe Oviawe @gabeoviawe
For more on this RAW Fashion Series, please visit https://walkerwear.com/pages/raw
