RAW TALK
Spilling over from Black History Month, I’m still celebrating US. Check out our Sustainability Series as I challenge us to think of it as “a people x planet”. The Walker Wear’s RAW Fashion Series spotlights a plethora of black and brown stylists and costume wardrobe designers/stylists.
Meet Jannique Heard
- How did you become interested in Fashion?
I became interested in fashion through my mother. I have a young mother & I was her little shadow, she kept me fly . When I was in elementary she was in her early 20’s and at the time the fashion trends and influences was hip hop icons like Kim… with the different color frames and 2 piece halter sets. MJB also, Eric B and Rakim, she had the Jordans, the MCM’s the Gucci and bamboos — Not to mention our Jamaican decent, influenced heavily on the fashion in the dancehall culture. I remember my mom always going opposite of what was expected in a “ classy, fly fun way.“ That stuck with me and I’ve carried that to NOW, today. Wanting to be that and represent that type of timeless style.
2. How did you become a stylist?
I Decided to be a stylist because I’ve always had my heart in fashion. In high school, myself and a few friends of mines came up with a cool idea (that still lives on today in that school) Called “ FASHION X.” We threw fashion shows & gave creatives a chance to model, design and style.
From there on…I went to School for Fashion marketing, graduated…became a stylist at Macys for 7 years — left & Decided to make it a business of my own (full time) once I got my 1st independent paid styling job 2017.
3. How did you get your foot in the door?
I would say I got my foot in the door — really from just networking. I carried the skills I developed over time from school, basic fashion knowledge, my time at Macys and music because I’m also a recording artist, which started years ago as well. All those things came together and I was able to utilize that when I networked and given opportunities to style.
I started doing “ test shoots” with photographers… running around the city with 2 suitcases of clothes that weighed a million lbs each ( laughs) all for FREE!! Just to get a good portfolio started and build a reputation/resume. One of the test shoots ended up being one of my very 1st editorials. From there I just kept the “passion” momentum going. It felt so good to know those “bag lady” up & down subway stairs weren’t in vein (laughs)
4. Some of the qualities needed to become a stylist?
I would definitely say DISCIPLINE, PASSION & PATIENCE!!!! Without those 3… yikes (laughs) and of course a sense of fashion :)
5. Obstacles?
I definitely encountered many obstacles. One for example, pulling clothes from showrooms. It was a super frustrating process. Overtime I learned that you had to really develop relationships with PR’s at showrooms to build their trust. I was getting “ NO’S” to pull even with the credible credentials provided. I hated it. I didn’t understand it.
6. Have you experienced racism?
I haven’t experienced “ BLATANT” in my face racism within the fashion industry. However, back to when I was talking about “obstacles” I did feel at times some of those pull challenges may have been because I was black or them being bias because not only am I a woman of color but I didn’t have “bazaar or vogue” under my belt so I was chopped liver, no chance.
I understand the process of growing and building 1st but there was one showroom in particular that I felt like my (person of contact) would see my email and literally had a templated “ NO” to copy & paste just for me.
7. Has gender and race ever been an issue?
Gender and race can definitely be an issue at times. One time I had a project to style an appearance for my client who was managed by a highly credible management group. The rep on their behalf happened to be a white male. I reached out to the person I’ve been emailing for years (the one that always cut & pasted her no) because I figured…” okay this is a big one” (laughs) she can’t tell me no this time. Management reached out to the same showroom, same person and got the YES with the exact same info I provided and pieces that I picked out myself virtually.
I did the follow up to inform her that the same pull was for me and under my name. She then says “ Thanks Jannique, we’re in contact with mgmt .” Its like she said “over my dead body will she get any respect from me directly.” I got my yes just not from her it was via 3rd party.
I do feel that one specific showroom experience was a race issue but luckily not ALL.
8. If you could style anyone in the world?
If I could style anyone in the world of my choice…It would be Rick Ross. I love a fun ,classy-boss vibe, thats what I personally represent. He represents that effortlessly and his music alone brings you that visual. I can’t even imagine the fun I would have creating looks for him!
9. What advice would you black and brown aspiring stylist?
The advice I would give a young black or brown person who wants to become a stylist would be to honestly…stay consistent. Explore, research and study the craft — the greats too. Stay constantly a student. Do test shoots just to develop a portfolio so that you have something to show if an opportunity presents itself. That alone can catch someone’s interest … Although this may be a goal, you don’t have to have “vogue cover’’ on your resume to be given a chance. Always be aware that its not gonna be easy. It WILL BE discouraging and challenging moments but when the work is done and you can enjoy the results of your hard work it truly pays off and is worth it.
10. What’s your personal style?
My personal style is a good blazer, sweats, trousers, dress … paired with sneakers or fun heel. I’m starting to really fall in love with fedoras and just wearing hats in general. Those type of pieces creates a polished statement when you don’t wanna put in tooo much effort.
Creative Director/Stylist/Music: Jannique Heard @jannnique
Videographer: Chop and Shoot @chopandshoot
ABOUT JANNIQUE
Jannique “ Nique” Heard is an Artist, published Editorial & Personal Stylist based in New York City with roots in P.G. County. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing, she landed a job instantly as a stylist for the 34th Street Macys. Specializing in everything from streetwear to high fashion, after a 7 year journey with the department store , she decided to build her own brand, “Jannique Heard’’. Focusing on honing her skills as a “Stylist/Creative director”, her credits can be seen via editorials, press appearances, with modeling agencies, and on television shows such as Empire/ Fox & Power/Starz. Her most recent campaign with High Snobiety for Saucony was released in summer 2020. Jannique is also the lead stylist for Shady/Griselda Records recording artist Conway the Machine.
IG @jannnique
Video Credits
Creative Director/Stylist/Music: Jannique Heard @jannnique
Videographer: Chop and Shoot @chopandshoot
For more on this series, feel free to visit…
