Jazzi McG » work

My Work: Style Section LA Q&A with Gale Parker, Clothespin Boutique

Jazzi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:19:51 +0000

My first piece for Style Section LA, a new website started by two former LA Times editors, is up. I did a Q&A with the inspirational lady mentioned in my last post, Gale Parker, at her new boutique Clothespin. Gale is pretty fucking rad; she was muse to YSL, Valentino, and friend of Andy Warhol, DVF, and my personal style idol, Diana Ross. When I met Gale, she approached me to tell me just how much I looked like “her friend Diana Ross” and I just about died.

Read the Q&A, some of Gale’s amazing life story, & learn about her gorgeous new boutique here.

Advice From Amy Astley @ FIDM: The Teen Vogue Handbook

Jazzi — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:50:08 +0000

Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Amy Astley recently held book signings and a Q&A at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, CA. I did some investigative journalism, pretending not to hear the security guard who asked for my “student I.D.” & sat front row to jot down pages of notes to bring to you. [Photo from Teen Vogue's Bergdorf book signing in NY by Julia Chesky.]

A gaggle of fashion students sat in Room 500 of the FIDM building buzzing about courses, clothes, and Halloween plans in their best “I don’t usually wear this to class” ensembles. Apparently, the place to be this Halloween is Santa Barbara…

“We’re sorry to keep you waiting, but Amy is running a little late, she had to take a call from Anna Wintour, I’m sure you understand.”

An audible gasp then collective giggles broke out around the room. Soon after, some FIDM figurehead or another introduced “Amy Astes” as a former Art History major, who once worked with “Anna Wintar.” A little cringe worthy, but Amy politely corrected her, she was an English major at Michigan State, and all was quickly forgiven. The fashion aspirants were all smiles, sitting with eyes wide and notebooks ready as Amy took her spot at the head of the classroom. I whipped out my pen and took 4 pages of notes, just for you.

Amy’s Beginnings

- though she trained to be a ballerina, Amy always loved writing and aesthetics, ending up an English major at Michigan State, where her father was a professor.

- first editorial job was as an assistant at the late House & Garden, where she learned the ins and outs of publishing.

- when HG folded, a Creative Director she had impressed on the job recommended her for a position at Vogue where Anna Wintour tapped her to launch Teen Vogue

- Teen Vogue spent 2 years in development, and after 4 test issues Conde Nast decided there was real potential in the market and deemed TV viable.

- Was massively intimidated by Andre Leon Talley at first, but he’s actually “the sweetest man,” and says Anna is the “ultimate editor.”

The Book

- Since taking the helm at TV, nearly every girl she encountered had questions about breaking into various roles in fashion. Basically, on a personal and marketing level, it made sense.

- Why isn’t her name on the cover as the author? “I didn’t write the book!” she said. The handbook is comprised of industry professionals advice as a “roadmap to careers, whether you want to be the next Karl Lagerfeld or Anna Wintour or not.”

- Karl Legerfeld gave her favorite quote from the book.

- Wanted to keep the book visually appeal with the usual great Vogue photography and design integrity.

- On reality TV “I don’t want to be a media personality. I’ve seen people laughed off Madison Avenue for taking the reality star route, it can really backfire.” That’s also why you didn’t see so much of her on the Hills.

Getting Your Start

- “Fashion is not the road to riches. But there is definitely room to make a living.”

- NY vs LA/everywhere else: Who cares? “Fashion is so democratic now! With the internet, you can gain exposure in fashion from anywhere. The Rodarte sisters live in Pasedena at their parents’ house!”

- Believe in yourself and hustle. Guido Paulo was kicked out of Vidal Sassoon, and Thakoon interned at Harper’s Bazaar while working and attending Parson’s at night. [And I've done the same.] You can work yourself silly when you’re young, no excuses.

- DIY at the beginning. You may not have access to the best models, etc. but “start small” using whatever resources you have to test (and use a pretty friend as a model).

- At this point, everyone should do an internship in college.

- Teen Vogue will interview ANY college-credit receiving intern who sends their resume and is willing to get themselves to NY.

- “Work and dedicate yourself to a support team, don’t just fixate on the top job.”

- Aspiring designers especially: Work under someone else first. Any other path is a rare exception. Michael Kors & Marc Jacobs are two big house that have a lot of internship opportunities.

- Always do your best work with a smile whether it’s for your boss or not. The CD who got her the gig at Vogue wasn’t even her boss, just someone she had impressed with her good attitude. It’s a small world, you never know who could help you. Also, don’t be a bummer.

- “Dolphin Speak” This came up a number of times. Mostly in reference to getting an education and expressing yourself well. Not everyone has the ability to be both good with visuals AND words (i.e. Rachel Zoe, “shoes! bananas! omg! i die!”), but if you are, that can be a very valuable skill-set. If not, know which roles cater to your specific talents.

Obstacles

A lot of them are on your head… More failures of confidence than anything real. Amy’s athletic/ballet training taught her to never say “can’t”. “I believe in patience, karma, all that Mom stuff!”

- Make your own luck. There’s a certain degree of serendipity, but you make sure you’re positioned to take charge when the time comes.

- See too many talented people fall victim to the gossip, jealousy, and partying. Don’t be one them.

Future of Teen Vogue

- her works not done yet – she finally feels out of survival mode, and can focus more on growing the brand.

- working on a new TV show!

- will continue to grow on the web

- Has already established the Teen Vogue/CFDA scholarship with Target, and now the book, but wants to give back even more opportunities to the young people who have supported her and made her own career possible

I talked to girls after, they all loved the advice, and were glad they weren’t talked down to. Many waited in line to have their copies of the book signed (which sold out at the school by the way), some even trying to be last in the hour long line, hoping to get more face time – and more camera phone pictures – with Amy. She answered every question and signed every copy with genuine care and love, before heading off for another signing at OTIS, then a red eye back to NY. She said she’d be back home by 7 a.m., just in time to see her kids off to school, before she headed back to work. Incredible, right? That alone is inspiration enough for me. Thank you Amy for having me, I am infinitely grateful for all you’ve done for me and hope to follow in your inspiring footsteps.

I haven’t finished reading yet, but I can already say the Handbook is WELL worth reading and beautiful to look at. I’m thinking about doing a video review with some more personal experiences as a former Vogue & Teen Vogue intern in both LA and NY. Unless after my last 3 posts you’re all Teen Vogue‘d out…? (and in that case, I’d be equally happy to save myself the time haha)

What to Wear: Stylist on Duty

Jazzi — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:08:02 +0000

Whether I’m assisting on a shoot or working lead (styled a shoot for BUST magazine yesterday! more on that later), the ideal uniform goes something like the above – give or take a tank, tee, or a romper if I’m feeling feisty. We’re not saving lives or anything, but stylists do a lot more manual labor than given credit for. There are hours spent running around, on hands and knees, loading and unloading suitcases/trunks, wardrobe racks, garment bags, whatever, and it is legit hard work.

My uniform pretty much speaks for itself… No-fuss, comfort, and functionality trump “fashion” on set:

A loose mens shirt is comfy and good storage for all those spring clamps.
Tights/leggings. No explanation needed.
Tools of the trade: steamer on standby, & prop kit stuff (scissors, clamps, lint brush) handy
Accessories that serve a purpose (bangles/rings can get in the way), but add a personal touch.
Flat shoes, the shittier the better.
Unless of course you’re working with Meisel… then make sure it’s all black.

There’s definitely no reason to overthink it. Find what works for you so you barely have to think about it all. What’s your “on the job” uniform?

[pictured: alex wang shirt; forever 21 glasses; converse by john varvatos; rowenta travel steamer; charm & hammer toolbelt]

IDK My BFF Rob Roy? (the “Fur in my Cap” video)

Jazzi — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:15:34 +0000

Artist/Song: Rob Roy “Fur in my Cap”

Directed by Ethan Lader

Co-Produced/Styled by Jazzi McGilbert

This is the final product for the video I worked on for my BFF/Roommate/Rapper Rob Roy. Some of you may remember how hectic this shoot was for me, but so far the response has been super positive – so it was worth it. If you haven’t caught my previous posts about Rob and his music, you should really check him out. Hipsters & Hip-Hoppers (and my grandmother) seem to concur – he’s the shit.

PS – I spent all day plastering those walls.

My Work: The Fur in my Cap Video Shoot

Jazzi — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Just got done with a crazy 2 days of styling and producing Rob Roy’s debut music video. The concept (by Director Ethan Lader) is pretty friggin fantastic, and I can’t wait to see (and show you) the finished product.

The shoot itself was hectic as hell. I was running on empty from working on 4 significant projects and close to zero sleep. Murphy’s law was enacted, anything that could go wrong definitely did, but in the end I got to practice my problem solving skills like woah and everything turned out well in the end.

More pics from the day may trickle in (didn’t have a chance to take any myself), but let’s just say my face in this picture speaks volumes:

Fashion Writer: Check.

Jazzi — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:08:00 +0000

It was never official in my head until it was published and paid for. Now, it’s official! On to the next issue and beyond! YAY!

[I also have an entire environmental page as well, so show some love and subscribe to PLANETº! Thanks so much to those of you who have! And there's a ton of other fantastic content in this issue!]

You know, stuff.

Jazzi — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:51:00 +0000

To-do list (and grocery list haha) for this weekend. It’s not too bad, totally doable.Things worth noting:

Pixie Market Sidewalk Sale! (LA) on 12/11! I just got these Orphanage Jodhpurs and I’m in LOVE.
BLOG redesign!! It IS still happening. I’m well aware there’s been a lull, but I promise it’s because I’m working on some good stuff for the blog! There will be outfit posts, some old diary entries from a certain internship, inspiration, VIDEOS, more to -do lists, PLANETº clips, more advice, and so much more. Y’all don’t even know.
DEXTER!!!

“What’s in Your Bag?” is on to you Mary-Kate

Jazzi — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:55:00 +0000

The final product from my day at the Young & the Banging! Mary-Kate’s stunt double, a cute kid, a cute intern, & the super cute Heron! (comments disabled here, comment on fashionista.com instead please, thanks!)

My Work: Hard Work Leads to Hard Copy, Planet Magazine

Jazzi — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Confession: I’ve been withholding some information. Remember those pitches? Well, they went well!

How things progressed after the pitches:

another meeting to discuss/set things in stone
received my assignments (= which pitches got picked up, word count, and deadline)
contacted the designers/people to be featured

So now I’m working hard to meet my deadlines, also working my 9-5, and Fashionista in between. Safe to say I’m busy — the usual.

This looks like the start of a great relationship, and I’m VERY excited to be a part of a magazine that I admire for its content and integrity. I’ve been a reader for a while now, so I’m extra pumped to be a part of it!!

I highly suggest you subscribe – especially if you enjoyed that Santogold snippet or just want to support me. You’ll love the mag. Promise.

So, while I can look forward to taking the “aspiring” out of my ‘writer’ title and adding more freelance work to the res, I still have a lot more work before I reach my goals – but cheers to an (almost) check off my list (well, I won’t believe it til it’s published)!

I wonder if I’ll get to have one of those little contributor pictures… that’d be sweet!

The Final Cut: Shwayze!

Jazzi — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:03:00 +0000

So, got a phone call last night from Melis to come assist with Shwayze in NYC! I got to live out a lifelong goal of mine… to visit TRL. I still dream of being a VJ… but this will do for now. Mariah Carey was also on the show… ya.

Anyways, I like NYC even more with Melis in it. She’s such a talent and so hardworking, and I really learn a lot from her. I’m always shocked by how seriously genuine she is – that’s hard to find in this industry! I don’t thank her enough. She should move here. Except styling is a bitch out here… we lugged around five 50lbs body bags today. OMG!

Pics from TRL & whatever we get into tonight soon – but for now, here are a couple of the MTV Spots from the shoot we did a few weeks back! I’m pretty sure there are more coming, or already airing – I don’t have cable, so I have no idea.

PS – I chopped my bangs out of boredom. Video soon.