My oh my, how the tables have turned. Quite possibly my single favorite aspect of this series (aside from getting a preview of how the future Mrs. JFKJean would look in my kits) is placing Lala Lopez out from the production end of an image into the primary focus. Lala being the first native New Yorker profiled, spending part of her childhood between Long Island and Queens.
Stylist by day and journalist at night, she heads her eponymous blog, Lala New York City, the 3 year old blog (she started in the beginning of 2007 but didn't get the ball rolling until a year later) which places the spotlight on modern art, technology and of course, fashion. Along with that, a growing resume that includes writing contributions for Ozon and Blow magazines, Fashion Indie, Fashion's Collective and lending her hand in commercial work with brands from Betsey Johnson to Jeffrey Campbell.
Of the 5 'His & Her' girls thus far, Lala has the distinction of not being so boy crazy, sartorially speaking, displaying her affinity for full length skirts, rarely in flats, never not without a few accessories and her somewhat conservative style (imagine if you took a librarian, let her hair down, removed the thick framed glasses and became less introverted). All of these elements made it fun to dress her down, even in something simple, not to mention as versatile as the chambray shirt.
JFK: How long have you even styling for?
LaLo: I started assisting two stylists between 2007/2008, but never ever saw myself pursuing a career as a stylist. I was just really looking to learn more about fashion and it's processes. Then, a year after starting my blog, I wanted to make all the aspects that were found in print magazines available on the WWW through my blog as the platform. I was looking for a team to put together to do original fashion editorials that would appear on my blog. I had the whole creative team together but couldn't find a stylist. So, I figured why not give it a shot. After I styled the first editorial and got back the images, I couldn't believe how fulfilling it was to see the end result. And I guess, the rest is history.
JFK: I always tease you about getting accustomed to it but how did it feel to be in front as the main attraction as opposed to being behind the scenes?
LaLo: Haha, it's very strange to me, to be completely honest. I can get very anxious about being in front of the camera. I guess it's really because I'm just so accustomed to being the person behind the camera, making sure the finished product is well executed. So when roles reverse and I become the subject, it sometimes feels a bit out of place. But, hey, I'm getting better!
JFK: Your style relies a lot on a vintage aesthetic, obviously never bad in my book. Where, when and how did this come about for you?
LaLo: I always think that I was born in the wrong era. For me, it's all about a classic aesthetic: high necklines and long hems. When I moved to Manhattan out of high school, I didn't have many friends that lived in the same area. So, between classes or sometimes even during classes, I would roam around to all these great thrift and vintage stores in Hell's Kitchen and the East Village. I would spend hours talking to shop owners that would share the stories and history behind each piece of clothing they sold. Those conversations definitely influenced my style of dress. The way I see it, if your clothes don't tell a story, then what will?
JFK: Do you normally find yourself raiding the closet of your Father [or perhaps your Mother, whom I always imagine from the way you speak of her to be this fabulous, Bianca Jagger type]?
LaLo: Well, I can say that I've never seen my dad without a suit on a weekday. Everything is always perfectly tailored and clean. While, my mom is all about looking neat. Her color schemes are always well organized, much like the way she keeps her home. But, it's funny because although I've definitely taken cues from both my mother and father, I definitely march to the beat of my own drum. My mom never really understands the way I dress, she says I look like an old lady, haha.
JFK: As someone who's been a stylist for as long as you've been, what is the most important element(s) one should have if they had interest in pursuing this field?
LaLo: I'd have to say drive, POV and perseverance. There are hundreds of working stylists in just New York alone. Even though the competition is high, your talent and commitment to the craft will always shine through if you're hungry and maintain own personal aesthetic throughout all of your work. There have been times that have made me feel like it may never happen. But, I believe if you allow your passion to keep you going every single day, you will always win.
JFK: Last question, kind of random but very critical - "Takeover" or "Ether"?
LaLo: "You made it a hot line, I made it a hot song."
JFK: Wow *brain explodes everywhere*, nuff said.
J Crew chambray shirt: (His)
Topshop Silk Playsuit (Hers)
Vintage Ralph Lauren Purple Label skirt: (Hers)
Nina Ricci peeptoe wedges: (Hers)
Miscellaneous Bracelets: (His)
Location: 190 Bowery, NYC
Images By: Justin Chung
Styled By: Classe By JFKJean
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