HAROLD "Jay" MELVIN

I would like to introduce the well known fashion and celebrity stylist, Mr Harold "Jay" Melvin, a fashion genius. You can have a full view of his creative work at www.haroldjaymelvin.com.

1. Can you tell us, how you got into the fashion industry?

Well I studied Design A FIT hear in NYC. and after college I held various positions within the industry from assistant curator for a vintage couture archive, to stints and some of Europe's top fashion houses in the sales division. (most recently hustling for TOM FORD during his tenure at GUCCI). That's where I met New York Socialite Amy Sacco and I was reborn as a Stylist. But fashion was in my genes My mother was a Model and Painfully stylish and my father a platinum selling Grammy nominated Artist so fashion was always a big part of my upbringing. I was surrounded by it.

2. On your website, you listed a couple of clientele celebrity. Is it intimating to create an original personal style? How do you choose what style best go with what person?

Its not Intimidating at all, I approach every client differently tailoring and creating trends that reflect and enhance each clients personality. I chose my direction by evaluating each persons personality, music or body of work and crafting an image that reflects what the artist's music should look like or taking a very interesting but subtle aspect of the clients personality and turning the volume way up....lol...

3. What is your daily style?

My daily style is 50 Geek chic meets 80's NU wave I love mixing polished classics with the unexpected. I am also very into manipulating proportions. And I love texture when it comes to outwear.

4. What is the regular work schedule for a stylist?

The work schedule for a stylist is anything but regular. I work with Celebs and contribute to several publications (FASHION mini, LUX, KURVE, SUSH!) So I divide my time between procuring wardrobes for my clients and creating fashion editorials. Styling for my client roster is a constant on-call project so I am always juggling. For editorials I usually spend 3 to 4 days brainstorming concepts, scouring NYC and LA showrooms for pieces for the story, casting the models(along with the Photographer), and coordinating and organizing the shoot. the day of the shoot is spent bringing the concepts and ideas to life through wardrobe and the day after is for returning the borrowed merchandise to the showrooms (usually handled by my AMAZING assistant).

5. What part of your job do you love and hate?

I'm blessed I wake up every day and get paid to do something I love. There's nothing I hate about It

6. What advice can you give to an up and coming stylist who's trying to get into the industry?

Approach it as a business and respect it as you art. Constantly commit your self to learning and perfecting your craft. Study Art History if you want to be an editorial stylist, eat, sleep, and Live Fashion.

7. You have travel nearly all over the world in search of fashion. Where would be the most fashionable place? (In your own opinion)

I love Japanese Street fashion. I believe that kids in japan really embody what Fashion is all about. When ever I get the Opportunity to go I send most of my trip just absorbing street culture and people watching. The trend's have such fun with fashion.

8. I have to admit, I never heard of you before until I viewed your website and I believe there's a lot of our readers who have not. So, Is there anything you would like to share with our readers that they won't read on your website?
I'm a Huge movie buff and into extreme sports ............. HA ! I love contrasts..........