Jay Massacret on Styling, Fashion Industry Evolution, and Alexander McQueen

Personal Style and Wardrobe

• 👖 Jay Massacret favors Orslow jeans and Studio Nicholson for his personal style.
• 🧦 His socks are from Muji, which he praises as underrated compared to Uniqlo.
• 🕶️ He's a fan of Oakley sunglasses and croakies, considering them an underutilized accessory.
• 🩲 For underwear, he prefers Hanes briefs over more precious options.

The Life of a Stylist

• ✈️ A stylist's life involves constant travel, with Jay estimating he's on the road about 75% of the year.
• 🗓️ This nomadic lifestyle makes planning difficult but is part of the trade, requiring flexibility for last-minute schedule changes.
• 💡 Stylists often act as problem solvers, navigating expectations between brands, creative directors, and clients.
• 📈 The industry has shifted from pre-social media to an era of constant image consumption, making it challenging to make subpar items interesting.

Fashion Industry Dynamics

• 📱 Social media has diminished the "if you know, you know" aspect of fashion, making it more accessible but less exclusive.
• 🤝 The relationship between brands, creative directors, and stylists relies heavily on trust for creative freedom.
• 💸 Chinese clients are noted for paying well and on time, while editorials can be financially draining.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Jay observes a trend where straight men are dressing like gay men, and vice versa, suggesting a reclaiming of masculinity.

Alexander McQueen and Creative Genius

• 💔 Jay met Alexander McQueen while bartending in London, initially connecting through notes and later dating for several months.
• 🌟 He recognized McQueen's unpretentious genius and learned immensely from working with him.
• 💡 McQueen's influence is seen today in trends like the Y2K aesthetic and the cyclical nature of fashion.
• 🗣️ McQueen's off-the-cuff Twitter presence was wild but largely unnoticed due to the platform's nascent stage.

Career Reflections and Inspiration

• 🌟 Jay considers Kate Moss the reigning champion of fun to party with, noting her ability to light up a room.
• 🏙️ New York is highlighted as the most fun city for nightlife and culture.
• 👟 He believes the sneaker era is over, with loafers and Birkenstocks becoming more prevalent.
• 💡 Inspiration is now found on the street and in subcultures, particularly among stylish lesbians.
• 🤝 Jay values the camaraderie of group projects in media, a stark contrast to his current solo work.

Advice for Aspiring Stylists

• 🧩 Being a stylist is more than just picking clothes; it's about understanding the entire picture and navigating numerous hurdles.
• 🤫 Assistants should know their role and avoid offering unsolicited opinions on set.
• 📚 Passion is important, but understanding the complexities of the job is crucial for success.