INTERVIEW WITH JEANNE EVERETT
Fashion Designer Jeanne Everett
Jeanne Everett is an American Fashion Designer, she has a background is a mixture of cultures and jobs in the fashion industry. She is actually a current senior in college majoring in Fashion Design in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States. She has started her own women’s clothing line while in college named, Corinne and Molly Clothing and participates in local and statewide fashion shows as well as she is a fashion and product stylist for a local magazine, SKIRT! Magazine. She also is a freelance social media marketer and freelance writer for several publications in print and online across the United States.
What advice would you give an up and coming fashion stylist?
Anyone in fashion design and fashion styling needs to have a strong backbone, thick skin, and a genuine soul. It can be a brutal industry but if you are ambitious, down to earth and a go-getter, you will make it. Also, don’t take no for an answer. Don’t give up because you may receive 10 no’s but it only takes one yes to make your dream come true. (this has gotten me many of my freelance jobs–just got to apply multiple times and don’t give up!)
What has been the most memorable moment of your career, so far?
The most memorable moment probably will have to be the moment I presented my collection in Columbia, South Carolina (our capital in SC) at a beautiful black-tie fashion show in October 2014 called Hairwalk: The Movement (it supports Breast Cancer). I met so many people, my models were great, I had people coming up to me after the event telling me that they are designers too and wanted to know my story. I met a motivational speaker who speaks all over the country and she wanted my business card to contact me, it was just amazing. The fact that someone loves your work and designs, is the most flattering comment I could have gotten. It was a blessing, the whole event.
What challenges do you have as a stylist?
As a fashion and product stylist for SKIRT! Magazine, I take care of pulling products from stores (it’s like shopping for free!) and then making sure the theme for the magazine issue matches the products I am pulling. It can be really challenging to make sure that the products are all cohesive, go with the theme of the magazine and also the month of the magazine. When you are pulling products from several stores, it can be hard to remember so I rely on my photos of the products I take on my iPhone heavily.
What goals do you wish to achieve in the future?
I really want to travel more, open an online store and make my dream of owning my own clothing company a reality.
Do the clothing choices you make at work inspire your personal style?
Yes, it is a balance back and forth between my personal style and personal life and work-life because I am usually multi-tasking day today, I dress to be appropriate for meetings, class, work and designing but yet comfortable still.
How would you describe your personal style?
Girly, very classic with a twist. I love unique jewelry pieces made from locals and made by artisans overseas in Costa Rica, Uganda, Peru, etc. so I love unique details to throw on with an everyday outfit. I love wearing dresses and skirts!
What is your favorite item in your closet?
Probably my Grandmother’s Vintage Hermes Scarves that I inherited after she passed this January.
If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who’s would it be and why?
Sarah Jessica Parker’s closet. Love her, her shoes and you know she got some good pieces from Sex and The City days! Plus I’d love to just hang out with her and talk!
What trends are you loving right now?
I am loving the 1970’s influence which we can see in the caftans and jumpsuits back in again. Personally, I live in these pieces because they are easily dressed up or down and can be worn on a full busy day when you have a million things to do.
Which trends to you want to see disappear?
Honestly, I like most trends and I think everyone has a trend they can work with their figure, lifestyle and what they like. So I am not sure, honestly.
What’s the best style advice you’ve received?
No matter how tired or how well you don’t feel, always show up looking your best. First impressions are everything, so dress well for them!
Who is your favorite designer? Why?
My favorite designer is Dolce and Gabbana because the duo is excellent at showcasing the Italian culture and way of life, which I have always found fascinating. Their dresses and advertisements make you want to fly to The Almafi Coast and soak in the Italian rays.
What styling advice would you give other women?
Know what flatters your shape, do not follow a trend just because it is a trend. Follow a trend, because you like it and it works for you also. Always wear something that is sexy, confident but also true to who you are and appropriate to what your job is or the environment is.
Lastly, remember our clothing is self expression and a first impression. Make them both count.
If you want to know more about Jeanne Everett, please visit: Jeanne Everett
