Interview
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Q: What prompted you to decide to become a stylist? Why did you get involved in the fashion business?
I started my career wanting to become a psychologist. As I was studying I realized I needed to have a balance of both creative and business. Having grown up in a business family, I had that part locked down. It was time to get creative.
[quote]Fashion had always been my first love and I knew it was what I was meant to do.[/quote]
Q: What is your favorite article of clothing or accessory?
I live for the perfect McQueen or Hermes scarf, as they have become my signature piece.
Q: What is your typical day / the most challenging part of the day for you?
Because I run two companies I never have a typical day. I may be meeting with a client, working with my team, filming a television segment, or meeting with today’s hottest designers. My life is all about being a purveyor of luxury.
Q: Is there one look you styled that you would consider your “signature” look?
When working with Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine, I styled Gigi Hadid in a beautiful white crystallized gown and layered her with Martin Katz jewelry, and it was shot against a luxurious bathtub.
[quote]It was all about youth, beauty and Hollywood glamour. Without a doubt, I would consider that my signature look.[/quote]
Q: What’s the biggest “faux pas” when asked to style a celebrity?
[quote]The fact that celebrities don’t believe they need a stylist.[/quote]
Q: Have you ever had a designer who refused to send you clothes? Had a celebrity refuse to wear an outfit or designer?
I have a celebrity client who was attending a major award show. We selected and amazing Zac Posen cocktail dress. It was the perfect look for the evening. To my surprise the next day, when looking at the red carpet photos I saw my client in a one-piece pantsuit. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
Q: Who in your opinion has flawless style? Yesterday, today and tomorrow?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Catherine Zeta Jones, and tomorrow’s icon I have yet to create.
Q: Name your three favorite shops? Name three items ever woman should have in her closet in order to have GREAT style.
Bergdorf Goodman, Erica Courtney, Maxfields.
[quote]A crisp, well-tailored white blouse, a fabulous trench coat, and the perfect little black dress.[/quote]
Q: What’s your favorite trend right now? Which trend would you like to see pass?
The truth of the matter is I actually prefer classics over trends.
[quote]If I have to pick one that needs to pass, it would be reliving the 1980s.[/quote]
Q: Who would you allow to style YOU for an event?
Tom Ford.
Q: What are you wearing RIGHT now? (Knowing this is an online interview and nobody’s looking.)
Even when no one’s looking, I always live my brand. Currently I am wearing an Express eggplant button down shirt, custom Heirloom By Brett Young denim, this season’s hottest McQueen scarf, and I can never be without my favorite Breitling flight watch.
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ABOUT JAMES MACLEAN
Trend-setting, accomplished and passionate. Those are just a few words to describe luxury marketing expert James MacLean, who has transformed the celebrity product placement industry through events such as GRAMMYS, Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, American Country Music Awards, Golden Globes, Spike TV Video Game Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Sundance Film Festival and Grand Prix Monaco. He continues to set the pace and raise the bar in some of the most glamorous settings around the globe.
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