As today’s interview shows, the journey towards doing what you love can start at an early age. Even as a child Jared Green was intrigued by clothes and fashion. He says: “I remember seeing the work of uber-stylists like Grace Coddington at American Vogue and being totally inspired by the fantastical imagery she created – I dreamt that one day I’d be doing that too.” Determined to follow his passion, Jared spent years gaining valuable experience in the fashion industry before launching his own successful business – and he hasn’t looked back since. Here’s his story…
Jared on a photoshoot
1. How are you leading a life ‘doing what you love’?
I work as a freelance fashion stylist based in London. I’ve styled for big name brands like Adidas, Channel 4, Coach, Blackberry, Boots, Bourjois, Globe-trotter, Kitkat, Scholl and Specsavers, which is amazing. I’ve also had lots of clients in the fashion, entertainment and music industries, including huge talents like Anna Friel, Frank Lampard, Alan Carr, Denise van Outen, Lawson, Maximo Park, Carmen Electra, McFly, Westlife, Jamie Redknapp and Dermot O’Leary.
2. What inspired your passion for fashion?
I was inspired by popular culture growing up – music, TV and magazines. I’ve always been artistic and creative and I love anything that’s visually stimulating and beautiful.
3. When did you know that you wanted to do what you are doing? What’s your story?
I studied Finance & Management Science at university and then spent two years training as a financial adviser before realizing that this wasn’t the career for me. I knew that the job would never make me happy but it took me a long time to admit it. When I left, I joined a fashion recruitment agent and got a job as a merchandiser for a fashion brand. This position was also numbers-driven but it inspired me to think about starting my own business so I could make my own creative decisions in fashion. I went on to become a stylist’s assistant and work as an intern for a glossy magazine. Although the pay wasn’t great it was much more fulfilling and it really pushed me to start building my own contacts and clients. It took time to establish myself in the beginning but becoming my own boss was the best thing I’ve ever done. There’s nothing better than seeing my work in print and receiving great feedback and I still get a buzz whenever I style for live TV or stage performances.
Jared styled new band Only The Young and Nathan Sykes for a surprise performance with Jesse J at Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium last month
4. Talk us through the creative process you go through when styling…
For editorial photoshoots, it all starts with the brief I receive from the magazine/publication editor. Then I start my research, which can take many forms: pictures I’ve taken when I’m out and about; images from the internet, magazines, newspapers and adverts; inspiration from videos, song lyrics, or quotes; colours; fabric swatches; or looks from fashion shows, etc – I add them all to my moodboard to get a clear picture of what I’m trying to create. Next I contact fashion houses via their press offices and call in runway looks that fit the brief. Finally, I organize an edit meeting where we put together all the possible looks ahead of the photoshoot and decide which ones we’ll use.
Styling supermodel Cara Delevigne for a 1950s inspired shoot for Laha Magazine
When I style clients, it’s different because I work closely with them to create the look they want. Usually I’m led by their ideas, their management, and if it’s someone in the music industry, their record label too. Ultimately it’s my job to build on their own individual style and take it in a direction that’s natural for them. If, for example, I’m doing the styling for an artist’s new album, I’ll create a moodboard and then organize a creative meeting with the whole team to establish the kind of look we’re going for. From here I’ll pull a selection of clothes and accessories together for a fitting prior to any photoshoot or performance, allowing time for any tweaks or changes.
Jared styled Lawson for their new album cover… this is the result of a 4am call time and lots of prep!
5. What are your expectations of your work? What’s most important to you?
Having worked in the industry for over ten years now, I think my whole process has become more refined. I am obsessed with quality products and attention to detail. I guess that comes with experience. I want every client to love my work so I strive for perfection in whatever I create. I’m probably more critical of what I do these days for that very reason. While creating comes naturally to me, over the years I’ve learnt that it’s vital to step out of my comfort zone and push the boundaries in order to stay at the cutting edge and be the best I can be.
Fine jewellery shoot – capturing diamonds in a different way
6. What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day! I spend some days at my computer emailing clothing and sample requests from designers for photoshoots, or organizing the return of clothes I’ve borrowed. Other days I’ll attend appointments to select clothes, or I’ll be on location doing a shoot anywhere in the world. That’s why I love this job – no day is the same. As a freelancer I work whenever I choose around the work I have on. I have regular clients who require lots of time so I often work 12-hour days there’ll be other days when I won’t work as much. It all balances out in the end, and it never really feels like work anyway as I am doing what I love. When you work for yourself you have to be totally committed in order to succeed. I learnt that lesson quickly when I started out.
Jared at work
7. Who/what influences the story behind the looks you create?
Styling a look is similar to painting on a blank canvas, you just use fabric and accessories to create picture and work with lots of talented people to bring it to life. I get my influences from everywhere and research is a massive part of my job. Moodboards are the starting point for me; the story evolves from there. Having the right team of people around me – good photographers, hair/makeup artists as well as the right model – is essential. These are the people who influence me most.
8. Do you believe that clothes tell a story – how?
I don’t think they tell a story but I do think they say a lot about a person. Like it or not, first impressions count and what we wear, and how we present ourselves to the world, can influence what people think about us.
9. How would you describe your personal style and what’s your favourite item of clothing?
My style is simple and understated. Currently, my favourite item of clothing is a navy blue t-shirt from Jil Sander. It fits me well, it’s great quality and I can wear it with anything. And I prefer wearing navy over black in the summer.
Navy is the new black!
10. What kind of publications do you do editorial shoots for and what projects have you been working on lately?
I’ve worked for lots of magazines – Grazia, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, FHM, Attitude, Laha, You Magazine, Total Film, Time out and L’Officiel Hommes are a few. I’ve also done shoots for newspapers like The Express and The Guardian. Recently I’ve been styling various pre-fall and winter collections, which will hit the magazines in August/September. I’ve also started working with an artist who was in a popular boy band and who’s going solo this year. Exciting!
Styling Elle Liberachi on the beautiful island of Sardinia
11. Who have been the most enjoyable celebrities to style and why? What events have they wanted you to style them for?
I always love working with actress Sheridan Smith. I’ve styled her for two years now and we have so much fun together that it never feels like work. She appreciates my unique sense of style and she trusts my judgment. I’ve put together her looks for various BAFTA Awards, film premiers and other red carpet events.
12. What skills and qualities do you need as a stylist and what advice would you give to anyone aspiring to establish themselves in the fashion industry?
It’s important to be creative, to have an eye for detail, to be able to see the big picture, to be committed, to be organised, to have analytical skills, to be a good communicator and to be a people person. And of course you have to be genuinely passionate about the industry. I found that working for a magazine was the best way in. If you’re willing to start at the bottom and work your way up, there’s no reason why, with lots of hard work and determination, you can’t get to where you want to be. Once you know what brings you joy in life you just have to go for it. It’s your future so do whatever makes you happy.
