Spotlight: Brandon "Blue" Coates

Good Morning!


I met Brandon"Blue" Coates back in November, at the Monif C Luncheon...he was dressed head to toe and I just knew that Brandon was somebody that I needed to speak with and someone that you all needed to know!!!

Brandon's not only a stylist for Monif C, but he's also a runway coach, make up artist, and emerging designer, what doesn't he do?!!

How did you get involved in fashion & styling in particular? What do you enjoy most about styling?

I saw the movie "Mahogany" when I was 7 years old - the costuming was amazing, the character was inspiring and I just knew that I was going to be in the fashion industry. In addition my mom is a dresser, so I got the bug early from her. What I like most about styling is the transformation that happens by taking elements and creating a whole new person.

Do you think it's important for an aspiring stylist to have an education in fashion ,or is it enough to have a strong love for fashion & a good eye for style? Any tips for aspiring stylists?

I think that you have to have some kind of schooling or a great understanding of fit & silhouette. You've go to to know your fashion history (Tweety Era, 20's era) , but you can also learn alot from experience and training. (LMC: The Meusem at FIT is a great place to start!) Be hungry, this is a fierce industry and you have to be prepared. You also have to understand your industry thoroughly and have the drive to go for what you want.


What's one styling secret that you are willing to share?

Invest in Undergarments; the right one can make or break an outfit! I have two favorites , but it depends on the type of support you want. If you need soft support then head towards Spanx but if you need heavy duty "suck it in" support then look for Squeem.


Also, "strategic" ruching is the plus size girl's best friend.

Perfect example, Monif C's "Nelli Ruched Dress"

As a stylist, I know there are somethings that make you cringe, what are your fashion pet peeves?

• Well first is the lack of the right undergarments.
• Wearing color that doesn't work for your hue is a no-no.
• Silhouettes that are not flattering to your shape- you have to know your problem areas and solve them by covering the negatives and accentuating the positive. Basically, you have to know your body type and dress it correctly!
• Jeans that aren't meant for you!
  

• Dress for the occasion!
• Black is not for everywhere! (Ahem... let's revisit "Backing Away from Black" shall we?")
  

You're developing your own clothing line, care to share?
I'm developing a men's designer line for big and tall men, we are the "untapped market". Stay tuned for 2011, when I plan to launch. ( I'm sure my main man & fellow Curvy Collective member Glen over at Full Figured Plus would like this!)

For those that are protecting their pockets and have no money for a stylist, what do you suggest? What's the best way for someone to pull together their look?

Look on the web, there are so many You Tube Videos and articles on how to pull together your look. You could also find a designer you like and use them as inspiration. A self-help book, You Tube, shows like Sex & The City are great things to spark an idea on how to perfect your look.

Also, make the attempt to step outside your comfort zone. Never take a garment at face value, that how you find your jewel.(LMC: I need to listen to that advice- because I have a bad habit of looking at something and if it looks hideous I dont even want to try it on! )

What are the fashion essentials every woman must have?

I call it the Fab 5 ...

1. A great pair of trousers in a medium-dark rinse, it's a versatile piece.
2. An A-line dress, should be your "go to dress"
3. A great trench coat (great minds think alike, because I wrote about the Power of the Trench)
4. QUALITY!! Knits, sweaters in quality fabrics.
5. One wildcard--- it can be anything. Something that makes you feel comfortable, but makes a statement. Everyone needs 1 or 2 statement pieces.

stylin'

What mark do you intend to make on the industry?
I want to make fashion accessible to everyone. Plus Size men, women, odd shapes, everyone should have their equal share.

So there you have it, style advice from one of the most stylish guys I know. Thanks Brandon!! This is great advice, especially for those of you who want to work on your sense of style. Get out, envision what that questionable garment looks like off the rack, take some risks,and enjoy the ride!

~Luvin' My Curves