A STYLISH POINT OF VIEW
FASHION FORWARD MEN
CHATS WITH STYLIST
RAYTELL BRIDGES
(An Exclusive)
CHATS WITH STYLIST
RAYTELL BRIDGES
(An Exclusive)
Over and over we hear reports on how social media networks are actually making us less social. With the world at our finger tips, these reports suggest that face to face meetings, and the actual act of speaking is quickly dissolving. At least thats what they want us to think. Although I somewhat understand the purpose of such reports, it doesn't mean I fully agree. Social networks actually help us. In my opinion, they not only bring people long distances apart-closer together. The also help us save time and energy-lending a hand and making it easier to filter through the real, fake, and bullshitters. And though there are numerous ammounts of varying knuckleheads on social media networks, there are some pretty amazing ones as well. One being the Raytell Bridges who we in fact discovered there.
Because of FFM being fashion site, it's safe to say that the primary reason for us featuring this talented man is because he works in the industry. Often times sterotyped as being vain, self centered, and image driven, those of us working in this industry are given a bad rap before "outsiders" even meet us. And although those guesses can be true for many, it certainly isn't for all. If you are one of the fortunate ones who actually know our current man of the hour, or at least follow him on facebook, or instagram (Raytell_Bridges), you know that this gentleman doesn't really fit into the mold with those other harshly labeled souls. His updates express sadness, frustrations, and also positivity. It's what makes him to stand out, making him more relatable. Raytell's openness is the true reason for FFM wanting to know more about him.
Being bit by the fashion bug only a year and a half ago, Bridges explains that he was oddly introduced to the industry because of Twitter. With that being said, we are going to go on a limb and say that he always had an interest in the field but it wasn't until the sometimes annoying app began suggesting that he follow personalities such as Rachael Zoe, June Ambrose, and Jeremy Scott that he really started investing more time in, researching, and learning about the different angles of the fashion world.
Quickly realizing that he too wanted to have his voice heard (and seen), the obviously creative Raytell found himself being drawn to clothing and using that as his medium.
"I love that I can use wardrobe to provoke thought, promote conversation, and inspire others," he explains.
Having dreams are always cool to have, no matter what you aspire to be.
Most dont realize that in an industry who's very essence is beauty, one
must have really tough skin in order to survive. And it isn't just
models. Those of us behind the scenes are judged just as much as the
svelt or chisled figures we are shooting, dressing, coifing, and
applying make-up to. This interview will not be about race, however it
will be about truth. And the truth is that Raytell is a tatted up
muscular black man. We would be crazy not to ask what his experiences
has been while breaking into the industry.
"To be frank, it is amusing, and sometimes fulfilling when I come to a new showroom and the PR representative is surprised that I’m black. I cannot tell you how many “oh you’re black?” looks I have received when meeting with new clients. It is almost as if a black man could not possess my vision, my vernacular, or produce my caliber of work," he says.
While shocks from first introductions tend to be short lived, cold and over the top personalities will probably always remain.And though we don't want to be messy and ask for names, we did want to know just how the Brooklyn born Bridges handles them.
(left:Raytell Bridges)
What's so great about fashion is that you can't really take everything you see at face value. Most of the time, a stylist's personal style tends to differ greatly from the project they are working on. Raytell for one, chooses to wear t-shits and jeans, while his work reflects a much different side. Chic, noir, and mysterious the clothing choices in Bridges work is probably ones that he would never be caught wearing.
"My aesthetic is heavily based in dark-fiction. I’d consider my aesthetic to be almost otherwordly with heavy emphasis on religion, sexuality, and politics."
Being a stylist means consistently developing your craft or finding new ways to express yourself. Depending on the project, paying close attention to details is key. Often times than not, it very necessary. Stylists are artists. It's just unfortunate that many fail to recognize them as such. Stylists, like other artists are sharing their visions with the public, and often times receive the same amount if not more scrutiny. And while some can be very sensitive, Raytell chooses to have a different view point.
Being bit by the fashion bug only a year and a half ago, Bridges explains that he was oddly introduced to the industry because of Twitter. With that being said, we are going to go on a limb and say that he always had an interest in the field but it wasn't until the sometimes annoying app began suggesting that he follow personalities such as Rachael Zoe, June Ambrose, and Jeremy Scott that he really started investing more time in, researching, and learning about the different angles of the fashion world.
Quickly realizing that he too wanted to have his voice heard (and seen), the obviously creative Raytell found himself being drawn to clothing and using that as his medium.
"I love that I can use wardrobe to provoke thought, promote conversation, and inspire others," he explains.
"To be frank, it is amusing, and sometimes fulfilling when I come to a new showroom and the PR representative is surprised that I’m black. I cannot tell you how many “oh you’re black?” looks I have received when meeting with new clients. It is almost as if a black man could not possess my vision, my vernacular, or produce my caliber of work," he says.
While shocks from first introductions tend to be short lived, cold and over the top personalities will probably always remain.And though we don't want to be messy and ask for names, we did want to know just how the Brooklyn born Bridges handles them.
(left:Raytell Bridges)
"I have been lucky enough to find and connect with like
minded, genuine individuals; both in the industry and out of it. They keep me
grounded and for lack of a better word, sane. It is easy to coupe with the ups
and downs of this sometimes unforgiving, yet glamorous city when you have a
strong support system behind you."
What's so great about fashion is that you can't really take everything you see at face value. Most of the time, a stylist's personal style tends to differ greatly from the project they are working on. Raytell for one, chooses to wear t-shits and jeans, while his work reflects a much different side. Chic, noir, and mysterious the clothing choices in Bridges work is probably ones that he would never be caught wearing.
"My aesthetic is heavily based in dark-fiction. I’d consider my aesthetic to be almost otherwordly with heavy emphasis on religion, sexuality, and politics."
"Art is meant to be subjective. As an
artist it is important to know that while my work is an extension of me, I
should not take it personally if someone else cannot see or does not agree with
my vision. The only time I find myself stressed in regards to my work, is when
it comes to pleasing a client."
Although he chooses to see the world through rose colored glasses, that doesn't mean that he's immune to getting annoyed. He confesses to being very sensitive, and wearing his heart on his sleeve. And with that type of accessory comes an occasional venting rant (remember the frustrastions I mentioned earlier). Posted for all to see most of these peeves are typically about something that he is going through a the moment. But just like everyone, there are some annoyances that never seem to go away.
Although he chooses to see the world through rose colored glasses, that doesn't mean that he's immune to getting annoyed. He confesses to being very sensitive, and wearing his heart on his sleeve. And with that type of accessory comes an occasional venting rant (remember the frustrastions I mentioned earlier). Posted for all to see most of these peeves are typically about something that he is going through a the moment. But just like everyone, there are some annoyances that never seem to go away.
"It is sometimes made extremely evident that most other
mediums do not understand what it means to be a stylist, or the amount of hard
work that goes into genuinely being good at it.
We are sometimes expected to just “show up” with wardrobe. When in
reality there are countless emails, days of prep, and hours upon hours of
market research expended before a garment that we have selected ever touches a
model," he shares.
"Some PR showrooms are absolutely brutal when it comes to requests for pulls. An “entitled” stylist may feel that they are doing the showroom a favor by having their pieces publicized in different mediums (music videos, magazines, etc) because at the end of a PR reps day, that is their job. But what many stylist fail to realize is that they themselves are rarely ever important. For example, I can be an AMAZING stylist who is shooting for John Doe magazine. And then you have another mediocre stylist who is shooting for Vogue, who’s pull request do you think will be accommodated first? A stylist’ credibility begins and ends with where the garments they pull will end up. To have a sense of entitlement is foolhardy," he adds
Determined with a great deal of integrity, RB is clearly a focused on what matters. Instead of sulking over an showroom interns that need attitude adjustments, he looks ahead with his eye on the prize. But while he is doing that, Raytell probably hasn't taken into consideration the bloodsuckers he may face. You know the type.
They see you're doing well (or assume you are), then try to latch on for an all
expenses paid free ride, free garment, or an expectation to be added as your plus one to a fab party. Then there are the seriously eager ones who just want a break. Ultimately with his name on the credits, how does a man just breaking into the business himself deal with all of this new popularity?
His hard work has being paying off. Bridges work has been popping up everywhere. From magazines, to music videos, to billboards the man has been busy. But why is he doing all of this? Exactly what is he trying to achieve and where is he hoping to go?
"To be honest; every one has their own definitions of
success. While I do not aspire to dwell in the realm of Hollywood, there is no
saying where God will take me next. I walk on his path," he explains.
Always keeping busy, its safe to say that some aspects of Raytell's life has possibly suffered. Namely his love life. Now this is something that was of interest to FFM, until he recently made a short series of posts about being single. By no means is he unattractive, so we ask if he would open up a bit more about his current dating situation.
"It takes a very “special” kind of person to be with an
artist who is aggressively following their dreams. You have to deal with our
mood swings, our lack of time, and our rollercoaster like finances (at times)
among other things. This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. It takes an
immense amount of patience, understanding, and dedication to the relationship
to survive. Not everyone is equipped to handle being with someone like a New
York City artist. And that’s perfectly okay. Everyone is entitled to their preference."
(We here at FFM aren't trying to play cupid, but if you think that you got what it takes, GO FOR IT!)
Sensitive, a confessed jock, and always busy are qualities that many of us
in this field possess. Afterall, can you really trust someone to make
you look good if they look an absolute mess? Probably not. Our
curiousities ran deeper. We wanted to know a few things about the rising
stylist that would probably go unknown.
"I am secretly a nerd. If I’m not home playing the
latest videogame I am at the gym. I also love to cook, I’m no Top Chef but I do
alright. People assume I am rude and/or stand off-ish. I personally
think that these assumptions are hilarious because I am probably the nicest guy
you’ll ever meet," he explains laughing.
When asked what lies ahead for him, Raytell vaugley tells us that we will just have to wait and see. What ever it is, we are sure they will be just as jaw dropping as the previouys ones. And though he has chosen to keep a tight lip, we here at FFM can assume that one if not several of these projects will be with his buddy/photographer, and friend to Fashion Forward Men, JD Barnes and also Dana Scruggs.
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