#BEYOUROWN MAN MEETS BRANDON GARR

Brandon M. Garr is a fashion and celebrity stylist residing in the creative haven of New York’s East Village with his pulse on all things fashion. Brandon started his career by joining Barney's New York as a key developer of their online retail shop and was quickly promoted to Director of menswear styling for the website. Brandon has assisted and collaborated with an impressive list of stylists and editors including; Nick Sullivan of Esquire Magazinefor Jeffrey Rudes Campaigns, Brian Coats for GQ Magazineand Jimmy Fallon, Eric Nicholson for Esquire UKas well as Emily Bess for multiple commercial and editorial spreads.

Brandon has styled many editorials stories for publications including L’Officiel KZ, OUT, FGUK, Nord, Minimo, and Virtuogenix Magazinesto name a few. His current celebrity clientele includes; Angelica Ross from the acclaimed FX show Pose, Valentina Sampaio, Megan Williams, Miss Fame, Zeke Thomas, and Baby Yors. Brandon continues to build his celebrity clientele while successfully maintaining his demand and reputation in editorial styling and shows no signs of stopping there.

Hey Brandon, what's up...

I’m Brandon Garr and am a celebrity and fashion stylist residing in New York City in the East Village. I’ve lived in NYC for 8 years. 

Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

When I moved to New York City I originally wanted to work in design. However, from freelancing and interning I decided that styling was more of an interest to me. A stylist I assisted early on ended up adding the title on to the general term that was used for me, “assistant”to “assistant stylist.” 

From there things kind of just fell into place. Eight months into moving to NYC I landed a full-time position with Barneys New York for 2.5 years where I was put in charge of styling for all men’s division for the e-commerce website. 

I decided to leave Barneys and further my career by restarting. I started assisting again because I wanted more experience with editorial, campaign, celebrities, etc. assisting really helped me to clearly see what I wanted and didn’t want. I’ve been able to assist an intern for greats like Patti Wilson and Nick Sullivan. 

Once I decided to go off on my own it was a bit of a struggle at first and sometimes still is. I typically try to take on all opportunities given to me such as editorials, e-commerce, Celebrity, still-life, film, campaigns, runway, and lookbooks. I try to have my hands in all avenues of styling to keep myself trained and fresh.  

What did you study, workshops did you undertake?

I went to school at Indiana University and studied Apparel Merchandising and Fashion Design. I had five internships within two years in order to learn all aspects of the business before starting to work in the industry. 

How did you land A-list celebrities/high profile names on your portfolio books and build your client list?

This industry is all about creating meaningful relationships with other creatives and self-starters. Most of my success is based on the loving friends and chosen family I’ve made along the way who have graciously seen my talent and work ethic and offered me work. People such as EJ of CrowdMGMT, my agent/manager, and Kurt Osenlund, a dear friend and colleague whom I often share the same views. 

Can you give us 3 solid tips for aspiring stylists out there looking to get their first big break in the industry? 

1. This job is not glamorous behind the scenes. So be ready to hustle, network, and ready to work your ass off. 
2. Be willing to collaborate and co-create. We are all creatives in this industry so personalities are booming. Everyone’s ideas and visions are adequate and the best work comes from teamwork. Take your ego out of the game and realise that it is about the end product, not you. 
3. Have gratitude for every single opportunity, a piece of clothing, client, showroom, PR Rep, manager, and friend you make in this industry for they all support you in your career. 

And be kind (that’s 4 haha) 

Where do you draw your creative energy and inspiration from?

My creative energy comes from the love of my surroundings and the people in my life. I grew up watching a lot of movies with my mother. It was like she was preparing me to move from the small city in Indiana that I’m from. All the movies were about young entrepreneurs moving to a big city and becoming successful. The wardrobe in those movies always inspired me. 

Honestly, everything around me can turn some creative wheel for me. Art, culture in other countries, travel, buildings, observing people on the street, etc. 

How do you stay motivated?

I’m very self-motivated. I just love making people and things feel and be their most beautiful versions.

Is there a team behind you?

Yes. Always. From my family to my friends, to my colleagues and mentors. As much as these individuals help me to make my dreams come true, I try to do the same for them or aspire to in the future.

Where can you see yourself within the next 3-5 years?

The ultimate goal is Celebrity, Editorial and Campaign, Movie, and Runway Styling while also becoming a fashion and beauty critic/commentator on red carpets and tv. There are limitless opportunities in my mind. 

What are the key tools that you use for your trade?

• This is a social business. So my phone is a big tool. (Emails, connecting/networking on social platforms, building mood boards and image referencing from archival editorials and runways, etc.) 
• Actual tools include a lot of double-sided tape, steamers, rolling racks, suitcases/trunks, and pins. 

What is the number 1 critical business lesson you have learned so far?

To know your worth and ask for more.

A seminal point in your career so far?

I would say a seminal point in my career has been working with Angelica Ross from Ryan Murphy’s ‘Pose’ and also having the opportunity to work with Bill Porter for the cover of the OUT 100. 

How do you define your own success?

Success to me is loving what I do and going through the ups & downs whilst staying true to myself. 

What does #BEYOUROWNMAN mean to you?

#BEYOUROWMAN to me is about perseverance and persistence through trials and tribulations while maintaining a sense of self in a world full of followers. 

Finally, what are you working on throughout 2019?

2019 already has been a momentous year. I have a few editorials in the works, red carpets/appearances for celebrity clientele and the hustle of everyday life in NYC. 

www.beyourownman.org