Born and raised in the South Bay of Los Angeles, fashion influencer, Francis Kenneth, is bold, creative and doesn’t always play by the rules. Francis has had an affinity for fashion for as long as he can remember. Over time he has definitely learned a thing or two about style.He shares his knowledge of everything from fashion, travel, food and music with the world through his blog, ‘Francis Kenneth.’ Francis shows us that style is much more than what you wear.
The creativity that goes into content creation is what I love about blogging
“Style is reflected in the way you live.”
“My lifestyle is a reflection of all the people, places, and things I’ve encountered, and I’d like to think that shows in how I present myself (both in the real and digital world).” Being raised in such a diverse city and having the opportunity to travel in the military, Francis has been exposed to a multitude of cultures to pull inspiration from. Francis pulls from those cultural experiences and pieces them together in any way he likes!
Trendsetting is about not following rules but doing what you feel. It’s what is unique that attracts people to your style.
No Rules
Setting trends doesn’t come naturally to most. It takes a unique outlook, a personalized vision. You sort of have to think ahead of everyone. You have to live in a manner that’s beyond the time of your peers. “I wouldn’t consider myself an expert in any area of style or fashion, but I do have a knack for forecasting trends.” When it comes to creating trends, the number one rule seems to be, you shouldn’t always play by the rule book. This especially applies to the world of fashion.
“Forget the rules, it can’t be calculated into percentages. Personal style will come naturally once you decide who you want to be and start living the lifestyle that you want, for better or worse,” Francis says.
Defiance is written all over Francis’ style! From his funky hats to the blending of formal and street-ware. Francis definitely dresses by his own rule! “I’ll let you in on a little secret: 90% of the time I wear hats is because I’m too lazy to do my hair. I prefer earth-toned wide-brimmed fedoras that aren’t flimsy. Stick to that, and you’ll find the right piece of headwear.” Besides hats, it’s not uncommon for you to catch Francis rocking ripped jeans with a buttoned down shirt and you can’t forget his infamous ties. His style has a certain spunk to it that gives his personal style his own stamp.
Lifestyle
His rebelliousness goes beyond just his choices fashion. Rebellion to the status quo is a part of his lifestyle. Francis invest time and passion into a variety of area. Besides his love for fashion, Francis has an interest in music too. “Im working on putting out some new music and a video. I love both music and video, but have yet to really do anything with either.” Francis has also taken interest in tattoos and piercings. His arms and chest are dressed with amazing art work. Tattoos are yet another form of Francis’ expression of creativity.
In fact, Francis feels that it is important you let your style shine through in all aspects of life. “Sure, your outfit speaks volumes about you, but it will only get your foot in the door…After all, the impression you make on the world has more to do with who you are as a person and what you’ve accomplished. First impressions are overrated,” Francis explains. According to Francis, no one exemplifies this better than his idol, Pharrel Williams. “He’s a good example of iconic style on the inside and out.” It’s important to remember style is much more than just how you dress. “Figure out who you want to be. Look and sound the part.”
Success for Juanita is about her audience reaching and embracing your Style DNA in a world where originality has become a rarity. This idea is a connection between an individual’s personality and fashion style. For her, being true is the real style! As a fashion stylist, she doesn’t treat clients as means to an end, but an end themselves. It is why she bonds with them and learn a great deal too. This has been possible given her disposition that trust is the most essential component of the stylist-client relationship.
For many celebrities in LA and New York, Juanita’s showroom is the go-to destination for any time of styling. Her CV boasts of names like Karla Souza, Christina Aguilera, and Sofia Vergara.
Juanita enjoys what she does especially traveling shopper styling for her clients. She is in LA or New York mostly; and you might find her at fashion shows where she discusses refreshing ideas with industry bright minds.
Her website is a useful resource where she connects and educates her audience.
My main purpose of fashion styling has always been to tell people that they have to love and understand who they are and identify what their style is
I have been doing this for about 7 years. When I stopped blogging and tried to be more like an influencer because the showroom that I was working with encouraged me to do it. I have worked so hard for my career that I don’t want things to fall apart. I wanted everything to align so I started out by working hard for both styling and influencing.
The Real Style
My main purpose of fashion styling has always been to tell people that they have to love and understand who they are and identify what their style is. A style is not a trend. When it comes to a style, we always cherish other people’s outfit and ideas. Nevertheless, I always ask my clients, “Do you love it?” I think it is about the connection between an individual’s personality and their fashion style- the DNA style. You should love styles, not because they are trendy but that you genuinely love them. It is important you feel that.
So when I started blogging that was my main purpose- to help people go beyond their boundaries by understanding themselves before trying trends. But most of all, they should be true to themselves because that’s the real style.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
I’ve always been into fashion since I was little. I used to play with my Mom’s closet since I was 4 years old. I’ll always wear her outfits from her closet and she’ll laugh and love them. Then when I came to the USA, in high school, I did this style show that took me to New York and LA. Then I was “Wow! I’ve always wanted to be in fashion”. I wanted to go to school, go to interviews, and get to know more about the industry. I decided to study Product Development because when I did my interview at school they told me to go for something that integrates everything in the industry. The idea is that you can always decide where to go to- in the middle of a career even if you need to decide to be a fashion designer.
When I was in school, I interned at JBrand. I started working with them very early(at my first year in school) and living in New York City, I understood the industry better. So I was able to see all the areas of the industry, the kind of life there, designs, the pre-productions, and I had the chance to work with stylists. In my stint with them, I was sure it was where my heart belonged. Essentially, I knew the part of styling I wanted to do and I worked with them for about 8 months. While working with the showroom, I did a lot of back and forth from LA and Miami.
“I’ve always wanted to be in fashion”
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From there I started working with many clients hand in hand- from doing their wardrobe to cleaning their closet to go shopping. They were my biggest support- the sort of people that come into your life to make you better. The stylists I was working with also helped me get a lot of clientele. Later it got to the point of doing so much of personal shopper. I had to start doing my own as a stylist.
A year after that I opened my own showroom in LA, I had it for like 2 years, and from there I got to work with a music director from my country. He came to my showroom and told me he wanted to do a music video and I told him I’ve never explored a music video but of course, I love music. I felt at that moment that I was ready. That was my first music video and it had Christina Aguilera and Alejandro Hernandez in it. It was the best experience ever.
Since then I started styling for a music video, commercials, and of course personal shopping, which is my focus because that’s how I got off in my career.
Background influence
My Mom used to tell me, if you’re going to be something in life, do it well, do your best always and no matter what you go through, make it! That’s how I’ve always felt about my career. I’ve always wanted to create more and do my best, and keep going no matter what because I love what I’m doing. I ask myself, “What’s next?” I ask because the world is changing daily on the heels of new technologies. I’m more interested in how well technology will impact my profession and how we can develop the next step. Overall, I’m grateful to my parents for my background because they’re supportive.
Fashion Inspiration
I have so many people. I’ll say, God. **laughs** for me He has been my support, though many people that have helped me. In good and bad moments, I’ll always pray to Him for direction. He’s really blessing me and I’m grateful for that. God has also open doors for things I never really expect. For example, I got a job that my family’s connection cannot get me. I had to work hard and really make it happen. I never thought I was going to be able to go to LA as I used to live in Miami. I went to LA with nothing and I worked hard and the door opened. It is definitely Him.
Hard work and multitasking
Like I said before, in styling people think when we stylists get into the industry, everything is glamorous and would be perfect. However, you have to work hard. You have to do many things at once when you’re styling. You have to think not only like the pretty dressing and like what to get that amazing dress the client want. You must plan along the budget and time.
Job thrills
Right now, I’m heading to one of my biggest clients. I do their closet most of the time I have to work with some clients now. They’re going to Europe right now, I’m heading to their house, and I’m going to do their buy. I love this because I get to spend time with people, help with their event dresses, and when they travel, they teach me a lot. That is my typical day most of the time for personal shopping. I’ve helped clients do their red carpet styling too.
For commercial styling gigs, they come and go. In addition, we’re trying blogs, getting Ads, YouTube videos, getting more readers et al. It’s been quite a challenge but everything has worked pretty well.
Power of Confidence
Confidence relates to my line of work a lot because you give security to people when you’re styling them. People doubt themselves a lot, so it is necessary to be confident. I’ve read a lot of books like The Power of Now, the Bible, and of course, I work constantly on myself to perform extraordinarily. As a stylist let people feel powerful and confident, then they can trust you. Be true-no matter what. Be true to what you feel and what you’ll tell the client. Never tell them something because it’s going to be better for you. The truth will always set you free. They trust you. Build that trust with them no matter what.
I get told many times by clients that I give them the confidence to rock their dress before they find me truthful. I’ll like “oh that’s amazing”.
Personal style
Honestly, I love colors. I always try to be positive because I believe if you wear a color, you will always act that light. I’m very colorful. I like basic stuff as well. While I consider comfort, I tend to go chic and classic most of the time too. I love sunglasses and cool bag as accessories too. They will make a whole outfit.
Jeremy Mitchell is a fashion photographer that has turned the camera back on himself and shone a light on his own unique and wonderfully curated style. His look is one that has a lot of vintage inspiration but is so cleverly timeless that it looks suave and stylish no matter what the year on the calendar is.
Like so many fashion industry pros, Jeremy lives in and is based out of New York City. The city provides innumerable opportunities for contextual backdrops and lively sceneries.
“I love how every corner in NY gives you something different. It can be anything from food to culture, even the energy.”
– Jeremy Mitchell
When you follow Jeremy you can see that he isn’t pigeon-holing himself into any specific menswear category like suits, streetwear, casual, etc…
His style is one that flexes from casual to what would be suitable for a boardroom but always with a little something extra that makes you take a second look.
Steven Onoja is a style influencer and visual storyteller that uses his keen style eye and aesthetic to tell visual stories. Starting out as a mission to elevate the IG menswear fashion to another level with timeless looks and classic styles… Of course in today’s world of big brand social media influencers, Steven is telling a lot of brand stories through his personal style expression.
Born in Nigeria and moving to NYC, Steven says “It was difficult to leave the place where I grew up and considered my home, but I felt ready for a new challenge. New York in America was the right place and I moved to Brooklyn. Here I learned a lot because I understood that I needed to adapt to be competitive in a new country. Switching mentality was fundamental to keep expressing myself and New York helped me to do exactly that.”
If you follow Steven you’ll see a very restrained but beautifully minimal style palate that emphasizes timeless colors like black, white, and grey tones.
Style can involve a deep and more intimate perspective – like outwardly presenting your own vision of who you are.
– Steven Onoja
“I’m Grateful to God and feeling very blessed to have made it this far and grateful for all the people I’ve met in the process, both blessing and lessons.”
Style, travel, and motorcycles, Rachael Dickhute’s blog is definitely not one to go unnoticed. Rachael combines her years in the fashion industry along with her passion for travel and motorcycles in her successful blog, ‘Everything Hauler.’ Rachael has been running this blog for four years and as a pretty large following. Her unique combination of fashion and motorcycles not only makes this blog pretty badass, but it also makes it intriguing to a variety of audiences. “I worked in the fashion industry for years in the creative marketing fields. The blogging spun from that and evolves each year as I grow personally. Whether it’s my interests or style that expands, so does the site almost as if it were a living extension of myself,” Rachael says.
Her style
From a very young age, Rachael loved to explore and had loads of creativity. “ My father raised me on vinyl and my mother is an artist and avid reader. My family traveled often, military family, all over the world. I was exposed to culture early on which fed my thirst for education and mental expansion,” Rachael says. You can definitely see the inspiration from her childhood in her present style.
Rachael’s style is so eclectic yet so well put together at the same time. You get a vintage vibe with bohemian flare with a moto twist. She can also clean up nicely as well taking classiness to new levels.
“My style evolves over time as my interests change. When I travel, I pick up on styles in the areas I visit. My favorite genre of music is classic rock, so depending on which songs put me into which moods, that’s what mostly fosters my style evolution,” Rachael says.
Motorcycles
Rachael has an eye for fashion and a passion for motorcycles. “I believe the obsession with motorcycles came from listening to classic rock (ACDC, CCR, etc) my whole life. I decided I wanted to ride and reached out to a local Moto Club, the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club. They have organized group rides every third Sunday out of Venice beach, which I found on Facebook. I had already purchased my own gear so I just showed up and literally hopped on the back of one of their bikes,” Rachael explains. Now, a year later, Rachael owns her own vintage Harley Sportster. She also rides with two local clubs and have made lifelong friends. “The style side of riding motorcycles is really just a perk! Can’t go wrong with denim and leather.”
Branding
Previously, Rachael worked in the marketing field of the fashion industry. Her years of doing that left her with an extensive network. “I am the type of person that can have a lasting relationship with a brick wall if I wanted to. So I think with my social personality and eagerness to meet people, I have really fallen into some amazing opportunities,” Rachael says. Her personality and drive is what brings success to her blog. “I never falter with my ‘personal brand voice’, if you will. I noticed an increase in engagement the more genuine my writing is.” Her personalization has been key to keeping viewers intrigued. She adds her personal touches to each post by allowing her audience to gain insight on the things that inspire her the most. “I started to embed which song inspired my posts into the post themselves using Spotify. I was more interested in giving the music, art and inspiration behind my writing rather than telling people what was ‘in style’. I also noticed that the people that were engaging were actually reading the site, versus just peeking at the pictures. They would comment personal things like ‘I felt the same way when I listened to that song!’ or ‘I love that quote from Kerouac!’ That really made me love what I do,” Rachael says.
As for the future of Rachael’s brand, who knows what may be in store. “I am more the type of person that lives day to day. Hopefully, I will be still riding my Harley and empowering women all over to do what they love and share it with the world,” Rachael says. She would love to incorporate more of an empowerment movement along the way. “I feel with social media, existing body image issues and self-worth beginning to slide down a dangerous path of measuring self-worth. I would love to team up with others with an influence like myself and do something powerful toward good. It seems like a massive undertaking but I feel we have the platform, we’ve established a voice, now we need to do something greater with it,” Rachael says.
Rachael also wants to continue her travels around the world. “I’ve got tons of travel in my future and I am constantly brainstorming on how I can deliver higher quality collaborations with my efforts while working with brands.”
“ Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
What style/fashion accessory is your favorite?
Cross body bags have come in very handy now that I am riding motorcycles. They are the perfect size and won’t fall off my shoulder when riding. My Herschel backpack is also a key accessory. It’s my personal Mary Poppins bag, it fits everything!
If you can/could consider yourself an expert in one area of style/fashion, what would it be?
Music. I can identify a song just two notes in. I memorize lyrics easily and go to live shows and concerts often.
Can you give me a tutorial on how people can best incorporate that style/fashion advice in their life?
The best way to incorporate style/trends into their life if the make it their own. Get inspired by others and then adjust it to fit your custom flare. I find myself getting outfit inspiration from other bloggers and then I change it to fit my personality and preference. That way I am comfortable and being unique and forward at the same time.
Fashion industry expert & model Thania Peck is the creator of the popular blog, ‘Catcher in the Style’ as well as a fashion director.
Fashion industry expert & model Thania Peck is the creator of the popular blog, ‘Catcher in the Style’ as well as a fashion director.
Giving Back
Fashion isn’t Thania’s only passion. She also has a heavy interest in working with charities. Often time she uses photos on her blog to create a message for the charities. She uses her blog to promote many different charities. A couple of those charities are the Young and Brave Foundation and R-Ranch. She also pairs philanthropy with the various brand campaigns that she coordinates. “I want to use my status in the industry to make an impact in the world. It feels good to help people,” Thania says. She uses the events to gain more exposure for the charities and donates a portion of the proceeds to them as well.
Blogging Style
Thania blogs about the newest fashion trends that interest her. She usually focuses on on the cutting edge of where the industry is going. The blogosphere is fast paced and it allows people to share new trends at a rapid pace. Thania says this is in part because “we post trends at a fast pace, faster than magazines.” In addition to that, she uses her blog to display new trends in street style. This is what translates each particular piece from the market to the consumer. “You get to see the product on real people of different body types.”
“As bloggers, we’re basically taking clothes and showing you how to style it,”
Sure, 6-foot models look pretty dashing in designer clothes on the runway, but it’s a lot easier to imagine yourself in an outfit when you can see it interpreted by someone who shares your unique tastes. “It’s all about the interpretation from market to consumer. Most people see clothes in a store and think ‘How would I wear that!?’ Im here to provide an answer to that question.”
Thania also gets to put a lot of her personality into the outfits she pieces together. She describes her personal style as edgy, chic, and tomboyish. All of that personality it is reflected through the outfits Thania styles. “Putting together outfits is like puzzle pieces,” Thania says. She also likes to add her favorite accessories to complete the look. Thania particularly loves shoes and hand bags. “If you have a perfect chic shoe and an iconic bag, that’s going to tie your outfit together.” Thania also expresses that one of the best parts of blogging is if you don’t like her particular style, there are many other bloggers you can view different styles from.
“My style isn’t for everyone,” says Thania. “But the great thing about fashion blogging is that I can pair a dress with combat boots while my friend pairs the same dress with a pair of heels! Two great looks, two different styles.”
What are some up and coming Fall fashion trends?
Velvet( Blazers and shoes) Red and Blush Pink colors Leather jackets over dresses Over the knee boots Suede skirts Bomber jackets Military inspired clothing Embroidery on jeans and jackets Re-done/Patched Jeans
Craig Steely explores the creative expression behind architecture.
The creative arts field is a huge industry. You have people that do everything from painting, drawing, music production, to fashion designing. But, one creative expression we often forget is the art of architecture. Ever just looked at a building design and explored the beauty of the structure? The aesthetic and the function is so personal. And each architect has their own style.
Craig Steely has been in the architecture field for many years. From an early age he knew he wanted to be an architect. “I remember the moment it “gelled” for me. I was around 14 and visiting the Sea Ranch community along the northern coast of California. I had spent the morning wandering around construction sites and sketching houses. Back at the place we were staying I found an old Sunset magazine laying around and honestly it was probably the first time I ever realized there was a thing called an “architect”—something different from just building, more like thinking about the possibilities of building.” Craig recalls.
“I remember thinking “I should do this, I could do this!”
Designing Process
The creative process of designing building is much like that of designing fashion or creating music. You want it to have a certain appeal. You also want to invoke some of your own style through the structural design. Even though you have a client to please, creating a design is sort of like an extension of you. Craig, like many designers, has a sketch pad with models that he envisions in his head. Once a client becomes available he can then make modifications that incorporate the needs of his client.
Once the building comes to life, the finish product will still capture the essence and design of what he envisioned while remaining functional for the needs of his client. In comparison to fashion design, it’s sort of like the designer who creates a beautiful piece of clothing for a high profile celebrity. The celebrity requires alterations so things get modified to accommodate the wants and needs of the star. “It’s like solving a riddle. When I’m designing, in my mind I have “glimpses” of a finished project. Then at a certain point while designing, I begin to see the shapes come to life before my eyes,” Craig says.
The Client
Imagine you have the resources to build your dream home. You have this elaborate list of things you just have to have. Of course the typical person can’t just pull out the bricks and cement and build their home without any help. Your best bet is to find an architect. It’s important to find one that can relate to your style. It’s their job to take the vision you have in your head and put it before your eyes. That’s why the relationship between the architect and the client is so critical. “The clients become good friends.” Finished buildings come out so much better when the foundation of the building is the relationship developed between the architect and client.
“You should only work for clients you respect. Only do projects you can find something interesting in—be protective of your passion for what you do.”
Projects
Craig has done projects all over the world. In fact one of the aspects of his job that he finds most rewarding is the places that architecture has taken him. Some of his most rewarding projects have been located on the Hawaiian Islands. “My Hawaii projects as a whole feel like a strong step towards an architecture that connects to nature in a contemporary way using contrast along with other more subtle ways of relating to the land than just the visual.” He is inspired to create architecture that integrates technological advances to nature. Where better to find inspiration than in the beauty of nature. “Architecture is uniquely positioned to promote the understanding that technology and nature must co-exist together. For me it’s continuing the search in my projects for a balance between rustic camping and the feeling of the Farnsworth House.”
“Travel to experience great buildings.”
Who do you consider the classic icons in architecture?
I’m interested in the work of Paulo Mendes De Rocha in Brazil, particularly his houses from the 70’s. There is a roughness and purity to the forms and materials that create a sensuality to the spaces.
What books would you recommend?
Read everything!
Read the architect and writer Pierluigi Serriano. I don’t know anyone more versed and knowledgeable on the roots of California Modernism. He searches out the rare and obscure. And he has a visceral and deeply personal knowledge of it — tracking down buildings and befriending the surviving architects involved to get a deeper narrative. Read all of his books. They can be read on multiple levels— visually (they are always filled with great architecture photos), as historic architecture narrative, or about the personalities of the architects behind seminal buildings.
Modern design in architecture is often revered and misunderstood at the same time. Why do you think that people in America have such misunderstood feelings about modernism?
Perhaps the misunderstanding comes from experiencing poor or inappropriate examples of it. Or maybe it is because some people see the world changing too quickly and others want it to change faster. I think it comes down to those who look forward or only look backwards. To me it seems inappropriate to build with new technologies and materials in any other way.
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