Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Toronto Pictures
We just can't get enough of stylist Jay Johnson! From editorial shoots, movies, television, the red carpet, Jay is everywhere! He's one of the most highly sought out stylist in NYC. Can you believe he's only been doing this for less than 3 years! Well we love him, he is dear to us at The Tesla Group and to the cast & crew of "The Trend" Good work Jay.
Martha Wash In Jovani : Jay Johnson
US singer Martha Wash arrives on the red carpet at the Cinema Against AIDS gala benefit in Toronto, Canada, on 12 September 2010. The event is held during the Toronto International Film Festival and benefits The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and Dignitas International. EPA/SARAH DEA
JAY JOHNSON
It’s hard to believe that in less than three years former Kindergarten teacher, Jay Johnson, has become one of the fastest growing and most prominent fashion stylists in New York City. But in fact, the Detroit native’s natural passion for fashion has lead into an evolving multi-faceted career working with celebrities, fashion houses, and magazine editors alike.
In mid 2008 Jay was approached by a close friend who told him about an open position at Macy’s in Herald Square, New York City, as a Senior Visual Merchandiser. Jay knew this was an opportunity that he could not pass on and immediately flew to New York City. Jay had one request at his interview with Macy's Visual Director. He asked to style five manikins in place of him having no experience or portfolio. Landing the job on the spot, Jay now says, “I knew I could show him better then tell him”. It wasn't long before Jay packed his bags and made New York City his new home.
Jay quickly learned the ins and outs of creating new looks and trend presentations as a visual merchandiser, and moved on after six months. Through the power of networking, Jay met international fashion photographer Richard Warren. Shortly after meeting, the two began working together with Jay as the head stylist on an editorial fashion shoot that was published nationally, followed by an international ad campaign for the London based company, Snob Food.
2009 became the year that Jay’s early accomplishments took flight, He gained the interests of designers such as Elizabeth Brady and Michael Anthony, who wanted him to be their lead stylist for their campaigns. As a result, Jay secured editorial placements in fashion magazines such as: Zink, Spot, Six degrees, 944, La Dior, Eliza, and Jimon. He also received the opportunity to work as a fashion intern at Teen Vogue. Although his experience was far from amateur, Jay accepted the internship knowing that Teen Vogue would only enhance his skills as a stylist and further his knowledge of the fashion industry.
In addition to working for Teen Vogue, Jay signed on in late 2009 as a stylist for a new television lifestyle series entitled “The Trend,” with former B.E.T Rap City host/ DJ Mad Linx and model actress, Joli Robinson. Since it’s hard to gain clients’ initial trust when styling, according to Jay he is now in a position where he can grow with his clients where trust begins to make a statement and sets trends based on their own personal style. “I make the name come to light through their clothing, which adds to their confidence,” says Jay. “They can walk up to anyone and interview them because they look and feel good.”
Now in 2010 the gifted and unstoppable Jay Johnson is on cloud nine continuing to work with platinum R&B artists such as Letoya Luckett, and Tyrese Gibson, the cast of “The Trend”, where he plans to make a strong statement in the world of television, and renowned fashion photographers such as Stephanie Seliskar. This is only the beginning for Mr. Jay Johnson, a rare find, yet a wonderful contribution to the world of fashion and styling.
