Today we’d like to introduce you to Lafayette Lemon.
Lafayette, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in fashion began as a kid growing up in Mesquite, Tx. Due to finances, I wasn’t always able to wear what I wanted or often felt uncomfortable in the clothes that I owned. As a teenager, this sparked a desire to make clothing for people who also struggled to afford clothes like I did.
I decided to attend The Art Institute of Dallas, from which I graduated with a Bachelors’s degree in Fashion Design. While in school I was exposed to the world of fashion shows and fashion show production. Volunteering every opportunity I could, I was able to meet key players in the Dallas area and cultivate relationships with people that I still do work with to this day.
Early on in my career I had the pleasure of being introduced to Rhonda Sargent Chambers, who is a pioneer within the Dallas fashion show industry. Through her, I was not only exposed to the fashion show world but I was also able to learn valuable lessons through her teachable moments, as many people who work under her can attest too.
While volunteering, I worked at Nordstrom where I exposed to higher-end clothing as well as a clientele that would help build the base for the work I do now. I’m someone who is constantly looking for ways to express my creativity! Although I have now been working in the fashion industry for a decade doing retail, Fashion Shows or photo shoots, it all still somehow feels like the beginning.
Styling has been my primary focus for the past two years. There’s something about helping people find their confidence through clothing. I currently work at Northpark Center as a stylist for Rodd and Gunn, a menswear store based in New Zealand. I also do freelance styling on photoshoots and work as a professional dresser through Kim Dawson Modeling Agency on numerous fashion events throughout the city.
All in all, I’m a busy bee doing what I can to reach every goal I set. I’m very excited to see where my career goes next and I look forward to continually makes waves in a big way.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road, but I can say things have steadily moved forward in spite of the obstacles that arose. I think one of the biggest things that everyone in this field will have to endure is saying positive when things get rough. I spent a lot of time questioning whether or not this is what I want to do. I think it’s something we all ask ourselves in whatever field of work we are in but then I work a gig or see a Fashion Show or do a photo shoot and I realize that I love every aspect of my work.
Another obstacle is just the money, it doesn’t always show up right away in this field, sometimes you have to establish yourself before you can see the money. I volunteered for years before I started getting paid for what I do. The consistency and passion to work for fun put me in the viewpoint of those who had the potential and means to advance my fashion career.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance stylist and professional Fashion Show dresser. I specialize in menswear but I do all categories. Most people know me from the many shows that I do around the Dallas metroplex as well as for my work as a stylist at Northpark Center.
Although I am a one-man show, I’m most proud of the fact that I actually am doing what I love to do. When I decided to attend fashion school I had an idea of the work I wanted to do and where I saw myself. Every step I take, every job I take, every person I meet pushes me closer to my end goal and I know that I will get there soon enough.
I think the biggest thing that will set anyone in this field apart from another person is their personal perspective, it’s something that no one else has and no one else can take. My viewpoint is my differentiator.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The fashion industry is constantly changing and the changes are happening at a quicker rate every year. I think one of the biggest shifts I see happening in the industry is that more and more people now have access to platforms that allow them to do it for themselves. Personalization is a huge movement that is happening and not only in our market but in markets across the board.
There are already huge shifts and how people shop today versus five years ago. I think that trajectory will continue. People have a voice with their dollar and so I think companies will really start to see how the public favors certain brands based not only on their actual products but also on their social, political, and world view.
Contact Info:
- Website: Lafayettelemon.com
- Email: lafayettele10@gmail.com
- Instagram: LafayetteLemon
Image Credit:
Christian Torres-Photographer, Jeyson Paez- Photographer, Michael Ramos- Photographer
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
