Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylen Robichaux.
Hi Jaylen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From early on I was a nonconformist. Aesthetics- at first- weren’t all that important to me. I experimented with bleach and wearing women’s clothes, just shit I didn’t think much about- just liked the look of. This notion followed me to high school.
It was a small, private boarding school with roughly 400 people so everyone knew everyone. This melting pot of different peoples in the Appalachia opened my eyes to what else the world had to offer, yet it seemed to box us all in. The uniforms stripped us of our individuality, and the comfort of our own cultures segregated us into cliques- at least that’s how I imagine the NPC’s felt. My mind and curiosity began to blossom. The strict dress code tested my creativity. How could I modify the uniform to be suited for me? The diversity allowed me to make friends and learn about different cultures. What is it like to be immersed elsewhere? It was here my journey began and I became inspired.
Due to some familial issues my time here was cut short and so was my desire to continue to pursue what I believed to be my true passion.
2019, I returned to Atlanta at roughly 15 years old. In public school for the first time, I began skipping classes to go to the skate park and explore the city.
I was kicked out a few times and found family in places I’d never known to exist. It was during this time I began to find my style.
Working at Zumiez, I often dressed the part. Spitfire, Dickies, DC’s or Nike Sb’s- board always nearby, ya boi looked fresh off the set of ‘Mid90’s. The frugal, thrifted stoner look soon evolved into a 70’s savant. Shortly after that shift in style, I’d gotten a job at the Clothing Warehouse to support my new addiction to vintage clothing.
Working in Atlanta’s creative hub, it was inevitable that I’d meet many like minded individuals. This was where my passion for fashion was reignited. Zoe (Bayani) -vintage connoisseur by day, indie rockstar by night- shared a lot of her vintage knowledge with me. From single stitch tees, to Gunne Sax and “Big E Levis” she seemed to know everything there was to know about everything. Tori’s (Ruiz) confidence was contagious and her ability to wear whatever she wants rubbed off on me. Not saying I always pull it off as good as her, but it definitely opened up my closet (like my actual wardrobe). By chance- an odd series of mutuals from a match on Yubo when I first moved back to Atl- I met Ryo (Sato), an up and coming photographer at the time. I’d been a personal stylist to anyone who walked through the doors of that store, but because of him, I was inspired to do more.
I pursued freelance styling. It worked and it didn’t. Meeting new people, creating together and helping bring each others’ visions to life was fun, but surviving off that alone is hard. I’m sure many Atlanta creatives starting out can relate. I had to step away to find my footing as these creative endeavors can get expensive really quick.
In all honesty my love for clothes and fashion is wavering and I imagine it always will be. To be frank, it all feels so trivial when our liberties are being stripped from us and our freedoms threatened. Then again- fashion isn’t about clothes. Fashion is anything that pertains to culture, history, politics, literature, and quite literally anything of relevance to society and the world as a whole. The industry is a double-edged sword of this view, but indie magazines and local media like Voyage are the key to change.
Let’s just say “I think I got my swagger back”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
F**k no. Most of us aren’t nepo babies and have to fight for even a plastic spork, let alone a silver spoon.
A smooth road?Have you seen the potholes here? Add the other antics of Atlanta and you’re just grateful to live another day.
Despite what may seem like a pessimistic outlook, Atlanta already is and will continue to grow. The opportunities are here you just have to look for them. I say that to say, most of the struggle for me is financial. Yeah, personal challenges like failed projects, lost loves, and homelessness have gotten in the way but they’ve never hindered me. Truth be told, I love that shit; it inspires me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When asked to work on a project, I do a few things.
I started off as a stylist back in 2022. As I worked with more models and photographers, I began casting talent and helping produce projects as well. I specialize in working on small budget projects and making do with what the team has even on a time crunch.
I could say I’m proud of that and my ability to put together a clothing ensemble, but most of all, I take pride in bringing people together. Casting the right talent for a project and finding the perfect location for said grouping brings me the most joy; I believe the artist knows this when asking for my assistance with bringing their vision to life.
Since I’ve mostly stepped away from set life this past year, I’ve gotten into motorcycles. Somehow bikes have gotten back onto set. Renting a bike here and there has paid more than styling & casting a lot of times. I can’t lie and say I don’t enjoy making a few bucks to support my adrenaline addiction.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. There is however a time and place for everything.
Trusting my gut or following my heart has typically worked well for me, but when in doubt flip a coin. Your paths will cross based on each other’s individual decisions.
Pricing:
- Motorcycle Rental $75/hr
- Daily Motorcycle rental $329/day
- Wardrobe Consultation: $129/day
- Sourcing/ Styling: Budget + Consultation fees
- Casting: Prices vary by talent/ agency
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whosmilo129
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylen-robichaux-257413264
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whosthatmf129
Image Credits
1) Photographer Sydney Patterson
Prop Jaylen Robichaux
2) Photographer Rachel Tomsche
Designer Akitsugu Hayashi
Casting Director Jaylen Robichaux
Stylist Jaylen Robichaux
Producer Jaylen Robichaux
3)Photographer Rosana Lucia
Stylists Victoria Ruiz; Jaylen Robichaux
4) Photographer Rachel Tomsche
Designer Akitsugu Hayashi
Casting Director Jaylen Robichaux
Stylist Jaylen Robichaux
Producer Jaylen Robichaux
5) Photographer Ryo Sato
Stylist Jaylen Robichaux
6) Photographer Lucas Tam
Stylist Jaylen Robichaux
7) Photographer Rosana Lucia
Stylists Victoria Ruiz; Jaylen Robichaux
8) Photographer Lucas Tam
Stylist Jaylen Robichaux
