Yoko Jak dreams of becoming a fashion editor and hopes to one-day dress Tessa Thompson. Her styling influences are Rihanna, Virgil Abloh, and Jaden Smith, to name a few.
“Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t get caught up in what you don’t have. Some of my best and highly regarded work has been when I created something out of nothing.”
– Yoko Jak
How did you get into styling?
I started the industry as a model first. I would style myself for a lot of my shoots, so the transition into styling was pretty seamless.
Describe your styling aesthetic.
Well, because my mother is African, I have a natural love for cultural style, bold colors, and prints. But, honestly, I don’t have one set style. I’m a lover of fashion across the board. As a stylist, I believe you have to be open-minded because you don’t always know what to job is.
Who are your style influences?
- Solange
- Rihanna
- Janelle Monáe
- Jaden smith
- Tracey Ellis Ross
- Jidenna
- Virgil Abloh
- Erykah Badu
If you could style anyone, who would it be, and why?
I would love to style Tessa Thompson! I love her style, and I’m obsessed with her face and has such a down to earth personality.
What trends do you love at the moment?
Honestly, I’ve never been a trend-type of person. I like what I like. But if I had to pick one, I would say animal prints. You need at least one animal print piece in your closet.
Which celebrity stylist do you think are killing it?! And why?
Kollin Carter is a genius! He turned Cardi into a fashion icon!
If you could crown a style king and Queen, who would they be?
King: Pharrell Williams
Queen: Rihanna
You seem to have a strong partnership with Iris Bonner creator of These Pink Lips, how did that come into fruition?
Well, first, I was her customer. I always love the brand. She painted a picture of me in 2012. I modeled for her, and we’ve been following each other from then on.
One day she reached out to me for a collab she was doing with Maison Margiela. I was so nervous because I was new to styling, and that was my first big gig at that time. But she trusted me fully. If it weren’t for her given me that opportunity, I’m not sure I’d be where I am now.
What’s next for the Yoko styling brand?
Honestly, I would love to style a movie. My ultimate goal is to become a fashion editor.
What advice would you offer to a beginning stylist?
I would say don’t be afraid to take risks and don’t get caught up in what you don’t have. Some of my best and highly regarded work has been when I created something out of nothing.
Follow Yoko J. via Instagram @iamyoko.j
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