JAZZI, & Her SNAZZY Life

Remember me mentioning that I was going to start booking interviews with up and coming fashion masterminds? Well I wasn't lying and have actually been on the ball, emailing as many worthy candidates as possible. With luck and determination, I was able to land my first consultation with an amazing young female already intertwined in the fashion industry.

In the vast community of thriving fashionistas/os, stand a few proficient enough to maintain the actual "dream job." One of these persons with the capability to proudly except their spot on that pedestal, is Jazzi McGilbert. Starting her career at the extremely young age of 14, she's a true success story of working your way from the bottom to the top. With her fair and heavy share of internships, Jazzi has worked with and has been featured in Teenvogue Magazine, wrote and did fashionable street interviews for Fashionista.com, contributed to Planet Magazine, and even styled for multiple photo and video shoots.

After stating that she one day hopes to start her own her magazine, this young entrepreneur is well on her way. I just recently sat down and wrote a few questions for Jazzi, interested on how she got to where she is today.

1. Is there a specific time that you can single out, having a revelation on fashion being your future?
I can't think of a singular moment, but I've always loved getting dressed.

2. What was your first job in the industry, and how old were you.
Contributor at Teen Vogue at age 14.

3. Did you first come into your career though connections - or is everything self done?
I didn't start out with any connections, just a lot of ambition.

4. Did you do anything in High School to prepare yourself more for your future?
I spent most of high school in the theater. It was the most expressive place I could find. I did costumes, makeup, directing, acting, singing, and dancing and met some of the most creative people in my life there. I also learned a lot about team work and dedication. I really loved it.

5. You went to The New School; what was your basis for choosing this "unconventional" college.
My high school was very liberal and allowed me to feel comfortable breaking rules. I'm a troublemaker, and I needed a city and school where I could at least feel comfortable being "different". The New School seemed to fit that and was New York City. But I left the New School, so take that for what it's worth.

6. How did you come about choosing your major? Has this affected your career for the better, or is it more about work experience?
It was between Journalism and Art History. I ended up combining Journalism and Media Studies because it made the most sense for me, and I still got to take some Art History classes. I have qualms with the educational system as it stands today. I'm an advocate of good foundations, work experience, and well-rounded experience in general - whether or not you get that is the classroom is up to you.

7. From your blog, it shows that you are back in LA. Was moving to New York worth it, or do you wish you stayed and expanded your career here?
I'm pretty bi-coastal, and I like that. NY and LA are both really great - but both in moderation.

8. I read that you wanted to someday start a magazine. Do you have a set vibe or theme that you want to accomplish - like more independent or published/ conde nast style. Any inspirations?
Yes! Starting a magazine is one of my big-time goals. That would be a dream come true. I think it makes more sense for me to do something independent. I have more to say than "buy this!", but I'm not delusional, I know a magazine has to make money, too. So if Conde wanted to fund it and still let me do my thing, hey, I'm down, but I'm not aiming for them in particular. I have solid ideas about aesthetics, content, who I'd want to work on it, etc. I'm inspired by a lot, it couldn't just be a traditional fashion mag.

9. How does your style now, compare to when you were in junior high?
I think my style is just as expressive now as it was then, but I'm less insecure about not fitting in. I also have a larger fashion vocabulary now than I did then. I have a lot more to reference and a lot more to say. Sometimes it's as simple as "I want to be feminine," and I can say that with more than something pink.

10. It seems as if you have your hand in every aspect of fashion. Is there a certain job that you prefer above the others?
I love coming up with ideas, prepping for shoots, collaborating, and being on a set/on location. I'm an ideas girl - I think I'd like to Creative Direct above all. But I love everything I do - I'd hate to choose one.

11. Cliche Question: Any advice for aspiring younguns like me, who want to pursue a career in fashion - journalism, styling, PR, exc?
Work hard, be nice, be confident, ask questions, and don't get caught up in the superficial. Oh, and read my blog.

Find her at, JazziMCG.com, her blog.

.. forever,cory