Interview: Taylor Jacobson, Love Taylor
Though you may know her as the always-annoyed, no-nonsense super-assistant on The Rachel Zoe Project, Taylor Jacobson is far more friendly than the show has let on. Intelligent, funny and totally game, Jacobson seems…dare I say it? Happy. It might have something to do with the stylist breaking off on her own & doing her own thing. And frankly, it’s about time! We sat down with the savvy stylist to talk about her personal style, her most memorable shoots and her new blog.
As expected, Taylor Jacobson is impeccably dressed. She dons an ensemble of mostly black, including a black leather vest (that I want to steal from her). Gold accessories. And that enviable hair. And me? Well, I’m…late. But the startlingly pretty petite sits smiling. Yes, Taylor Jacobson is such a total…wait for it…charmer.
The Rachel Zoe Project
After running in to meet Taylor Jacobson, shaking her hand and taking a seat – Taylor has almost invisibly noticed my boots and asks me where I got them. “I feel like I just pulled those.” They are not, in fact, the same ones…but somehow, I feel validated. Having caught the eye of one of LA’s biggest & hard-working stylists gives me confidence. And she is indeed one of LA’s most sought-after stylists – with a legion of fans born from her time on The Rachel Zoe Project. But what is Taylor up to now? Well, we aimed to find out…
SB: Let’s start with some background information. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I was born back east in Stamford, Connecticut but moved out here when I was a kid (around ten years old) and I grew up in Los Angeles. So, I’m an LA girl.
SB: And how would you describe your styling aesthetic?
I really like clean lines and very polished, manicured looks – but with some kind of accessory or jacket that adds a twist. Think ‘ladies that lunch…with edge;’ uptown meets downtown; that kind of stuff. But I wouldn’t say I have one particular look that I like. I like it all.
SB: And how did you get into the fashion industry? What would you say your ‘big break’ was?
I went to FIDM to study Fashion Design. But I’ve been working in the fashion industry in some way, shape or form for as long as I can remember. Whether it was in retail or on sets doing PA stuff for films and music videos, I’ve been working forever getting my foot in the door; meeting this person and that person.
The whole celebrity styling thing actually came about when my boyfriend told me to come out to lunch with some of his friends. I was like ‘Ughhh, I don’t want to go out to lunch with your friends.’ But it turned out that one of those people was best friends with Jessica Paster, a stylist. She ended up being the first celebrity stylist that I assisted.
SB: What is your process in styling? Do you start with research? Mood boards? Is it just random inspiration? How do you go about it?
It depends on the project. If it’s a photo shoot and they want something to do with cabaret – I’ll search the internet; look through magazines; get tear sheets; get a kind of a feeling of that genre. If it’s a basic ‘I-need-an-outfit-for-lunch’ assignment, I’ll just go to Barneys and pick up a cute pair of Levi’s and a blazer. It really depends on the project.
SB: Do you specialize in any one area? And where would you like to be more involved?
SB: With studio photo shoots in particular – what are the things that make them enjoyable/challenging for you as a stylist? And how do they compare to live events, etc.?
Well, for photography you shoot from different angles and you can cheat the fit of a jacket; you can make a size 8 fit a size 0. Doing photo shoots, you can cheat more than in real life. You can tweak whatever you’re working on. In real life, on a red carpet you can’t walk with clamps down your back. It has to fit. It has to be tailored to the body.
SB: Do you prefer one over the other?
I like everything. I’m really happy and fortunate that I get to work on all different types of projects.
SB: Can you talk about what it’s like working with other creatives & producers? How is it to getting everyone on the same page?
SB: What are some of the most memorable shoots you’ve worked on?
And then I also had an opportunity to do a shoot in Prague, which was amazing because that city is just gorgeous.
SB: Who are the other creatives and stylists out there that you admire?
There are so many people I admire. From Mario Testino to Andrea Leiberman — she is one of the most talented stylists out there. I was fortunate enough to work with her and the way that she works is incredible. She can just sketch out a little dress with feathers and make it happen. I admire her work a lot.
SB: Styling went from being “behind-the-scenes” to something that the world is fascinated with itself. What can you say about how it’s changed & all the attention it’s getting?
Well, it’s definitely gone from something that has always been behind-the-scenes to something that’s now put out there for everyone to see. It’s good in one way because it gives exposure to stylists and hair & makeup people. People can kind of see the process of what goes on; see that it isn’t glamorous; it isn’t easy. In one way it legitimizes the industry. It shows that fashion isn’t [sings a high-pitched, warbly tone] la-la-la. It’s like a real job. There are things on the line. There are deadlines. There are real issues that have to be dealt with.
SB: How do you deal with it yourself? – with people now recognizing you & your work?
Again, I’m very fortunate that I’ve gotten the opportunities and exposure that I have. I did do the show for two seasons and it was…difficult. I had a job to do and I had cameras following me around; it was stressful. But it is what it is. It’s weird that people are interested in what goes on.
And now, you definitely have quite the fan following.
It’s so funny. I think that they are…confused. [Laughs]
It’s funny that you kind of have this ‘grumpy’ persona on the show. But I’m not getting any of that.
I know, I really was portrayed that way. Everyone thinks I’m this bitch. But I’m really not. It’s one thing that I would like to clear up. When the show was going on I was at a really difficult point in my life and I was really stressed out.
And now you’re on your own, pursuing your own projects. What’s the latest one we can talk about?
I’m doing a blog for Everyday Minerals. They’re this great company and I’m kind of ‘joining their family.’ The blog is called ‘Love Taylor.’ It’s about everything that interests me; things that go on in LA that I enjoy, style crushes, latest trends, art galleries that are opening–what I’m interested in. It’s a great platform for me to tell people, if they care, about what I have to say and the things that I’m interested in.
SB: Speaking of your take on the latest trends – what’s your trend forecast? What exciting thing are you seeing & loving right now? Anything disappointing or annoying?
There is one thing…and I know a lot of people don’t agree, but i really like the clogs! Those Chanel clogs! I’m sorry but my mom was rocking a pair of clogs at a dinner party and I thought it was so cool. They were really cute. The Celine ones are great. I like ‘em. I’m sorry, but I do.
I like the vibrancy & the bright colors due in spring, especially considering the bleak economy. But I think for fall, it’s going to come right back to androgynous, sharp shoulders, clean lines. I definitely see an androgynous feeling. And a bit of prep mixed with grunge— like ‘garage prep’.
Chanel clogs
SB: Any trends you hate?
Nothing in particular. If someone wants to like express themselves through fashion…fine, do it.
SB: Speaking of trends, what inspires a trend? Do we just recycle trends & borrow from other eras & cultures? Or do we create whole new ones?
I think that designers pull their inspiration from their lives. It can come from movies, art, architecture…it’s just living and experiencing life. Designers take that and translate those things into clothes and concepts for fashion shows – and that’s how trends are born. Trends are born wayyy before runway shows. Shows just allow them to have a public; people can see them presented. They give them notoriety.
SB: What’s one timeless tip you can give us, that will never go out of style?
Always stay true — just because the magazines, or the runways, or the stores are pushing a particular trend, doesn’t mean you have to follow it. If you don’t feel comfortable with it, don’t do it.
SB: Working on anything new & exciting that can we look forward to?
I do have something new that I’m working on. I’m collaborating with someone (and I can’t say who) but I’m very excited about it. It’ll be a completely new, different thing for me that I’ve not experienced before. It has something to do with fashion…obviously. And it’s gonna be really cool. But…I can’t tell you anything else.
SB: What a tease! Well then, you do have to answer a reader submitted question. Readers want to know – how do you maintain you tousled blond locks?
Oh god, my hair is like falling out right now. It’s really bad…because I bleach it every 2 weeks. I’m trying to take a break and maybe go…three weeks? [Laughs] That, and I put a lot of baby powder in it.
Now for some Quick Questions with Taylor Jacobson…
Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry…like addicted. Like, I’m getting the shakes right now because it’s buzzing and I’m just ignoring it.
Fall fashions or Spring fashions?
Fall. I love Fall.
Team Edward or Team Jacob?
OBVIOUSLY Edward. Love him. Lovvvvve him.
Favorite fashion era?
I like the silhouettes from the 50′s a lot. Love the 40′s. And the 20′s.
Recent LA find?
A store called “SCRE.” It’s a store off of Las Palmas and they do all these amazing leather fringe pieces; very editorial looking. They’re “show” pieces done with a lot of fringe and fur. They have this jacket suspended from the ceiling with a light-bulb glowing from within it. It’s really dramatic and very cool.
Any New Year’s resolution(s)?
I already broke them all.
Two weeks into the New Year and you’ve already broken them?
Try ‘two hours [laughs].
Most people would be surprised to know that…
I like to scooter. I like to scooter all around. And I like to skate and snowboard. I’m horrible at it and I fall down all the time. But I’m into that kind of stuff.
Any guilty pleasures?
50 million. But I feel like I don’t really know what a guilty pleasure is. I feel like everything I take pleasure in, normal people would be like ‘you’re such a weirdo!’ My whole life is a guilty pleasure.
We read once that your guilty pleasure was having candlelit dinners with Brad Goreski.
[Laughs] That’s amazing. Yes, that was definitely a guilty pleasure. Sleep overs and dinners by candle light.
Five things you absolutely need to make it through the day?
Powder (Everyday Minerals pressed powder). My blackberry. Chewing gum. Water. I have so many. Mascara. My cell phone (which I have separate from my BB). And…a toilet. [Laughs] I go to the bathroom like 50 thousand times a day. I pee a lot. I’m a bathroom loser. And actually, my first blog post is all about my “essentials” – the things I can’t live without, will never take off and what makes me, well, me.
Three things that you wish you could cut out completely.
I would like to cut out the annoying cattiness that this business brings – because there is so much of it. I’d cut out the drama & the gossip. These are things that are really…unfortunate. There is so much gossiping going on on all different levels and I just don’t like it. Recently, I’ve experienced a lot of that and…I mean, we’re all adults here. We’re not kids. So, I’d like to remove those things…along with [laughs]…pollution, war; the recession and terrorism.
Finish the sentence(s).
Always… hungry.
Never… stop trying.
taylor is hottttt
Thanks! I love Taylor!!!!
It’s really nice to see Taylor again! Can’t wait to see what the future brings for you
TEAM TAYLOR!
Clogs, I love it.
Finally, some news on Taylor. Can’t wait to see her new project. Exciting! Rachel Zoe is passe; Taylor is the future. I love, love, love her aesthetic. Funny what she said about the clogs… i’m a closet fan, well not really since i do wear them (my Chloe wedge clogs!). I love her honesty and her answers are funny and clever. 2010 is going to be a great year!
Taylor was a hard worker and was passed over at Rachael Zoe for a new employee that sucked up. Hang in there, your hard work will pay off.