Saturday, March 9, 2013

Jillian Mercado


 Photographed By Ellinor Forje

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND STORY?

I am a 25-year-old fashion writer and blogger. I live in NYC and have two lovely puppies.

USTED ES DE LA REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA ¿HABLA ESPAÑOL?
Sí, nací en Nueva York aunque mis padres nacieron en la República Dominicana. ¡Así que hablo español!

YOU GROW UP IN NEW YORK RIGHT ON MANHATTAN WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?
Beautiful and scary all at once. Manhattan is a great place to live because it's super diverse but at times the energy of the city can get super stressful. Yet I'm use to it and sometimes miss it when I'm travelling.

HOW HAS THE NEW YORK VIBE INFLUENCED YOUR PERSONAL STYLE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS?
There is so much to look at that in some way or another it helps you pick out what you like best and make it your style. I have had different styles growing up until I found my own.

WHAT WOULD THE FASHION LANDSCAPE LOOK LIKE IF THERE WAS NO NEW YORK CITY?
Well I think a lot of the business part of fashion is in NYC, so with that said no designer would have money right now.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO WORK IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
Senior year of High School.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY NEGATIVITY CONCERNING YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER AS PEOPLE OFTEN DON'T PERCEIVE FASHION TO BE A "SERIOUS" PROFESSION?
Oh yes, personally my family didn't think you can pay your rent working in fashion, they thought it was  hobby not a career. Now they don't think this way but they didn't understand.

HOW HAVE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUPPORTED YOU?
Just by being there to support me in everything I do. It's important to have people to support your career choices.

WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATION?

Fashion Writer, blogger and I assist at photo shoots (okay, Jillian is being modest here and not namedropping where she works. She runs her own site "Manufactured 1987" and also works for "We The Urban", "Beautylish" and  PMc Magazine".

HOW DID YOU FIND THESE JOBS?
A lot of internships and connections (and her hard work has been recognised by "Elle" - UK edition, who featured her in their April issue, yes, the one that has Rihanna without an umbrellah ellah ellah eh eh...on the cover).

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2010.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY AT THE FASHION TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE?
I heard so many great things about it during high school and when I toured it, I felt I belonged there.

DO YOU RECOMMEND THE SCHOOL TO OTHERS?
Yes, without a doubt it gave me so many opportunities to step my foot into the industry.

WHICH OTHER SCHOOLS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Parsons and Pratt.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?
Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Alice & Olivia, Balmain and Comme des Garçons, as of right now *laughs*.

 WHO ARE YOUR FASHION ICONS?
 Grace Coddington, Kate lanphear and the great McQueen.

YOUR MAKEUP IS USUALLY  ACCENTUATED AROUND YOUR EYES - LIPS OR BOTH - WHAT BRANDS DO YOU USE AND WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE?
 My to-go makeup brands are NARS, MAC, and recently OCC. Best tip is, if you have a lot of action going on on the eyes leave the lips a nude or rosy pink colour, if you have a bold lip colour do a simple natural eye/pinup look.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF STARTING YOUR OWN FASHION LABEL?
Many, many times…maybe in the future when I have the money to do so *smiles*.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO PEOPLE WHO WANT A CAREER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
Love it with your body and soul because it's the only way you'll survive the good and the stressful moments.

XO Jillian

16 comments:

  1. I think the Elle UK issue comes out on Wednesday. We still have Posh on the cover where I am. Great interview though.

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  2. Hon liknar Lady Ga Ga.

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  3. I like this interview. :p However, she was okay with you disclosing her occupation, right? As some people choose to keep it personal at times for the sake of their image at said occupation (i.e. some jobs don't permit such, etc.).

    "Love it with your body and soul because it's the only way you'll survive the good and the stressful moments."

    I think this can also apply to living life in general. It's such a good quote. :)

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  4. Interesting! And speak spanish woh!!!
    Xoxo
    Donkeycool.blogspot.com

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  5. Interesting! good to know! I also speak spanish! :-P
    kisses!

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  6. Ahh! I love this, great interview!!

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  7. Great interview! Really impressive blog, love your style. If you want check mine and we could follow each other:-)
    Kisses
    Aga

    New posts
    Spring/summer trends!
    Studded shoes!
    www.agasuitcase.com

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  8. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FINDING ME AND FOR THE LOVELY COMMENT...

    HAPPY TO DISCOVERED YOUR BLOG!

    SELENE OVER THE POND

    INSTAGRAM @ HIPANDCHIPS

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  9. Hey that's a very nice interview. Loved it.

    New post up
    http://www.coralsandcrimsons.com

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  10. NYC is such a great location for inspiration - fabulous interview, doll! :)

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  11. Great interview---- I love when hard work pays off!

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  12. Really interesting to read, great post.

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  13. i really enjoyed this post!
    Interesting interview

    take care
    http://fashiondng.blogspot.gr
    x

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