The Hustle Never Stops with Jamar Hart

Jamar Hart is an emerging stylist and creative who has invested time in the industry and now deserves recognition. With a humble beginning growing up in Motor City to now thriving in Los Angeles, he is ready for the next chapter of his life. The road was challenging! And it’s still an uphill battle for him, but with his faith, determination, and creativity, he won’t stop. He lives his life determined to show others that, at any point, they can be who they are meant to be once they make a choice.

Duncan: Who is Jamar Hart?
Hart: Jamar Hart is a positive, eclectic, radiant ball of energy, creator, man of God, son, brother, fashion stylist, creative director, and just an overall go-getter.

Duncan: Tell me about how your career got started.
Hart: I started personal shopping in Detroit in 2013. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I always had an excellent eye for fashion. I was trying to figure out what to do with my life, and I said to myself, “Man, I’m not happy. I don’t feel fulfilled. What am I going to do that’s going to make me feel fulfilled?” I realized that everyone was always asking me where I got my clothes from no matter where I went, even if the outfit wasn’t that special to me. Everybody told me, “You look fresh. Where did you get that from?” I was doing parties and throwing events for celebrities with different promotion companies. When that situation faded, I had to figure out what was next. So I dug more into personal shopping. Soon some of the clients I was shopping for started to ask me how to put the outfits together. And when I did more research, I was basically like, “Yo, this is styling, so you have to charge another rate for this.”

Duncan: Who are some clients and brands that you’ve worked with?
Hart: Some past and recent clients include Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Muni Long, Ne-Yo, Tina Knowles-Lawson for her Wearable Art Gala, Cassie, and Serena Williams. Some past and recent brands include Nike, Puma, Apple Music, and Harper Bazaar. As a wardrobe stylist, I’m also getting into the movie and film production world. I’m working on a movie called The Gemini Lounge that should be out late this year or early next year, so I worked with a few actors and actresses like Emile Hirsch, Ashley Greene, and Lucy Hale.

Duncan: How did you discover your love for fashion?
Hart: In 2011, I was in a car accident and almost died. I was throwing events and parties at the time, and I couldn’t go out for three or four months. I thought to myself, “What’s next for me?” That situation motivated me to say, “Yo, people like the way you dress. You can sell style. You can get into that”. And in the world that we live in now, you can create your occupation. So I decided to delve into fashion more. I told myself, “You have to crawl before you walk. Make sure you make your next move your best move”. I found the courage to move to Los Angeles in 2014. And I’ve been here ever since.

Duncan: Who are some of your favorite designers or style icons, and how have they influenced your style and styling for clients?
Hart: I love, love Kanye West. He’s a Gemini, just like me. I love his boldness. He takes risks, and he doesn’t seek validation when he’s releasing something. He doesn’t overthink his work. I love Pharrell. He has always had a very chic, futuristic style. I love the way he moves when it comes to working with certain brands like Fendi or Chanel. I love his brand, Billionaire Boys Club, and the one he had back in the day, Ice Cream. And I looked up to Virgil. Virgil has done a fantastic job leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire young men and women in the fashion realm and the entertainment world itself. He didn’t let his illness overpower his presence in the world or his purpose while he was still here. And I want to exude that determination as well. It’s bigger than fashion.

Duncan: When styling a client, how important is it to follow current fashion trends instead of adhering to the client’s style?
Hart: It depends on the client. For instance, if I have an older client they’re used to a specific outdated style of clothing, I try to bring them to a current realm, but I don’t ever want to take them out of their element too much to the point where they feel uncomfortable. So I’ll create a signature for them while introducing them to a breath of fresh air. But, of course, I always make sure I always retain the essence of who the client is.

Duncan: Would you say there is still a lack of representation regarding Black talent in the fashion industry?
Hart: Absolutely. We see a little more representation, especially following the pandemic. We’ve been moved more to the forefront, but we’ve been the fashion pioneers. We’ve been the people who have added flavor and style and started so many trends from our hairstyles to our streetwear. Now streetwear is in luxury fashion. You see Adidas on Vogue, high fashion collaborations with streetwear brands. The hip-hop industry and R&B have had a significant influence on all facets of fashion, which was frowned upon back then. But I love that there’s a start now. The gate is open wider for us to be ourselves and to be recognized for what we started.

Duncan: What advice do you have for aspiring stylists trying to break into the fashion industry?
Hart: Remember why you started and know where you’re going. Don’t let anyone tell you your plan isn’t working because they don’t see your vision. God gave you a gift. You must use that gift to the best of your ability and keep inspiring others. Don’t do what makes you uncomfortable. Capitalize on your greatness. When building your portfolio and clientele, remember the business aspect of your craft. It’s a 50/50 balance in this field: 50% creativity and 50% business. And stay consistent.