Friends of FMF: Eric Jess
On balance it's usually healthy for one to test their stylistic boundaries ever so often. In today’s sprawling world of fashion, there is no shortage of inspiration, references and influential examples. Presently, the internet is awash with influencers, creatives and multi-hyphenates who have *generally* become a well-worn topic in and outside the confines of the fashion industry. Thankfully, there are those who stick out among the fray.
So who is Eric Jess? He wears clothes. He’s photographed in said clothes. But he’ll be damned if that’s the end of the story. You're equally likely to catch him outfitted in Burberry’s latest offerings or acting as an ambassador of small, local businesses. Those with a discerning eye will notice him instantly by his signature deadpan glare at the camera. Above all, Eric Jess is notable for his effortless ability to shift styles, using his rangy build to display versatility and sartorial depth. Under the strain of intolerable temptation, we connected with the "professional nobody" for a brief chat about his past, present and future.
For those who are unfamiliar with you - can you give a brief introduction and what you currently do in the world of fashion?
“Hi, I’m Eric Jess. I don’t really know what I do but I guess I’m another one of those multi-hyphenates that my generation is lucky enough to call a profession. I model, share personal style online and co-founded a creative studio, kr8, a couple of years ago. We do things from production to digital consulting. Other times I’ve found myself behind the camera, styling and all in-between.”
You just relocated from Los Angeles to NYC. What are your favorite aspects of living in New York and what will you miss most about living in California?
“Well, I moved to NYC during a weird time be it a global pandemic and all but I had been between coasts a lot this last year. I was lucky enough to switch apartments on a regular basis last with a friend who is also a freelancer so I’ve lived New York also at its peak. New York has unbeatable energy and confidence other cities just do not have also as a big architecture nerd I’m so fulfilled here just walking down the street. As for Los Angeles, I mean its home. It’s all I’ve ever known as home and the weather is unbeatable and you can do anything in a day, drive to the snow or the desert or the mountains, all in a day. Los Angeles will always be with me and will always be home.”
How would you describe your sense of style and what was a key turning point that set you on your current path in fashion?
“You know I love the 70’s and I find a lot of inspiration from 70’s cuts but I’m also big into the 90’s right now and the very small almost cropped t-shirt. I’d describe my style probably as off duty, I never find myself over-accessorizing and if I can’t throw it on fast I probably won’t wear it regularly. Though I don’t take it too seriously and play with fashion.”`
Can you describe being a content creator and the community of content creators in fashion?
“For me its just storytelling your passions for me that’s fashion, design, music, and well coffee. I just share my life, the projects I’m working on, the things I’m really obsessing with. As for the community, I think I’ve developed close friendships with some great people in the industry whom are now some of my closest friends whom we constantly playing around the city together be it collaborating or drinking too much wine.”
What are your favorite pieces in your closet? Which items do you deem most essential?
“I’ve got these black flared trousers that I snagged at some thrift store in Fullerton, CA for $10 that I dry clean every time they need to be washed cause I’m so scared of the day they completely fall to pieces cause they are perfect. Then I don’t know… a leather jacket and some oversized and undersized shirts. Oh and some vintage tees that I’m lucky to score cause one of my good friend’s curates and sells tees over at Shop Handbook on IG. I almost forgot my YSL boots - yeah those definitely make the list.”
Who are your favorite designers/favorite brands?
“Damn, so many great designers doing cool things right now. I always love Prada, Acne Studios, Dior, Ann D, and damn so many more.”
Have you developed any new hobbies during quarantine? What have you been doing to pass the time?
“You know I’ve never been a film guy and I really dove into films from the Wes Anderson’s, Woody Allen, Bertolucci, and yeah I’m grateful for that. It’s crazy how when you pick something new up how many cross-references are all over and how much more you get in the world.”
What is it like to work with brands from the likes of Burberry & Dior?
“I’m so lucky to work with some of my favorite brands it’s extremely thrilling each time a project comes up and I’m forever grateful for this platform that has allowed me to meet some of my closest friends and work with some of my favorite brands.”
What upcoming projects are you working on?
“Well, I’m working on Decent Day, slowly but surely. Which will be pieces of my own, at least that’s the plan. COVID has for sure put some major delays on this process but good things take time. I’m also consulting some new clients through our studio, kr8 which has been really challenging but interesting during this time.”
What are some notable memories you’ve made along your journey?
“I think experiencing fashion week is always a memory from having the opportunity of sitting at some of the big shows like Burberry, Dior, Prada, and Versace is always a thrill and amazing to see such of production come to life. Also, just the people you meet and the talent they have always is a memory.”
Are there any social media pages/sources you recommend for inspiration?
“I’ve been really liking this account @shamemagazine along with some others like @differ.tv and yeah all my friends inspire me endlessly just take a look at my following. I just moved into a new place so I’ve naturally been looking at interior pages a lot like @zoras_daughter and @claudehome.”
Lastly, do you have any advice for content creators or individuals in the fashion community in the age of COVID & beyond?
“Just be innovative and creative. Take this time to learn something or pick up something new, or like me watch too many films. Don’t be too hard on yourself if this year isn’t your year in terms of career advancements or accomplishments its probably not most peoples, we’re just trying to get through and come out on the other end.”