A Conversation With: Jess Pecoraro, Stylist and Creative Director

UMENCO: We know that the role of a stylist has evolved over the years, thanks largely to the introduction of social media. It’s interesting, too, to consider a recent tweet by Vanessa Friedman, the New York Times fashion director: “At some point, are we all going to think of stylists as a service, like WiFi or home grocery delivery? A prediction for 2020 (hint: it’s a growth profession)”. Her message was posted a month before COVID began to impact, nevertheless it’s an indicator of things to come.
Jessica Pecoraro: The crisis has certainly been surreal. We’re all adjusting and rethinking our processes now, aren’t we? I’ve never had to do so many online tutorials and live styling sessions [for client brands]. Suddenly, I’m having to put myself out there more, which is hard for me. I’m all about working behind the scenes, but I think you have to adapt and stay relevant to the times, and certainly social media is playing a huge part in that.

UMENCO: Can you take us back to the beginning and tell us about your career steps.
Jessica Pecoraro: In one sense I really fell into fashion. I intended to focus on international studies at university, but when I went to the orientation day I knew it wasn’t for me. I felt I needed to shift towards fashion, I had always been passionate about it, so I reached out to people I knew in the industry and was fortunate to secure an internship at Cosmopolitan magazine. I remember walking into the office and knowing immediately that it was what I wanted to pursue – and yet, it wasn’t glamorous at all. I worked in a tiny wardrobe, the size of the smallest closet you can imagine, but it was a foot in the door, I loved the work and it allowed me to get to know all the editors. I always said ‘yes’ to any new assignments; if there was an opportunity to assist someone in the fashion office I put my hand up. From there I think the team came to realise that I was passionate about the job and that I had a strong work ethic. Another factor that worked in my favour was that I created my own shoots at the weekends to build up a portfolio. It helped me define my style and it made an impression with my editor. I was then promoted to junior fashion editor at Dolly magazine, which was an incredible time, but magazines were facing new pressures and unfortunately the title folded two years later. The staff were given the option to reapply for their jobs within the organisation or accept redundancies. It was at that point I felt that I really needed to push myself and step out on my own, the situation forced my hand.

UMENCO: Becoming a freelancer must have been daunting, and yet you went on to establish a long and loyal list of high-profile clients – from runway models and influencers to business leaders. What do you think was the key to making it on your own?
Jessica Pecoraro: I’m really fortunate to have wonderful clients and the friendships we’ve made are genuine, that’s first and foremost. I also love what I do, I’m passionate about it – fashion can boost your confidence, make you feel good, and I enjoy that transformative element, pushing a client to perhaps wear something she wouldn’t ordinarily wear. So it is very much about establishing a level of trust. It’s interesting because I’m not good at networking, I’m actually quite shy and hate going to events, that side of fashion is not for me. I am a very hard worker though, I put in the time and effort, I research, I pay attention to details, and I’m good at the hustle – I’m not scared to send out an email to introduce myself. I contacted the head of IMG [talent agency] and asked if we could meet for a coffee. You need to create opportunities to put yourself in front of someone, to present your ideas. That meeting was a turning point. Working with IMG connected me to great work, and girls such as [the model] Georgia Fowler. I established my work ethic with them early on – they knew that I was reliable and thorough, and if they asked me to do something I always said ‘yes’, no matter the pressures or the deadlines, I made it happen.

UMENCO: You talk about relationship building – how do you cultivate that bond, and what is your process when working with a client for an upcoming event?
Jessica Pecoraro: It’s never my intention to set out to be best friends with someone, I’m not into all that cool kid stuff, this is a job at the end of the day. You really have to be a good listener and respect a client’s point of view, and from there the relationship starts to take shape. Ultimately, my clients have to feel good in what they’re wearing. There’s no point choosing a crazy statement dress if they’re going to spend the night feeling uncomfortable. You need to grow with your clients, and be able to give and take. I am also always organised. I prep a lot of clothes for every event, because ultimately you never know which piece might attract their eye.

UMENCO: What are your thoughts then on the power of clothes and their messaging?
Jessica Pecoraro:The feeling that a client has when she’s getting dressed for an event is so important. I love beautifully designed pieces that are classic and simple. I’m not focused on trends, I prefer fashion that can be worn over and over again. For that reason I really love vintage – if I could dress all my clients in vintage dresses that would be my choice, it’s just so special, like snapshots from fashion’s past. But when it comes to the ultimate investment piece, I always think that a beautiful blazer makes you feel stronger, there’s something about its structure and your shoulders, you stand straighter.

UMENCO: Lastly, given these changing times, how are you juggling your work and motherhood, and moving forward?
Jessica Pecoraro: It has been so nice having this time together with my daughter Harley, my weeks are usually so hectic and there is usually travel involved, so it has been wonderful to be here with her and reset a little. I worked throughout my pregnancy, then went straight back in to it. I was conscious of not wanting to let my clients down, and I had worked so hard to build that client base, I didn’t want to lose them. So when I had Harley, I left hospital on the Saturday and on the Monday I had fittings at home. I think you have to make things work, adapt and change in the moment, be resilient, flexible and enjoy what you’re doing. At the end of the day, there’s never any balance, you just have to be present in the moment in everything you do.