SNYLIFE
It’s a rapidly changing media landscape, as they like to say, where independent magazines are playing an increasingly crucial role in keeping art alive. No one knows this better than Sebastian Jean, who has built his fort on Canal Street at office magazine as the Men’s Fashion Editor.
Whether it’s pulling looks, curating mood boards, or styling some of the biggest rappers in the game for editorials, Mr. Jean is the perfect example of a modern man of style who understands how to keep pushing the cultural needle forward through the lens of fashion.
We had the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his daily self-care regimen, industry ins-and-outs, and what it’s like being a stylist in such a complex and nuanced moment in time.
FOR READERS WHO AREN’T AS FAMILIAR WITH THE FASHION WORLD, WHAT DOES THE TITLE OF “MEN’S FASHION EDITOR” ENTAIL?
The title of “Men’s Fashion Editor” is a colorful one, so I wear many hats. Overall, I attend the global fashion shows, organize photoshoots, and keep my ear and heart to the industry vibrations, analyzing what’s being put out and selecting what I feel is interesting visually & contributing to the conversation.
WHO HAVE BEEN SOME BIG NAMES YOU’VE WORKED WITH?
Blessed to have worked with a plethora of talented individuals, but some of my favorite “celebrity” collaborations have been with Monique, Childish Gambino, Odell Beckham Jr., Lil Uzi Vert, YG, Gucci Mane, James Harden, Russel Westbrook, & H.E.R..
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING AT A PRINT MAGAZINE RIGHT NOW WHEN THE WORLD IS SO CRAZY?
Working at office presents all the positives of working with people who are like family. Our daily operation is spontaneous in nature, so when shit hits the fan, there’s always a strong presence of, “Fuck it, we’ll make it happen,” in the room. Uncertainty is what we know and it fuels us.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS THAT YOU’VE BEEN USING FOR A LONG TIME, AS WELL AS SOME THAT YOU JUST INTRODUCED TO YOUR ROUTINE?
I’ve been using Weleda’s Skin Food moisturizer and their foaming face wash for a couple years now. Both products have been great to my skin and they don’t come in plastic bottles, which is a plus. Also, I’ve recently transitioned from Tom’s all natural deodorant to the SAINT NEW YORK deodorant and that’s been nice. During quarantine, I’ve been cycling and the Tom’s deodorizer just wasn’t cutting it.
ARE THERE ANY PRODUCTS YOU USE TO SPRUCE UP THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
Throughout the day, I used this body spray called Bien-être Cologne Naturelle. It pretty much consists of equal parts alcohol & fragrance, but my connection to it is more nostalgic than based on its composition. I grew up watching my Haitian grandfather Maxo use it, so the scent and the bottle bring back my first memories of understanding how a man prepares to go out & into the world.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A STYLIST?
If you think you want to be a stylist, the best advice I have is to intern and assist. For anything you want to do in life, the barrier to entry is tricky. Internships open doors, so do what you have to do to get into the building (literally & metaphorically). Also, it doesn’t matter how fly you think you are, assisting some stylists is the best way to learn and see if this is really what you want. At some points, it might make you want to quit, but that’s the threshold you want to approach and surpass if you’re really about this life.
HOW DO YOU PUSH FOR PURITY AND AUTHENTICITY IN YOUR WORK, IF AT ALL?
I try not to focus on purity and authenticity in my work. I feel like when the approach is too premeditated, it contradicts what you set out to do in the first place. I prepare logistically, but my objective is to create organic moments when I have everything in front of me.
Photo: Marc Richardson