Coclico Visits Brooklyn Style Authority Jessi Frederick
Though only standing at 5’2” Jessi Frederick’s sartorial acuity is taking the industry to new heights. While she hasn’t quite nailed down a job title for herself just yet, the Bushwick dweller showcases her focused point of view on her website Stylish Gambino. This digital diary hosts a variety of Jessi’s creative projects, outfits and photo-series which better showcase her affinity for clean lines and neutral palettes. Clothing may be Jessi’s go-to medium for storytelling but we as we learned in our visit with the style authority, there’s much more to her vision than meets the eye.
THE FIRST WORDS THAT COME TO MIND WHEN HEARING "BROOKLYN"
Literally, Jay-Z. I can really only speak on behalf of the subway stop that I live off of in Bushwick, which has changed drastically in the 4 years I have been here. More restaurants, bars, and stores. What I like about it is they’re taking abandoned warehouses and lots filled with garbage, and turning them into useful spaces for creative people, while still keeping the integrity of the Bushwick neighborhood (for the most part). Ideally though, I’d love to see the city make efforts in developing in a way that benefits us all, not just for financial gain. Like, give me a roof with a green space on it… or public trash cans on the corners (since there are NONE in my neighborhood). When I want to be inspired, I really just walk outside of my apartment. I live in an incredibly young, “cool” neighborhood.
ON RESPONSIBLE STYLE
How awesome is it that in 2017 the cool thing to be is sustainable and transparent? Took us long enough. However, a lot of companies and brands claim to be such things because it’s great for marketing. Being sustainable isn’t just separating paper from plastic. It’s a tough topic because I’m not going to lie and say I know everything about sustainability or ethical practices; I only know what I have been curious about and taken the time to learn about.
I currently am contributing to the issue, by working in an industry that is the problem. Bloggers are massive consumers, we accept gifts we never wear, sent to us in packaging we toss aside, day in and day out. For me, I wear my clothing all year. A dress in the summer time is a dress over pants in the winter. It’s simple. I don’t accept what I have no interest in or need, and I reuse packaging by sending out my packages in it.
Also: My name is Jessi Frederick and I am 1 year free of shopping fast fashion.
FOREVER ITEMS
I wear all of my grandmother’s, great grandmother’s, mother’s, and father’s clothing. In fact, it probably occupies 80% of my wardrobe currently. Three things that are my “forevers” include my Dad’s Adidas sweatpants, my Great Grandmother’s jewelry, and my Pinterest board titled “inspiration.” (just kidding about the last one…maybe).
TRAVELING IN STYLE
Well, I've been incredibly lucky to have been able to travel around and explore outside of my element. Right now, my go-to place is Costa Rica. I go about every 5-6 months, and everything about it inspires me; from lifestyle to landscape.
NEUTRAL GROUND
I always think less is more… do I live that way? Not really… but I am sure trying. As I get older I realize that the less chaos I surround myself with, the happier I am. Neutrals are easy on the eyes for me. They make me feel relaxed, whereas color evokes an emotion.
MAINTAINING CREATIVE INTEGRITY
In my opinion, I don’t think I’ve even found my creative perspective, it has been this constant evolution where I am looking to be inspired and trying to communicate that to the public. Over the years, my creative style has changed drastically. I always feel like I’m struggling with it, or that I need to define my “style.” Being a “style blogger” means relevancy. You have to remain relevant to survive… that’s why I don’t necessarily think I am a style blogger, because I'm not shopping the latest trends and reviewing them for my readers. I’m simply being creative, collaborating with like-minded creatives, showcasing it, and hoping it inspires other people (whether it’s outfit inspiration or creative inspiration). If anything, I feel pressure to remain authentic, not to be relevant.
Photos by Bridget Badore for Coclico
