GENERATION NEXT
Stylist Lester Garcia
The fashion industry in New York (and elsewhere in the world) can seem at times insular and incestuous, so it’s always nice to see exciting new talents on the rise. We’ve had our eye on stylist Lester Garcia since his days assisting the likes of Mel Ottenberg and Brian Molloy, and cannot say that we’re surprised to find him recently styling lookbooks, ad campaigns, and even a cover for American Elle. Collaborating with photographers such as Terry Richardson and Terry Tsiolis, Garcia’s slick and graphic aesthetic is at once distinctive and iconic. And we wanted to know more.
FRM: How did you get your start in fashion?
Lester Garcia: I’ve always been passionate about fashion. I studied fashion merchandising and decided to move to NY to pursue a career in the industry. Having assisted some of the most influential stylists in the industry, I gained a lot of experience in the magazine and fashion advertising worlds.
FRM: What magazines do you style for? What was the most fun project you’ve worked on since you went solo?
LG: I shoot for ELLE, V, VMAN, Interview, Muse and other international publications. I would have to say the most exciting thing I’ve done recently was shooting Nicky Minaj for the cover of American ELLE’s May music issue.
FRM: Not a lot of stylists do both men’s and women’s styling, but I noticed you do both. Do you have a preference?
LG: Shooting both men and women are very different. I truly enjoy both. I think shooting women allows the experience more of a fantasy.
FRM: What is inspiring you these days?
LG: Street culture is always a huge inspiration in my work. An interpretation of historical references such art, iconic fashion images, and music has always influenced me.
