IN THE STUDIO with Diamond Mahone

IN THE STUDIO with Diamond Mahone

Diamond Mahone is a Texas based stylist.

Interview by Brooke Frischer

Diamond Mahone in our Multi Daisy Lettuce Edge Long Dress and Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

Diamond Mahone in our Multi Daisy Lettuce Edge Long Dress and Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH JONATHAN COHEN?

I first became acquainted with Jonathan Cohen in 2018. I was working as a stylist at Forty Five Ten in Dallas, Texas. We hosted the most beautiful luncheon and trunk-show for the first collection. I will never forget how personable and beautiful that collection was.

THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS CHANGING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION? ADDITIONALLY, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION?

The changes in fashion are constant and I think that is what’s needed for true evolution. I believe the biggest challenge in the industry that I can foresee is the unwillingness to adapt to that change. I believe that the past two years in this pandemic have opened the doors to vulnerability. There’s an authenticity that comes with vulnerability and I believe it was missing for some time. The most exciting part about the industry is the fantasy that can be brought to life from taking the time to dig deep and connect to something aside from “fashion”.

FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT, YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO STYLE YOUR OWN LOOK. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PARTICULAR OUTFIT YOU WERE PHOTOGRAPHED IN?

I have always loved Jonathan’s use of prints and color. His interpretation of florals is so beautiful. I chose to mix the prints up of the dress and cardigan to show that you can put it all together and make it work. I added a little Texas flare because why not?

Diamond Mahone in our Tunic Top in Lucid Magnolia Print.

Diamond Mahone in our Tunic Top in Lucid Magnolia Print.

YOUR CAREER IN FASHION BEGAN WORKING IN DIFFERENT SALES ROLES. WAS THERE A SPECIFIC ASPECT OF WORKING IN RETAIL THAT YOU FEEL INFLUENCED YOUR STYLING CAREER?

Working in my various sales roles enabled me to really get to understand the body and learn what shape works on what body type. I believe everyone in fashion should start in some sort of retail sales position. You learn so much about people and interaction. It definitely was one of my most valuable role in my career so far.

WHEN CURATING YOUR CLIENTS' LOOKS, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR? HOW HAVE YOU WORKED TOWARDS BALANCING YOUR OWN STYLE WITH EACH OF YOUR CLIENTS?

I always ask my clients "what is the occasion" and "what is the need". Excessiveness can be tacky so I always like to edit and bring the best of the best. Something that I do with my clients is I bring a majority of things I love and a few things that I know my clients would like. I always show the things I love first. I want my clients to be able to express themselves and learn from certain styling techniques.

YOU HAVE DESCRIBED YOURSELF AS "ECLECTIC AND BOHEMIAN." HOW DO YOU FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND YOUR CLIENTS' STYLE WHEN CURATING LOOKS?

I love curating looks for my clients. I like to show multiple ways to wear items so it covers the basis of my particular style with the clients foundational style.

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YOUR STYLING WORK RANGES FROM PERFORMING ARTISTS TO DAY-TO-DAY CLIENTS. HOW DOES YOUR APPROACH TO STYLING CHANGE WHEN DRESSING FOR AN EVENT SUCH AS A PERFORMANCE VERSUS MORE EVERYDAY LOOKS?

My day-to-day clients are looking for more relatable and everyday freshness. I believe in always dressing up even when it’s dressing down. When I am working with clients for red carpets or performances, I always lend my eye to the more obscure or emerging. I love the discovery process. My client feels great because they are the first to wear something and the designer is able to get notability.

Diamond Mahone in our Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

Diamond Mahone in our Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

THROUGH YOUR INSTAGRAM, YOUR LOVE FOR TRAVELING IS EVIDENT. DO YOU FIND A LOT OF STYLE INSPIRATION THROUGH YOUR TRAVELS?

I am most inspired by my travels. I honestly feel like most of my fun pieces in my wardrobe are utilized when I can live with them in new places.

YOU HAVE SPOKEN ON YOUR APPRECIATION FOR FINDING VINTAGE PIECES. HOW DO YOU BLEND VINTAGE AND SECOND-HAND FASHION WITH NEW PIECES?

Vintage will always ground my wardrobe. It brings such authenticity to my closet. If something is really great, I believe it is meant to have second and third lives. Some things are too good to be through. When I am dressing myself, there is always an element of vintage in the look. I have tried to educate my clients about the importance and sustainability factor of buying vintage and second-hand.

YOUR WARDROBE SEEMS INCREDIBLY COLORFUL! DID YOU ALWAYS LEAN INTO COLOR IN YOUR STYLE OR WAS IT SOMETHING THAT EVOLVED OVER TIME?

My love for color started when I was young. It’s a mood enhancer. I believe the spectrum of color is what the world looks like. I want to live my life in full color.

Diamond Mahone in our Multi Daisy Lettuce Edge Long Dress and Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

Diamond Mahone in our Multi Daisy Lettuce Edge Long Dress and Hand Embroidered Cardigan.

IN AN INTERVIEW YOU DID WITH YOUR MOM, YOU TALKED ABOUT HOW SHE INFLUENCED THE INTERIOR DECORATION OF YOUR HOME. HOW HAS SHE INFLUENCED YOUR FASHION?

I learned about fashion from my mother. She has been in retail for her entire career. I’ve seen the evolution of fashion from her lens and it’s been so captivating to watch.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO WORK IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY BUT AREN'T SURE WHERE TO START?

I would say to start in retail. Whether it’s on the floor of a store or corporate. The sales floor is where you can learn so much about the business and the people who consume the business. You learn what people like and what the voids are. There is such opportunity on the floor!

You can follow Diamond and learn more about their work on Instagram @diamondmahone.

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