Brandon Nicolas : A Journey Into Personal Expression
Brandon Nicolas a.k.a “Flacko”, a 25-year-old stylist, model and fashion consultant based in Montreal, Canada, whose passion for self-improvement, clothing, and cultural-historical events has propelled him into the world of styling.
Brandon's journey into styling and consulting was inspired by a natural inclination towards creativity. As he reflects on his early years, he expresses excitement about the potential opportunities ahead, fueled by recognition from peers and a growing clientele. His goal is to further develop his skills, build a strong network of clients who trust his expertise and potentially pitch his services to larger brands.
Brandon's approach to client interactions is marked by a thorough understanding of their personal style and preferences. By examining their current wardrobe rotation or past works, he creates a comprehensive roadmap of their style evolution. This insight enables him to propose unique and effective approaches to achieve the desired style for each project, ensuring a personalized touch that resonates with the client's identity.
Brandon Nicolas styling a model.
Can you share a specific example where you successfully incorporated a client’s cultural background or heritage into their personal style?
Certainly, I can provide an example of a client with whom I have successfully incorporated their cultural background. This client and I have worked together on various projects, which has given me valuable insight into their interests and upbringing. During one of our collaborations, I noticed that they had a strong passion for wrestling and entertainment. To best showcase this interest, we decided to incorporate graphic tees, a bolder belt, and a necklace reminiscent of wrestling entrances on the big screen. I knew that these elements would resonate with the client and help achieve the desired objective.
How do you balance staying true to your personal creative vision while meeting the needs and expectations of your clients?
“I strive to maintain my personal creative vision while also meeting the needs and expertise of my clients. By taking the time to truly understand their interests and passions, as well as the idea behind the project, I can provide different options and approaches.”
With the client's input, we can then select the best path forward. Through this collaboration, I can maintain my creative identity while also delivering the intended output for my clients.
Model : Chelsey Boll
Hair : MJ Déziel
Styling : Brandon Nicolas
Shot : Emilie Ferguson
What strategies do you use to keep your clients engaged and excited about their evolving style?
As a fashion consultant, I believe in keeping my clients up to date with the latest trends and styles. To achieve this, I often initiate conversations with them around key factors of current trends such as low-waisted jeans and cowboy boots or oversized sneakers and flared pants. These conversations allow us to explore the similarities and differences in these styles and how they are evolving.
“Based on my client's interests, I create a personalized style approach that aligns with their current fashion sense and complements their unique personality.”
Press Shots for Jaymie Lavigne
Make-Up : @crapulettte
Hair : MJ Déziel
Styling : Brandon Nicolas
Wearing : SALON DES REFUSÉS
Shot : Alexis Belhumeur
Press Shots for Jaymie Lavigne
Make-Up : @crapulettte
Hair : MJ Déziel
Styling : Brandon Nicolas
Wearing : GG
Shot : Alexis Belhumeur
How do you handle situations where a client is hesitant to step out of their comfort zone with their style?
Imagine this - you're working with a client who's hesitant to try out new styles and step out of their comfort zone. It can be a bit of a challenge, right? But fear not, because I've got a trick up my sleeve. My first move would be to pull up some references that are like what they're aiming for and show them how those styles have been adapted before. This works especially well if your client is already familiar with those previous looks. You can even take cues from their existing wardrobe and discuss how you can blend in some new styles with items they already know and love. It's all about making the process as easy and comfortable as possible for your client.
How do you stay ahead of emerging fashion trends and incorporate them into your work while maintaining a timeless quality to your styling?
To maintain a classic sense of style while staying up to date with the latest fashion trends, it is important to research the origin and source of the trend. If a trend has gained popularity among a wide audience, there is likely a reason for its relevance. By conducting research, we can understand how the trend has been represented and perceived over time. This allows us to adapt the trend to our unique style while having a full understanding of its roots.
In your opinion, what sets a great stylist and consultant apart from others in the industry?
In my opinion, what sets a great stylist and consultant apart from others is the ability to understand a brand or client's identity while approaching the new project they have been tasked with. Whereas a consultant or stylist who fails to understand those principles could find their work stuck in a stagnant point where they only refer to their preference in style without awareness of the objective at hand.
Brandon Nicolas for MOEVIR Magazine.
Styling : Brandon Nicolas
Wearing : SALON DES REFUSÉS
Creative Direction : Max Léger
Shot : Logna Mackya
“The Bantu ethnic group traces its origins back to an African hairstyle that served a dual purpose protecting their hair from the rigors of heavy field work, which was an integral part of their daily lives. With the advent of slavery, Bantu individuals were forcibly subjected to prolonged hours of toil in the fields, and the traditional hairstyle resurfaced as a symbol of their identity while still offering practical protection from the demanding labour.”
Styling : Brandon Nicolas
Creative Direction : Brandon Nicolas
Shot : Logna Mackya
Antoine Saint-Laurent, “Summer Of Youth” (2020)
Models : @mxmucyo @atlashapy @yugnat_ @hiyakuu
Shot : Yannis Davy
What is your definition of the Underground?
“To me, "the underground" refers to products that aren't widely consumed by the masses. They tend to appeal to a specific group of people, or what I'll call a "niche." In contrast, mainstream products are embraced by a larger audience and are often promoted through mass media.”
