DORÉ

Before I met Marjon Carlos, I wanted to describe her as cool. Because she is! As I’ve followed her career as a writer, she’s always come off as intelligent, confident, self-possessed, stylish… all qualities that land you in the “cool” column. Now that I’ve finally met Marjon, I can confirm that my perception of her was correct, but I also want to describe her as warm. Marjon is one of those people who you meet and feel like you’ve already known for years. Maybe it’s a southern charm thing (she’s originally a Texas girl), but from the time we arrived at her apartment in Bedstuy, our whole team felt completely at ease. Marjon is so kind and funny. As Vanessa and I reviewed her photos later in the day, we noticed that she spent almost the entire shoot laughing. As a longtime admirer of Marjon’s work and style, I was really excited to get a peek into her life. I hope you are too!

Describe your style in 3 words.
Your cool auntie.

What is your ideal outfit or uniform to wear every day?
Since I’m a freelancer, I actually have a uniform–it makes life easier! I run errands in my Re/Done sweats, Miaou hoodie, Nomia coat, and By Far white booties. If I have a meeting, I throw on my Miss Sixty Mom jeans, this vintage black leather button down I love, layer a white turtleneck underneath, and then throw on my white Margiela Tabi boots. It gives me Helmut Lang 90s vibes.

Who are your style icons?
I’m constantly inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, and Jane Fonda. I love their fearlessness and ability to take risks. They know who they are, so it shines through in everything they wear.

What are you excited about in fashion right now? What do you find inspiring?
I’m excited about what happens “post-fashion magazine”; like, what will fashion media become? I think it’s interesting to see how fashion magazines for so long told readers what to wear, what to think, but now it’s readers telling magazines, and I think that has changed how we view publications. I’m also really ready for a black female designer to take the reins of a major fashion house. I think it’s time.

How has your style evolved over the years?
It’s just come into focus more. I’m really identifying the woman I want to be and the life I want to have and the impact I want to make, so I’ve been working on culling a style that expresses that.

We loved shooting with you in Bedstuy and seeing some of your favorite places. What do you love about your neighborhood?
My brother jokes that I live in a Spike Lee film and he’s right! My block is super picturesque, but my hood also embodies so much soul and so many stories of black life in New York. I love the little kids playing and the old ladies tending to their roses. I love the food and the architecture. I love my bodega dudes, my juice lady, and checking out new restaurants/bars. But I am also worried about gentrification pushing out the original inhabitants, so I try to be respectful of my neighbors and the world they’ve created.

Trench, Vintage; Skirt, Maryam Nassir Zadeh; Top, Zara; Boots, Margiela

Blazer, Ganni; Tee, Frances de Lourdes

Dress, Jacquemus; Moroccan Slides

Special thanks to Ma-N-Pop Soul Food in Bedstuy for hosting us!