by Angela Severiano 

It’s easy to become captivated by Mr. Branden, once he begins to reveal his many layers, each one being more fascinating than the last.  Mr. Branden is not only an author, the CEO/Designer for Ned Narb Clothing (Debuting Spring 2010); he is also a former Pop Star,  part of the 90′s Atlantic Records group “The Real Seduction,” who recreated himself into what Wil-I-Am nicknamed him as Hollywood’s ”Suit Man!”        

Much of Mr. Branden’s expertise in style comes first hand from singing live on stage and on television with The Real Seduction in over 25 national television campaigns such as Levi’s 501 Jeans, Dr. Pepper and the Arsenio Hall Show (just to name a few).   The Real Seduction helped pave the way for celebrity endorsed commercials which we are now so accustomed to.      

For all of Mr. Branden’s accomplishments and fame, he has all the confidence expected, minus the stereotypical cockiness.  He is a Class Act who has morphed his many diverse talents, to become a mastermind and connoisseur for improving the wardrobe of international notables.      

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Branden and ask him a few questions on his career and what brought him to the place he is now.  HHR has an exclusive interview with Hollywood’s top Image Consultant as he fills us in on his journey. 

STACY BRANDEN INTERVIEW

Q: Tell me about yourself…where are you from…where were you born…where were you raised…which city and state are currently home to you?

I was born in the City of New Orleans where my family has resided for several generations.  I have been a resident of Los Angeles since my twin brother and I ran away from home to be in the entertainment business in 1989. 

Q: What type of a family did you grow up in?

I came from a typical New Orleans family where I had two brothers and three sisters.  I have a identical twin brother (Tracy Branden). 

Q: What do you like about the city and the state you currently live in?

I love Los Angeles.  It has everything; great people, incredible clubs, sports and the entertainment industry.  What else could you ask for?

Q: Tell a little about yourself personally and if you attended school or you are a self taught image consultant?

I am a natural entrepreneur.  Outgoing, interested in money, talented, but also modest.   I’m not sure if there is a school to become an image consultant.  But being in movies, television, advertisements I learned a lot about dressing for the occasion.  So when I saw a need for my services it was a natural progression.  Not to mention I am the biggest clothes freak on the planet.  My personal goal has been to become the mastermind and connoisseur for improving the wardrobe of international luxocrats and the affluent alike.   My clothing features exquisite craftsmanship using the finest fabrics and custom accessories to create a true bespoke collection.

Q: Did you always want to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance?

I think my brother and I were born entertainers.  New Orleans was a perfect place to develop our talents.  We always needed money, so we used to sing for the tourist on the streets.  And there was so much competition that you had to be good to get paid.

Q: Who or what inspired you to become an image consultant?

Well, it didn’t take much inspiration to become an image consultant as I always have loved clothes and it is important to me to present myself in the best possible light.  But I will say that I elevated my game when a friend gave me a book for Christmas which described how Carey Grant developed his image through clothes.  Cary Grant was always my hero, the man new how to dress.  And he used his taste in fine clothing and suits to build his career.  I was so inspired by the book that I was able to meet Jack Taylor the gentleman who not only dressed Cary Grant but the Rat Pack (Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis,Jr.).  These men were considered the best dressed men in the industry and perhaps of all time.

Q: What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about your job?

The best part of my job is to see someone transformed from ordinary to traffic stopping just by changing the way they present themselves. 
 

Q: What surprises you most about working as an Image consultant?

I think the thing that surprises me most is that some of the most beautiful people give so little thought as to how they look.  And that with just a few changes are able to elevate their performance and appearance.

Q: Describe your “Classic Approach to Beauty.”  how do you define beauty?

I am not so attached to the idea of “Classic Beauty”.  Either you are a beauty or you’re not.  But I prefer to see elegance and grace in a woman.  I am a connoisseur of beautiful clothing and an expert in the art of being well dressed.  A well versed image consultant can translate these into grace and elegance and create an individual style for each woman.  An average woman with grace and elegance exceeds a woman with beauty every time.  Women are returning to the era of Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn and Sophia Loren where a dress was a mark of elegance.  My visions speaks volumes of timeless elegance, I want each piece to remind our clients of the romance and elegance of the past embrace it to the present and project it into the future.

Q: What individual products and brands you’re “addicted”  to at the moment and you use on a daily basis?

I prefer not to use labels but to see a look come together that I am presenting although, if I had to choose, Tom Ford is my all time favorite. I also love seeing the “Elegant Designs” put together by Bespoke Luxocrat/brother Paul Fagan out of London. He does this for himself. When it comes to sophistication, no one does it better.

Q: What are some of the most basic but effective styling tips in general that you have, that are really important? 

For men it is to start with a basic suit.  If you can’t afford a lot of suits buy one elegant well cut suit which you can mix and match with the other items in your wardrobe.  For instance a pair of jeans for casual with the suit jacket, different slack to go with the jacket and there is of course a selection of ties and shirts which will always make the suit appear different for all occasions. 

Q: What are the biggest styling don’ts? 

My biggest don’t, is don’t look sloppy and unkempt.  Always be well groomed.

Q: What do you think are best/worst trends in the styling industry right now?

The worst are the baggy pants hanging down.  The best trends for men at this time, however, I can’t call it a trend but a basic trend for all time, is the traditional elegant men’s suit. 

Q: What feature(s) do you love to accentuate?

It is different for each person I work with.  Your clothes should show case your best feature and hide your flaws.

Q: What are your steps for the “Stacy Branden” look?

I’d like to talk more about philosophy then steps.  When you look good, you feel good.

Q: What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime?

With a man it could be as simple as removing his tie and adding a handkerchief to his pocket.  A woman can never go wrong with a black dress.  A business jacket for day and for night remove it, throw on a large necklace, scarf or belt and change the shoes.  Add an evening handbag and she’s good to go.

Q: What are the differences between dressing celebrities and real men/women? 

Celebrities can obviously afford the higher end products and looks.  But these looks can be reproduced for the average individual with a little effort for a substantially smaller price tag.

Q: What do your clients think of you?

When my clients make an appearance they are confident and sporting an outstanding look.

Q: What tips and advice do you have for aspiring Image Consultants and Artists just starting out? 

My suggestion to someone just starting in the business is several fold:

1)  Have a good business plan and know how to run a business.  If you don’t have the tools or skills to run a business, your clothing ideas won’t matter.    

2)  Have a good marketing plan.  People have to know about you.    

3)   Always be on time and well organized, with more than one option for any event.    

4)    This is the most important:  Be willing to work hard. 

Q:  Tell us about your musical talents.  How they parlayed into your Image Consulting, and your future plans.

After years of being on tour, making records, movies, television shows and advertisements I know what it takes to be a performer and how your image has to evolve with your product.  You can’t stay the same if you want to survive in this business and I would say that my experience as an entertainer has been a major part of my success as an Image Consultant.  I would also say to someone just starting out, find an entertainer who best defines your product.  I was contacted by life long friend and record executive Venus Brown, who at the time was working as AR for Justin Timberlake’s upcoming album.  He thought my years of experience and vision would be perfect in reinventing Timbaland, to give a sense of authenticity to the new Rat Pack movement.  It wasn’t until the MTV Special “The Making of Justin Timberlake – Sexy Back Video” where I was listed as the image consultant that my phone began ringing off the hook.

Q:  We hear you have a book in the works.  Tell us about the premise and when and where we can purchase it? 

The name of the book is “WHEN MEN WORE SUITS”.   It was inspired by the sophistication and elegance of the era of the Rat Pack.  The book discusses classic men’s looks of the past and how they have been lost in recent years.   It discusses trends in dressing and how class will always be around.   And explains how I have brought back this style and elegance to the entertainers of today.  It will be in bookstores early next year.

Q: With all your talents….What do you feel your legacy will be?

My legacy is seen on television, interviews, motion pictures and concerts all over the world.  Every time you see a well dressed artist who presents themselves with poise, you will see my legacy.

Q:  Your client list is quite extensive, but fill us in on a few of the people who have you to thank for their impeccable style.

Selective Client List

Josh Duhamel, Damon Thomas, Josh Groban, Timbaland, Harvey Mason, Johnny Wright (Sexy Back Tour 2007-2008), G. Garvin, Nate Hills, Teddy Riley, Earl Hayes, Polo Molina, Eric Burrows, Roger Cross, Andre Person, Rob Knox, Jason Bonner, Luke James, Kevin Cossom aka KC and James Fauntleroy II.  

Television

CBS -CSI Miami, NBC - Las Vegas, AME - Mad Money, Viacom-From G’s to Gents.

Feature

Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Details, GQ, Billboard, BRE, Thrillist.

Film

Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills

Q: Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?

The one thing I know is that you are the sum of your life’s experience.  And for myself it has been a long road to get me to where I am and I look forward to the rest of the journey.   As for someone just starting out I suggest that you do not pass up opportunities because they are outside your comfort zone, because you never know what they will lead too.  Don’t put yourself in a box; you’ll miss the best part of life. 

www.stacybranden.com

310-867-4591 Office

enquiries@stacybranden.com

 

Angela Severiano is a songwriter, performer, and political contributor currently living in New York City, New York. She is a music and pop culture writer for the blog HipHopRepublican.com.

HHR NOTE: Also check out – Angela Severiano - Don’t Know What U Got (Klubjumpers Radio)