James Aguiar is the ultimate fashion insider.  He has been behind the scenes of all the top fashion shows and has interviewed iconic designers like Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Narciso Rodriguez, The Blonds and Michael Kors, to name a few.  Aspiring fashionistas dream of one day walking in his shoes or at the least trying them on.  James is known for his fun and sassy interviews on Full Frontal Fashion. When it went off the air, I nearly died. But I have seriously good news for avid viewers.  James lets us in on his super stylish new projects, where he loves to shop and gave us words to live by.

Dawn: How did you get started in the fashion industry?

James: I started in visual merchandising for Macy’s. I really liked doing it and I knew it would be an interesting opportunity, so I called Bergdorf’s (Bergdorf Goodman) and got an interview. I became the fashion coordinator for the visual department. Then I was made the fashion director for the entire store.  That is what put me in the front rows covering all the collections. It was the job I always knew I wanted and one of the biggest moments of my career.

Dawn: What was your experience like working on Full Frontal Fashion?

James: It’s my ultimate dream!  The best of everything that I can do within the fashion industry. I report on the people that we love and interview designers at their most vulnerable moment; after 6 months working on a collection. We are there to get the first reaction after they take their final bow. It’s learning about the designer’s career path and introducing new designers to people. My goal is to really seek out the new young clothing and accessory designers who don’t have a voice yet or exposure and try to really help them along.

Dawn: What projects are you currently working on?

James: A few. Full Frontal Fashion ended last year. That team has gotten together and has developed First Comes Fashion. Now you are one of the first ones to know about this. The same team from Full Frontal Fashion, myself, Judy Licht, Robert Verdi, Patrick McMullan, Suze Yalof Schwartz, Christina Ha, Lloyd Boston and Constance are all going to be covering the shows and providing year round content. Another project I am working on is my own show, in a mentor role, in the fashion industry on a major cable network.

Dawn: Where is your favorite place to shop in NYC?

James: My favorite place to shop in NYC is the flea market.  I love looking at things that are not necessarily fashion, but I see the fashion application. I love vintage clothes and broken down jewelry.

Dawn: What advice would you give to look chic every day?

James: The thing about looking chic and put together is to almost come up with a uniform for yourself. Repetition is reputation.   Find a signature piece and stick with it. For example, with guys it may be always wearing a hat or women, a cuff. Keep it simple and paired down. That is what will give you long lasting style.

Dawn: What fabulous words of wisdom do you live by each day?

James: Just breathe. You are always faced with the unbelievable moment that you never thought you would have. For me that was interviewing Karl Lagerfeld and it was definitely a moment of “just breathe.” You are here for a reason. You are in this room for a reason. So do the best that you can.

Dawn: Can we find you on facebook?

James: Yes you can!  (James’ Facebook page)

Dawn Del Russo is a TV personality, fashion expert seen on National TV Better TV, Fox 5 NY, InStyle Magazine, Life and Style Magazine, US Weekly for her fashion and lifestyle tips and advice. She is the author of “101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle”
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Tags: fashion, interview