Some of the country’s most creative professionals in fashion come from Baton Rouge.
Clothing designer and Baton Rouge native Christopher John Rodgers’ designs have been worn by Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Cardi B, and Zendaya (just to name a few). Anthony Ryan Auld, an LSU alumnus, won Project Runway All Stars II. And former LSU alumna and apparel design student Nicole Hogan went on to design accessories for Michael Kors.
The Capital City is bursting with fashionable talent. Meet three locals in fashion you should know right now: Cydney Cherise, Elle Marie, and Grace Chetta. We got to know these local powerhouse stylists and designers and capture their essence in front of nature-inspired Walls Project murals to reflect their individual beauty.
Credits
Creative director: Cynthea Corfah
Photographer: Raegan Labat
Stylists: Elle Marie, Cydney Cherise, and Grace Chetta
Writer: Cynthea Corfah
Cydney Cherise
Art Director, specializing in fashion styling
What is your proudest career achievement thus far?
I received an invitation to style a major show at NYFW.
Who is your favorite fashion designer and/or stylist?
Jahleel Weaver @illjahjah
How would you describe your style?
Joséphine Baker meets new world streetwear
If you could be known for one thing in the fashion industry, what would that be?
Opening new worlds. Igniting intuitions worldwide by unleashing boundless love into the masses through my art.
If you could partner with any visual artist in the world, who would that be?
Elle Marie
Fashion stylist, specializing in editorial, product, personal, video, commercial shoot, and photoshoot styling
What is your proudest career achievement thus far?
Working with P.J Morton and seeing my style work on TV (Good Morning America and the Kelly Clarkson Show) also getting the chance to style our Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.
Who is your favorite fashion designer and/or stylist?
It’s hard to pick one favorite stylist because I like some for different reasons. Rachel Zoe because of her story of becoming a stylist. I feel like we have similar stories and I love her elegant boho chic looks. June Ambrose. She is a dope creative and the way she has an eye for styling music videos is amazing. Kollin Carter because of his edgy, but chic take on how he styles his clients. Law Roach with his take on how he can take a masculine look and make it so feminine and classy. He plays with suits a lot and I love a well-tailored suit. J.Bolin because he stays in his own lane and his clients respect his craft and continuously work with him. That's a goal of mine, consistency! Not to mention he loves God and he's not afraid to let the world know it.
How would you describe your style?
Edgy, yet chic
If you could be known for one thing in the fashion industry, what would it be?
I love mixing prints, but I would like my work to speak for itself as a whole. I want you to see someone/something and instantly know that was ElleMarie styling.
If you could partner with any visual artist in the world, who would that be?
June Ambrose and/or Kahlana Barfield
Grace Chetta
Fashion Designer, designer, and founder of Gretta Garments
What is your proudest career achievement thus far?
Starting my own business. Completing my MBA. Receiving genuine and positive feedback for my original designs.
Who is your favorite fashion designer and/or stylist?
I am inspired by so many. A few brands I find myself always referencing are Vivetta, Molly Goddard, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Monique Lhuillier.
How would you describe your style?
Vintage, timeless, playful, elegant. French countryside glam? I feel like I’m a kid playing dress-up most of the time like 1890s fine lady meets 1960s Mod. Comfortable and fabulous.
If you could be known for one thing in the fashion industry, what would that be?
Timeless looks that make women feel fabulously beautifully themselves and #feelinggretta.
If you could partner with any visual artist in the world, who would that be?
I’ve studied all the amazing classics and drawn so much inspiration from historic art and design. I surround myself with other artists and admire their practices in all other mediums of expression. There are so many local artists I would love to partner with but in the world? Filmmaker, Taika Waititi, would be a fun one!
Interested in having your own photoshoot in front of the murals? Here are their locations! Please tag @wallsproject so we can share your moments of glamor!
Mural locations