Today’s Notable Young Professional is Stylist Box co-founder Christian Dare. We caught up with him to find out about the inspiration behind his work and his advice for other creatives in any industry…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
The list is long: I co-manage a press showroom for Canadian fashion – Stylist Box. I’m also an associate editor with AmongMen and contributor for Complex. I’m called upon to do freelance styling every so often.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I actually kind of fell into my career route. I was going to grad school to become a professor while working on the side as a visual for a major fashion retailer. I even taught for a little while at Concordia before I quickly realized teaching wasn’t for me and I preferred working in fashion. I went on to open stores for H&M across Canada (and one in the UK) before heading over to Holt Renfrew to oversee one of the visual teams. Eventually, I ended up at what I thought was my career goal – I was the National Visual Manager for Indigo Books. But after a few short years, I decided it was time to head out on my own. Stylist Box was born over a random brainstorming session with a friend over cocktails. And three years later we are still going strong.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Leaving corporate life. It was terrifying at the time but I don’t regret a day of it.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Opening a second and third location of Stylist Box and spending close to 50% of my year at my second home in New Orleans.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Choose your own path. And be okay with failing. The traditional route isn’t for most of us. Learn from that failure and carve your own path.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Over the years I have worked closely with various HIV/AIDS organizations (ACT Toronto, ACCM, and CANFAR). I saw a lot of friends and mentors pass away in the earlier days of the crises. Luckily, many of my HIV-positive friends are now living successful and full lives. But I believe we need to continue to raise funds for research and raise awareness. The fight isn’t over. I also mentor up-and-coming designers through the Toronto Fashion Incubator. I love seeing a brand grow and come into their own with those designers.
7. What does the word notable mean to you?
Simply, of Note. Noteworthy. Clever. Industrious…
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine / dine in your city and why?
In some ways I am a typical West Queen West kid, I rarely leave this corner of the city. With so many amazing options like Enoteca, Mamakas, La Cubana, Dandylion, Bar Isabel – it is hard to just pick one.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
It’s probably a toss-up. Every morning without fail I check Facebook, High Snobiety, Mr. Porter and BBC News. I then often end up on YouTube – I can get lost for hours in videos.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Not sure I can name just one. And I think the answer is different for Twitter vs Instagram. I prefer the visual aspects of Instagram – Twitter bores me. As to whom, I usually follow – other creatives (artists, architects, designers, photographers, etc) or friends. Nick Wooster always has the best street style – a fashion icon for men as they age and how they can still embrace style. Most celebrity accounts are extremely boring.
4. What’s your favourite cocktail?
A Lady Grey Sour from Northwood on Bloor West. Hands down the best.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
To be completely honest – nothing. I am usually that person who chooses to skip an event and stay in. With a career that is so dependent on being social and out and about at events, I crave time alone at home.
6. What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
All boozes and small bites. First I would start with a Ramos Gin Fizz from Bar Tonique in New Orleans. Followed by a full-bodied red with some beef tartare from Au Pied de Cochon in Montreal. I would then head for some fresh oysters and champagne in the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station in NYC. We are allowed to travel all over for this meal right?
7. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Um. When I think of guiltiest pleasure, I feel a proper answer would be getting shit faced and hiring hookers. But I am pretty bland in comparison; I guess buying more pairs of overpriced shoes than any one person really needs? Did I really need those Jil Sanders if there are still in the box unworn, 3 years later? Yes!