There’s more to being a stylist than picking out cool clothes or a buzzy outfit, it’s about understanding your clients—expanding their personal style and challenging them to grow while still allowing them to stay true to themselves. Jason Bolden is an expert at this. From starting off in retail to opening his own vintage store to launching a wildly successful styling career, Bolden has always been about developing relationships. Now, as his clientele list swells with A-list celebrities and his own entrepreneurial spirit comes to fruition with projects such as the multidisciplinary creative studio JSN Studio and a starring role in the Netflix show Styling Hollywood, what impresses the most about Bolden is that his core element of empathy and understanding remain. We sat down with Jason to talk about his career, current trends and inspirations.

I always knew that I liked it but I didn't recognize until my teens that it could be a passion. I would wake up and go to sleep thinking about it. That’s when I realized that it was passion.

What is the number one piece of advice you have for anyone looking to start a career in the industry?

Study. Study. Study. Read and watch whatever you can to understand the industry and identify what you need to know because the business isn't new so coming into it without knowing what happened in the past is not going to help your future.

I would say the underappreciated part of the craft is time. There's so much time that goes into everything we do and I don't think people consider or pay attention to the amount of time it takes to get one dress to work on someone.

Everything feels a bit relaxed, be it shirts or trousers. I’ve also noticed that the proportion of men's shirts is a bit more cropped; hitting right at the belt loops. I plan on using this on the red carpet when it comes to playing on different proportions and suiting. Instead of doing the quintessential classic suit jacket, choosing something that feels good cropped. And, for day-to-day life, wearing a relaxed trouser or relaxed jeans with a shirt of some sort.

I think the bare-chest vibe has run its course. I think we all should put our shirts back on. It's been nice and I'm going to stay away from that. I still love a good tank or a sleeveless.

What are any designers/brands/artists that you think are doing a good job of progressing fashion right now?

Right now, I love what Wales Bonner is doing for men. I always love what Bottega is doing. I love what Daniel Lee is doing at Burberry. And, I'm kind of a classic when it comes to a good shoe. I love a good Converse.

Any of the Bottega crop jackets. I feel like it's such a staple whether it is black, printed or textured it is such a great conversation piece and the fit is always perfection.