NEW YORK – In a new interview, stylist Ian McRae discusses his career path, inspirations, and goals for the future. McRae, originally from Tallahassee, Florida, has made a name for himself in the New York City fashion scene through his unique approach to storytelling and character-building through clothing.
McRae’s interest in fashion began in his youth,with a captivation for MTV and magazines. Although he initially considered a career in politics, he ultimately pursued a creative path, studying public relations at Florida A&M University. After moving to New York City, he interned at public relations firms before assisting stylists on set, including Ian Bradley.Over the past decade, McRae has worked with various talents and publications, including Moses for New York Magazine and indie magazines like Just Smile and Fantastic Man. His work often showcases men embodying both masculine and feminine qualities, offering a softer perspective in the industry.McRae’s styling work for Vogue, featuring Julez Smith in a Wales Bonner suit, and his styling of Sampha in a puffer coat for New York Magazine, exemplify his ability to tell vivid stories through sharp statement clothing.
“I’ve been told from just people describing my work that it’s this world-building of texture, color, movement,” he shared. “But I think it’s about feeling, I think it’s about what the talent or the person in these clothes feel like and the feeling you get when you play dress up.”
Looking ahead, McRae aims to use his platform to support younger designers and those aspiring to work in fashion, while also promoting sustainability within the industry.
McRae’s Fashion Journey and Influences
In the interview,McRae shared insights into his fashion origin story and the experiences that have shaped his career.what is your fashion origin story?
“I was addicted to MTV and inspired [by] magazines, and then I just worked my way up to it. I don’t feel like I kind of ever looked at the position of a stylist and was like, ‘Oh my God, I want to do this.’ At 10 years old? Absolutely not. I wanted to be like Kelly Cultrone. And that’s what I moved to New York to do. And then I realized I wasn’t a PR girl, I kind of fell into styling, which is funny ’cause I don’t have a background in art.”
You also have a very intense work ethic. Is that what led you to New York City from tallahassee, Florida?
“I think I’ve always wanted something bigger than where I was and the surroundings. I think it’s one of those weird things-I didn’t have a moment of [detailed planning]. It was more so I wanted to feel like I was close to what was going on and a part of something bigger than a boy from Florida.”
McRae also discussed his creative process, which involves mood boarding and drawing inspiration from various sources, including magazines from the 1970s and 1990s. He emphasizes the importance of building characters through clothing and using fashion to convey a message.
“I think I want to use storytelling and character-building through the lens of fashion and working with brands to figure out what they’re trying to say. For me, it’s all about a question rather than a final result or an outcome or the bottom line.”
Brands and the Future of Fashion
McRae highlighted several brands that he believes are doing an excellent job at storytelling through their campaigns and collections, including Jonathan Anderson, Martine Rose, Grace Wales Bonner, and Bianca Saunders.He also expressed his optimism about emerging designers in the New York fashion market.
Which brands do you feel are doing an incredible job at storytelling right now whether through campaigns or collections?
“I would say Jonathan Anderson. I would also say I love Martine Rose,I love Grace Wales Bonner. I think Bianca Saunders,and all these different designers are world-building in their own way,but slow progression. every season is a progression of the last. I think we need more of that. We need more of the progression of telling this wider narrative of what brands stand for and us, I think we are kind of going through a time of what the reinvention of these brands means and what they represent in our culture. I think it’s all about re-contextualizing that in a way.”
Do you think that you’re optimistic about emerging designers in the New York fashion market? I’m optimistic.
“I’m excited.I think there are a lot of people that are doing captivating things right now and reshaping how we look at clothing in general and how we wear clothing. I was recently really taken aback [by] Puppets and Puppets who moved from New York to Paris.”
He also mentioned brands like Our Legacy and auralee, which focus on elevated basics and timeless pieces, as examples of companies that have successfully cultivated a niche audience.
recognition from the British Fashion Council
McRae was honored by the British Fashion Council for his contributions to the fashion industry.
How did it feel to get the honor of being awarded by the British Fashion Council?
“It feels humbling. I think I’m very much a person who isn’t interested in the social-facing fame out of it. I think it’s a bit more about the work for me and it’s been, I think seven, eight years now of me kind of doing this on my own after assisting for five to six years.So it’s interesting. It feels good, but surreal in a way. I feel like I’m finally getting recognition for something-I’m appreciative and grateful for it.”
McRae’s journey from Tallahassee to New York City has been marked by hard work, creativity, and a passion for storytelling through fashion. As he looks to the future, he hopes to inspire and support others in the industry while promoting a more lasting approach to fashion.
