David C. Melton: Style Thru Interpretation
By Vallene Henderson
When I found out I was interviewing David C. Melton, Fashion Stylist for this current issue, the first thing that came to my mind was, do I have to break out the 4inch heels, dust off my Gucci bag & borrow my aunt’s Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress??? I didn’t want him to look at me like I’m the latest victim on the show of What Not to Wear. Luckily Melton could care less about my fashion handicap. When Melton walked into the Starbucks to meet me, his facial expression was *thank you Lord for this A/C because this humidity is brutal* after we introduced ourselves to each other I was given access to take a glimpse of Mr. David C. Melton.
As a young child there was something about Melton. Apparently, everyone Melton came in contact with knew what he was destined to do. Melton didn’t realize what everyone was seeing until later in his life.
Melton’s father was a master barber and owned a barber/salon and encouraged his son to be creative. Melton’s mom also seen the creativity in her son and would also fuel and reinforce the freedom of his creativity. When Melton was 12 years old, his parents asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday. Your average 12 year old may have said I want a party, maybe dinner or maybe even get the latest video game. Not Melton, he told his parents he wanted to go shopping in New York City. Not questioning their son they obliged to Melton’s request & spent his birthday in New York City Shopping.
How did you get into styling?
I have been working in fashion since 15. I attended Marymount University in Virginia. Freshman year of college, I worked as a visual coordinator for Armani Exchange & got into styling at the age of 18 when I styled shoots for DC1 Magazine that later on ended up being on the covers.
Junior Year, Melton was presented with the opportunity to study abroad in London at London College of Fashion where he partook in an 8-week intense styling course. This opportunity was just a taste of what’s out there in fashion for Melton. During the course of Melton’s studies in London he interned with the British luxury label Daks Simpson, where he did tests shoots. Later he worked with Madeline Ginsburg of The Victoria and Albert Museum where he was introduced to pattern preservation and working in Zandra Rhodes Fashion /Art Museum. Melton archived patterns from the 1890’s – 2000’s. “Patterns are the base and the groundwork for fashion. That is where you reference what is going on today, you look at the past,” states Melton.
Studying in London seemed like a good opportunity. If you had the chance would you do it all over and choose a different school?
If I could do anything all over again, I would have gone to any school to study and look at a broad opportunity to finish school and really study in London. I would have stayed in London 10 times over. Because to take one class was only a taste. Its like giving you one Louboutin and not a pair. You have the right shoe but don’t have the left. I couldn’t take all the courses like I really wanted. But I am happy I met good friends while in London who I am still friends with today.
The one thing that stands out in Melton’s mind is when he was 14yrs old when he saw the editorial High & Mighty with Nadja Auerman that was photographed by Helmut Newton in the Vogue February 1995 issue while he was in the beauty salon with my mom. Melton loved the styling of Camilla Nickerson’s work. It was this editorial that was imprinted in his mind. During Melton’s studies in London he went to a bookstore with a coworker. As they were browsing through books Melton picked up the 20 Years of Dolce & Gabbana book. When he opened the book he saw the Nadja Aureman editorial and got emotional. He hasn’t seen the photo since he was 14. He recalls, “when I saw it, I was taken back to that moment in the salon, I said to myself I must have made the right choice. Seeing this at 14 and then again while I’m in a European city studying fashion really got to me.
Images courtesy of Helmut Newton
When Melton got back to his home town of Washington DC he did some freelancing with an agency but went back to retail and was supervisor for Cole Haan. When a Junior high school friend called Melton and informed him about an internship with People’s Revolution in NYC, he rushed to NY and worked fashion week spring 2004 (fall 04/05 shows). When Melton got back he started at Cole Haan as a Floor supervisor for the Women’s Collection. After a few months, he left Cole Haan to move to NY. Right before he left the store, Melton recalled the Director of Cole Haan stating, “Promise me two things, you never come back and you do good in New York.” Melton highly respected his director and took heed to this statement and promised that is exactly what he would do. When he first arrived to NY he freelanced for Nieves Lavi doing quality control.
Later he worked with a handbag designer. This position exposed him to different areas within his job. He worked on the website, product development, office manager, collection line sheets, showroom coordinator, and attended market shows. “It was a real fashion job” states Melton. The art of getting people to know the brand, Selling the product line, contact with the customers, contacting fashion media outlets such as Instyle, People Style Watch or Lucky Magazine is what he enjoyed. This helped him garner various skills sets that he can later use.
After his stint with the handbag designer he went back to freelance styling. “You can study styling but styling is an instinct. Its like being an artist, you can study it and know the history of it but that’s it. Like singing, if you can’t sing, you can’t sing. There is no way of getting around that. I’m not saying “I can style”…but I can style, because it is subjective. What I may do, you may not like. How I may dress, you may not like. That doesn’t mean I don’t have style. It’s an interpretation of it. But there is a core to having good style, there is a certain eye.”
Melton loved doing the tests shoots and assists more then he styles on his own. “You have to assist because you have to learn different realms of styling like, editorial, still life and catalog styling.”
What goes into being a stylist?
A lot of people knows what goes into it because of the reality shows like The Stylist, Stylista, Style Me or even The Rachel Zoe Project. But there is so much that goes on with it. There is nothing fabulous at all. It is a constant grind and you really put yourself out there.
Melton’s Day as a stylist vary but he does have certain days that he does certain things on.
Shoot Days
On days that Melton is styling for a shoot, he preps for it either that day or a couple days before. He will start that day and pick up clothes from showrooms or stores. Once on set his instincts takes over and gets to work doing what he loves. After the shoot he then drops the clothes back off.
Non-shoot days are considered his Office Days
Office days are when Melton is mostly on his grind. He is reaching out to his contacts, setting up meetings, creating work & projects
Shopping Days
Though this day is called Shopping Day, typically there is no shopping going on. Melton is hitting the pavement going from store to boutiques to observing people in the street to see what trends are out, what people are wearing or what is hot on the racks.
Book Days
On book days you will find Melton at your nearest Barnes & Noble or his favorite magazine shop doing more research. This entire day is dedicated to looking at magazines to research & stay on top of what is current.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Lookbook for a designer that deconstructs vintage pieces and recreates them into a garment. I’m also working on Harlem’s Fashion Row presentation exhibition for S/S2011 collections for four emerging minority designers, as the fashion director. Providing a platform and voice that is not ever-present in our fashion community. It goes up Septemeber 17th at the Studio Museum of Harlem. Also I am continuing to freelance and assist and really just sharpen aspects of my life. I have my hand in a few other Projects.
How has your parents, family or friends played a role in your life towards your goals?
My father actually, when I was very young through adolescence, always encouraged me towards the arts not just sports. My mother from that point on, took over the reigns and even when she didn’t always get it she was never discouraged. She said “When you went to London, It all made so much sense.” My family on my mother’s side all get it. My uncles are so supportive of all that I came here [NY] to accomplish, often telling my mom “We always knew that David was going to go for his dreams and New York is where he always needed to be.” My aunts and cousins always got it. So that foundation of family support is so incredible. My mom frequents NY often and my fashion family always embraces her She thrifts with us in NY and my home DC. That’s integral for me because so many of us don’t have parents that get it or that can’t come to your city and share; often times some don’t want to. I am blessed. We talk about this industry; she listens, advises as a friend, not mom and supports my decisions. That is so great for reaching my goals because having un-yielded support is key especially when you embark upon risks that can take you to the next level. Someone’s got to be in your corner to say go for it.
-What is your goal or what keeps you going
“I want to eventually have a small boutique store. Nothing big, just a hidden gem that offers me to style and do retail in the store”
One common theme through Melton’s life and this interview is Melton’s relationships and his constant determination to keep learning. “I don’t just create a relationship for it to just be a working relationship. I cultivate it to be a friendship” When he goes to different events his main focus is to meet people and create relationships. As he states “If I didn’t meet anyone, that means I wasn’t meant to be there.” Through his friendships and work reputation, he has had opportunities to freelance for Martha Stewart and Donna Karan to name a few. He also writes for Fashion Windows.
David Melton didn’t realize his path at first when he was young. The young man who watched Fashion TV every Saturday morning on E! instead of Cartoons, thought it was something that he liked to do at the time. Unlike his friends and family around him, he thought his path would be in marketing somewhere.
As Melton was talking to me about a great find at a vintage thrift shop in Harlem, you can see his excitement and passion in his face as he explains how he found a vintage Hermes piece w/ the original wood buttons and etching. Oh, let me not forget, he only paid $4 for it!.
Every now and then Melton will leave New York for a couple of weeks to flush everything out of his system. This allows him to stay fresh and also eases his mind
What advice would you give to young stylist wanting to break into the industry?
The one thing I would say after working at it, working in it, working with other stylist, still working under stylist and for myself, you got to know that it is about relationships.
Makeup done by: MisChief
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46 Responses to “David C. Melton: Style Thru Interpretation”
this was a good interview and the pictures are FIYAH! does mr melton style broke people like me??? lol
Beautiful spirit and great interview. Love the energy of this guy! And that HAIR!
I am so very proud of David. He has a passion for fashion. He has a passion for all of his endeavors. The interview was outstanding and heartfelt, and David’s pictures are FABULOUS — OH SO BREATHTAKING! David will accomplish his dreams because he loves what he does. One day, I am going to see David on television with his own Fashion/Design Show — THIS I BELIEVE. Additionally, I pray for him daily and want him to continue to expand his horizons and reach for the stars. LOVE.
I knew you’re were a special gift from God one that day
you intered the world on Friday,June 5, 1981. Son, I’m so proud of you. The interview and the pictures are awsome, breathtaking and outstanding…
Continue to let God guide your footsteps. Keep up the good work son. I GET IT!!…. Love …Mommy
David is my friend, and more importantly, my family. I am so proud of you and I love you from the bottom of my heart. Keep turning it OUT!
Amazing pictures! great interview.
Awesome! I’m proud to have known you all these years, have seen you grown up and doing what you love. Keep up the great work! Will make that hair appt with you soon!Love
Val, great interview. So Proud of U!
This is such a great interview! This story about David Melton is truly inspirational.
Great Job!
great article about a great stylist. so dynamic and love all the sides that there are to david. thanks for opening up and giving us a peek into who david is!
Wow, This is a great interview. The pictures of my dear/closet friend David looks wonderful and FIERCE!!!!! He has always been a fashion/stylist/ and in my book an ICON……. I remember telling him to make sure he makes a fashion line for ME!!!! He is working on it!!! Keep up the good work …. I love you always- KGB DIVAS
What an amazing interview…. It’s uber chic and I love your photos. Eventhough we have seen or spoken with each other since highschool… I would like to say I’m sooo proud of you and continue to follow your dreams. Ps: the heel click photo is my FAV!!!! Bravo ; )
Oops*haven’t
Congratulations on your interview and continued accomplishments and success! ….. You are very talented and very fierce love the pictures also.
David you are awesome! I always knew you’d be somebody every since high school. Keep up the good work and stay fly :-)
You know growing up you have certain people in your life that you know will be the next Icon. David Melton has always been fly,smooth and very courageous. I’m glad to see you on top and most of all “Happy”. Much love from your big homie Ron aka BUTTA BEAN
David you have always been “grander than life”. As your childhood friend, I am not surprised to see you climbing to the top. “May the wind be always at your back and the sun upon your face”…always stay FIERCE! Best wishes to you, Jenny.
David CONGRULATIONS!!!! I knew u had it in u all along!!!
Luv Ya!!!
P.S. I need a BAG!!!!
David you are doing your thang well! Keep up the great work, I’m so proud of you, your work is amazing and so are you!- Emma (8804 for life)
WOW! David has been a dear friend of mine since the 8th grade. I remember my mom sending him shopping with me to pick out clothes for school dances, etc., because she knew he’d hook me up. David, I am so proud of you! Keep up the great work and I wish you all the happiness and success you can stand. Kay and I are still waiting for our jeans!! Love you!!
Absolutely Wonderful! Such a great article and David couldn’t have been a better feature artist. Yes, I said artist and not stylist because David takes fashion to another level. Like Picasso with canvass and a brush, David creates masterpieces. Thank you or sharing the inner world of David Melton too. Destine to rise to prominence which is so deserved! Continue your vision, it is not a dream but a journey.
David Melton is everything that is fashion … he is a trend setter and he will serve any girl down any where any time – his hair is fabulous and he is more fabulous – when working with david one can not help but be having the time of their life – im so happy david is here serving this website DOWN he is divinity in motion and he is the most caring great spirited person i have ever met – i wish him all the best – and girl if you broke out some heals he woulda broke out some CUNT FASHIOON FORR YOUU the question is can you handle it ?? hahaaa love this peice on david he is a staple in the fashion industry and we all can learn a lot from him!!! serve them down baby i love you — AJP III
this article inspired me to continue on working and utilizing the gifts God has given me, just as David is using his God-given talent. His grind sets a standard for all wanting to pursue their goals/dreams. i like how writer gave the reader a true sense of david’s work week, showing the discipline, perseverance and drive necessary to accomplish his daily goals. awesome!
Wow, so clearly one can’t judge a book by its cover. David, upon meeting you my mind was flooded with preconceived notions of someone such as yourself. I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that someone so heavily entrenched in the world of fashion, who has such a uniquely refined, poised, polished and fresh take on fashion, would be so grounded and real all at the same time. I’ve known you for but a short time, however, it feels like a lifetime. You’ve taught me so much about fashion, you have also shown me that it’s okay to be true to yourself, and how to give that with your pieces as you so often call the garments that grace your body. If today you feel ready to wear, you will wear it well, and if tomorrow’s fashion forecast calls for couture, than by all means your quest is to conquer it. I have an immense amount of respect for who you are, what you do and why you do it, which I’ve surmised is simply because you love it, and clearly it loves you. Continue to be that jet setter coming of the runway giving the world a taste things that even the most noted or dare I say it, so called fashionista’s would even dare to dream of.
Much Love, Jonathan K
Wow, so clearly one can’t judge a book by its cover. David, upon meeting you my mind was flooded with preconceived notions of someone such as yourself. I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that someone so heavily entrenched in the world of fashion, who has such a uniquely refined, poised, polished and fresh take on fashion, would be so grounded and real all at the same time. I’ve known you for but a short time, however, it feels like a lifetime. You’ve taught me so much about fashion, you have also shown me that it’s okay to be true to yourself, and how to give that with your pieces as you so often call the garments that grace your body. If today you feel ready to wear, you will wear it well, and if tomorrow’s fashion forecast calls for couture, than by all means your quest is to conquer it. I have an immense amount of respect for who you are, what you do and why you do it, which I’ve surmised is simply because you love it, and clearly it loves you. Continue to be that jet setter coming of the runway giving the world a taste of things that even the most noted or dare I say it, so called fashionista’s would even dare to dream of.
Much Love, Jonathan K
Job well done Lil Dav.
David C. Melton, the stylist, is AMAZING! But while his work is AMAZING, so is his personality! It’s so unreal to find people like him in the world, better yet in fashion. Ever so giving, David is always teaching me new things…about fashion, about life! This guy is family to me and my warning to world is that you watch out…HE IS A STORM!!!
My Dearest Darling David,
I L-I-V-E for you! I just have to tell you what a joy and honor it is that fate had me meet you. Your interview was so touching, inspirational, honest and most of all you. I can’t help but feel even more connected to you because I had the same experience with dancing and trying to figure out whether that just because I had an natural affinity to it that I should pursue it as a career passionately. I am so thankful that I had the common sense and gumption to follow my passion as you did yours. After all not only am I living my dream, I found a man a could love for the rest of my life and a dear spirit in you that I will treasure and am proud to call friend.
I am still very aware of what I am wearing when going to meet you. Lol. But, that is just a testament to your talent and artistry. You are humble, yet have the eye, mind, and support to reach limitless potential. BTW, I want to borrow everything you wore in those pictures you were styled D-O-W-N!!!!!!!!
Love you so much
I would really love to see more of David – his style is all inspiring and he really knows how to caputre a moment effortlessly – this interview and series on david has made me check this page religiously – i cant wait to see what you guys do next with david!!!
David, My soul mate – what my life would be without you … i dont know – i can be having the worst day of my life and i close my eyes and think of you at that parsons shoot head banging in the back to beyonce while i was trying to shoot hahahaa!!! and instantly my day has been turned upside down, my frown now a smile- reading these comments i realize im not the only one whos life you light up, to know you and to know your spirit is a blessing you have the inate ability to make people laugh and you have taught me to not sweat the small stuff – the fashion industry without you would not be complete you are an extremley important peice of the puzzle- i know your journey will only skyrocket from here and im so honored to know and have worked with you – i cant wait to work with you in the future and make some more magic – im going to put a quote here now that really means something to me – “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others” – in all the time i have know david he has never played small, walking the streets david is an inspiration his light shines so bright you cant help but tell him how fabulous he is – David i love you and keep on serving this world DOWN BABY (no spell check, dont judge me)
My lovely…what a vision!!!! You have taken my breath. I am AMAZED at what I am seeing! I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished. You were so smart for packing your bags 5 years ago and leaving DC…and of course moi! New York was craving your energy and you have delivered…more than EVER! You have an insanely SICK sense of style…I LIVE. Congratulations on this brilliant interview…shine on my gem. Loves.
I luv to see new stylist at there prime!!! David’s interview was insightful and the pictures are amazing !!! Great job, I’m looking to see who he will be styling next and what his future endeavours will bring!!!
Continue to GAG the world with your style!!!!
David is by nature what style is supposed to be and reading this article puts into perspective that he is a style prodigy. 15 years old? Gag! This interview was an interesting and informative read and the pictures are amazing. What the pictures can’t show are how warm and loving David is 24/7. He would give you the shirt off of his back and though it would definitely look better on him, he’d make sure you took it. He is charming and incredibly witty and it is impossible to be in poor spirits in his presence. I am so blessed to know him and so happy to see his story told.
Omg! Love love love David. Congrats love. David styled me when I was shooting a pilot in DC. Had so much fun with him that day. David is one of the most confident people I know. Being self aware and knowing who you are and how to work it is what most people should learn from him. Also for a guy David really wows me with his hair! I love it!!
Words cannot express the joy that I have for the pics and the article. I do not have to tell you that you are vision and your light shines so bright. It is not about fashion for you, it is about your life and how beautiful you live it. I am very happy to experience your journey with you and I cannot wait to see you grow to where God wants you to be. I also can’t wait to see your 30 inches down your back and all grey in 40 years and see what you are giving the gyrls then!!!
Love you dearly
Randy
Trust when I say, David is the truth!!!! I’ve never met anyone who has such a focus to detail. David can describe anything to a tea, you don’t have to go shopping with David to feel like the item in discussion is right before your eyes. Not many people can do this. Not many people can wear 24 inch hair, and have that blow out pass you in the street and put most females to shame. TRUST IT’S AS GOOD IN PERSON AS IT IS IN THE FLICKS. I LOVE YOU boo, you have become apart of my family and I’ll see you at the top!!!!!!!
SMOOCHES
B
David, I feel blessed to be able to share my congratulations to you. You are awesome. This is the beginning of great things to come. Keep up the good work and put God first in all you do. I look forward to reading about your continued success. Your mom and I shares daily and David, she is so proud of you. I am honored to be a friend of your mother, and through her I got to meet you.
God bless you always!!!!
Joan
My dear, dear David: This article takes my breath away. Some things you just hope will happen in your lifetime; the fact that I am still here to witness this makes it even more special. You are nothing short of poetry in motion. I am reminded of the countless times you have dislodged clothes in my closet and re-made them in your image, and looked absolutely fabulous, I might add. I hope you know I love you and pray that the genius of God will continue to rest on your life. Selah.
David, insightful article on how you approach your work. Nothing surprising – you are thorough individual which i am blessed to now be able to call a family member. Your reputation exceeds you! Much success!
I must start off by saying I’m truly overwhelmed at my cousins success. I do remember when he was at approximately the of 7 years old Laying out his mother/ my aunt’s outfits for the week. Actually, he still tries to keep from being pulled over by the fashion police til this very day. But, then again you David you can’t be everywhere :-)
I’m so proud of you and the success your having in the industry of fashion. You’ve always possessed the determination, excitement and tenacity need in that industry. I’ve always admired your focus and courage to do things your way. When presented with” jaw dropping” opportunities you would always meet and exceeded all of the expextations placed before you.
Inshort, David you have always mad me so proud of you. Some would ask am I surprised of your success, I would have to say surprise is not the best word to define how I feel. Because, you’ve always have been special and extremely talented. I knew you would reach heights beyond what most people would expect. So, I will keep that questioned about whether I’m surprised open and close-out by saying… In a short time you’ve accomplished so much; and with the abundance of talent you have and the right attitude you will only continue to WOW… Kwame N. Browner. (please forgive me on any type O’ s. I did this on my phone)
You Go Lil David!!! All I can say is Wow! What fantastic photos and an awesome interview. I am so proud of you! I should have known you were destined for this. You had this “gift” of style as a little boy. I still remember the many times your Mom and I went shopping, and it was you would always help pick out the right outfit or accessory when we couldn’t make up our minds after trying on clothes for hours. On your next trip home I will be waiting for you to come by and style me up:) This is only the beginning for you:)
Denise
Hello there, just browsing for information for my Donna Karan site. Amazing the amount of information on the web. Not what I was looking for, but cool site. Have a nice day.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..
OMG! I never had a doubt David will rise to the top, he is so talented its amazing ! Does anybody know if he has a facebook account or any other way i could reach him? We used to be friends and worked together at SAKS 5th Avenue and lost contact few years back =(
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