Art & Life with Paulian Read

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulian Read.

Paulian, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
For as long as I can remember, I was always a dreamer. As a child, my soul moved through music and my eyes glimmered at anything luxuriously fashion forward. Glamour – I loved the idea of Glamour. Growing up, I always struggled with communication and my self – esteem. Like any young girl, I was drawn to everything that entailed fashion, beauty, music, and art. Fashion was always ingrained in me. I guess it came from my grandparents who worked in garment factories all their life and seeing my grandmother make clothes in our basement.

I started building my personal wardrobe when I landed my first job in Macy’s at 17 years old. Give a girl a retail credit card and she will run with it. And so I did, I was buying pieces left and right ON SALE that revolved around every possible style for any possible occasion. My wardrobe is a story in its own that has evolved over the past ten years with many pieces that are still with me from the beginning of time.

For at least 15 years of my life, I wanted a career in culinary. After I graduated high school in 2010, I took a year and a half off to center myself and find my peace of mind before I could continue my education. My life took a huge turn during that time and I found that the career I planned for myself wasn’t really my passion.There were nights I tossed and turned because I was so eager to go to college. One night I cleared my mind and asked myself – “What am I going to go to school for?” “What fuels me?” – and at that moment, I had a breakthrough – a vivid rush of memories came to my head. It went from playing with my trunk of Barbie clothes and shoes to being enthralled in coordinating outfits for myself, friends and family to the days I worked at Macy’s and literally gasping at the sight of anything that looked too EXPENSIVE to purchase. I remembered all the times I looked through magazine spreads and I would say to myself repeatedly “I want to do that”, I didn’t know what “THAT” was – I just knew that I was extremely fascinated by the concept of fashion editorials. I would analyze and critic the entire magazine front to back. I would find myself looking through a fresh new copy that my mom subscribed to every month and go nuts over the editorial spreads towards the end of the magazine. It was my favorite part. I didn’t care so much about who was on the cover, but more so was thrilled to see what was in the inside. The models were always dressed in crazy cool outfits and in the most outrageous backdrops and graceful poses. It was art- it was captivating and I wanted to be a part of it. A lightbulb went off in my head that night and I told myself – “FASHION, DUH!” How did I not think of this sooner?!

Right away, I had enrolled at the New England Art Institute in Boston and learned everything that entailed design and art. Two years flew by and my body was asking me for a change, so I transferred to the Johnson & Wales University and continued my education in Fashion. This time it was all about the business aspect of the industry. I learned that I had an eye for intricate details in styling and visuals. I learned “THAT” fiery sensation in my body when I looked through editorial spreads was the term fashion styling. After I graduated college in 2017, I knew it was go time. I’ve always had a free spirit and planned to move away from home. I told myself, 2017 would be the last winter I see. Around March 2018, everything in my body told me it was time to pack up and leave home and finally begin my career. With all the mental preparation to make this very risky move, I told myself LETS GO. On July 24, 2018, I was on my way to California with one carry-on and a dream. I moved to Los Angeles, CA with less than $10,000 and not knowing a single person. I didn’t have a place to call home, a car to drive, nor a job! I just knew that I was going to figure it out when I get there. I put my faith in myself and the universe to get me through this wild journey that I was about to start.

I grew up in a small tight-knit Latin community – Lawrence, Massachusetts. I was surrounded by so much talent, but not enough opportunity. I wanted a better living condition and a career so badly that I didn’t hesitate to leave. l suffered so much trauma in my past that I just wanted to be happy, so I made sure I took every step necessary to get there. The most important part about recognizing your accomplishments and what makes you happy is taking the steps necessary in knowing who you are as a person and knowing when to listen and trust your body. It will be a year since I’ve moved to LA and I have been so blessed to meet amazing people, create relationships with other artists and see the start of something that I have always dreamed of.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
There is no true definition of art. Fashion has evolved in so many ways that never ceases to amaze me. From the textiles, to the designs, to the structure of the garment from start to finish is exhilarating to me. I hail to those designers that understand the time it takes to construct an everlasting garment.

As a developing fashion stylist, I have always been drawn to our beautiful nature. My personal lifestyle allows me to express my individuality as a stylist. People, fashion, music, entertainment, nature and life itself is all part of what inspires me to do what I do. I’ve been so intrigued by our own society and how media has shaped and continues to influence us. While I was studying in college, I worked on projects that made me fall even more in love with styling and visuals. When I read that the fashion industry is the second reason why we are in global warming, I was shocked and disappointed. I found that there were so many grey areas and details that were overlooked in the industry on its own. It motivated even more to find a creative way to evolve as a fashion stylist. I wanted to figure out a way on how to support our world to be environmentally conscious and still have fun creating outfits for any lifestyle because after all we do need to have clothes on to leave the house! Here is the trick. Over the years, I’ve invested in quality pieces that are timeless. I think that is the most important factor. Cut down on impulse buys that fall apart in three-six uses  and invest in pieces that will literally last a lifetime. I make sure that whatever I buy it is absolutely to die for and I know I can wear it over and over again. My style is very versatile, practical, classic and still fashion forward. I love to look at a piece and find different ways to wear it. THAT is how you express yourself. It’s the colors, the design, the materials used, the details, THE QUALITY that moves me. Everything from the silhouette, to the stitching, to the fabric choice – it’s what sets that piece apart from all the others. The best part – my favorite part – is seeing what my mind envisions to be coordinated with that piece. The styling aspect. It isn’t about constantly buying new clothes because you can’t be caught wearing the same thing you wore last year, and it isn’t about buying something that is inexpensive just because it is on trend. The more we buy into trends the more pollution goes into our earth. It is about creating outfits within your wardrobe and adding to it as well as taking away from it over time. I believe that it is important to not only show your personal style, but it is important to think about how you want to represent yourself when you walk out the door.

When I am dressing myself or a client I always make sure that the comfort and confidence is there. Otherwise, the outfit is a no. The flow of the outfit needs to be effortless- as the saying goes, you wear the clothes, the clothes doesn’t wear you. With anyone that I work with I make sure that they are comfortable enough to be honest with me, have fun during the entire process (because I know it can be grueling for some) and always keep an open mind for feedback. I LOVE feedback – it is the only way I will know if a client loves what they are wearing. My work isn’t just about putting clothes together, it is about creating a relationship with people and building their self-esteem. We know it is hard to maintain a healthy state of mind all the time, but believe it or not the clothes you choose to wear every morning make a huge impact on your daily life. If you look good you will feel good and when you feel good, others around you will feel good. Your energy will uplift others in ways you won’t even believe- and that is what I want people to take away from my work.

My motto – Be Confident. Stay Humble.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Artists are extremely passionate people who find it hard to connect with others at times. We often find ourselves so immersed with our creative work that we disconnect from the world unknowingly, which isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, I find that spending time alone is rather enjoyable. My time alone is so important to me because it centers me. I get to focus on my reality and delve into how I want to express myself to the world. As an artist, you have to be comfortable with being vulnerable. Vulnerability comes from having an open heart and an open mind, despite all the pressures that come with living in this society. Confidence must be instilled within you in order to open up to the world as an artist. I believe working on yourself is a constant progress. There will be off-putting days and there will be uplifting days. The sooner you learn to fully trust yourself and believe in yourself, the faster you will reach your goals. Because it starts there, and everything else that is meant to show up in your life will. You will learn so much about yourself and how everything around you changes when you become conscientiously aware of your own behaviors.

The media today comes in many more forms than anyone would’ve imagined 20 years ago. So, it’s almost like going back to the drawing board. Where are we in life right now? Who am I and how can I still be true to myself and also continue to be proactive in building with other artists. Be present while keeping your future goals and past lessons in mind. I believe in the law of attraction- I think if you stay true to who you are and put in the effort that is necessary to grow as an artist (not just via web), then you will attract the people that are meant to be in your life. Everything will always fall into place. Remember that you must have a lot of patience. You always want quality people around you because they support you, they understand you, and they VALUE you. Embrace the moments that you have with yourself and cherish those moments that you share with other amazing people, just. like. you!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best representation of my work right now is through my personal Instagram. I love to collaborate, please don’t hesitate to connect with me!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estiloread/

Image Credit:
Model | China Fox, Kiki Canuto, Waskar Sanchez; Photographer | HeJune, Harlyn Medrano, Nicole Polanco, Kai Rodriguez Photography, Lucas Blanc; Designer | Jimmy with WTHRS Apparel

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.