Daily Inspiration: Meet Devin Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Ford.

Hi Devin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I begin my journey in LA about 10 years ago. Before starting my career in LA, I attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Studying English and Humanities. Fashion was something I enjoyed as a hobby. Working retail in college was my awakening into the industry. At this time, the rise of reality TV, social media and the new age influencer were all on the rise. The Atlanta market consisted of the who’s who’s in black culture and media. Working in Phipps Plaza (the Rodeo Dr of ATL) was the hot spot. I acquired clients like Kandi Burruss, NeNe Leakes, Jermaine Dupri, Kelly Rowland and Ciara. Working under Creative Director, Jeffrey Kalensky in his Atlanta boutique, we worked with a lot of elite clients. I never strayed away from my studies. But working in the fashion/entertainment paired hand and hand for me. Throughout the early 2010’s I would complete my studies at Morehouse College with a BA in English. Then I was commissioned to work on  opportunities with Bravo TV for hit shows like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta and New York City. I took on intern roles with Public Relations, wardrobe and media. Having a loyal client base allowed me to become highly recommended in these spaces. The art of networking and seizing opportunities are two main things I credit to my success. Nothing would come easy, but I never let that stop me. Around the mid 2010’s I felt like a shift was happening. My love and admiration for the Entertainment industry grew. I wanted to use all of my experiences and studies from Morehouse to make my stamp on the market. I wanted to be the go-to person for my celebrity clients. Being able to dress them for major events and press came easy. But I sought opportunities for more business avenues. Seeing the behind the scenes of how contracts, endorsements and other business deals were being made – sparked my interest in business studies. While attaining these credentials, I would work with agencies like Roc Nation and Conde Nast. This gave me the well round backing into Public Relations and Marketing. Knowing how to pitch and navigate my clients were my strong suits. Interviews and media training were also key factors. By the late 2010’s I set my sights on Los Angeles. Starting on Rodeo Dr was the ideal goal. With my luxury retail background, I was prepared for all that Beverly Hills had to offer. I begin with Gucci. As they appointed a new Creative Director. This shift in the business allowed new blood to come aboard. At this time, the industry was focusing on professional athletes. The infamous tunnel looks were all the rave. I became responsible for football teams like the LA Chargers and Rams. Sourcing sizes for the star players came second nature. Developing that level of trust allowed me to be the point of contact. I made it my business to dress every player in the latest fashion trends with Gucci. Creating and molding their image on and off the field. These skills would take me to other arenas like basketball, media and print.
Throughout my career I have many wins. Working under Virgil Abloh for LV was by far one of the greatest. Being a part of his creative genius was life changing. Virgil was always a mentor to me. Seeing someone that looks like me, being a man of color, and representing a major fashion house was inspirational. I am grateful for the many conversations we shared. He influenced me to take my business to the next level. I was able to be a part of his LV x NBA collaboration. Sitting in on this journey from start to finish was amazing. Seeing Virgil take inspiration from the league and its players was cool. Considering the Lakers had just won the 2020 NBA Finals, Virgil brought me on as a consultant to see this capsule collection come to life. As my career progressed, I would then work on reality shows, movies, and TV. I have attended events like the MET Gala, Vanity Fair Oscar party and Paris Fashion week. I stand on the shoulders of creatives that have paved the way for me. I have made it my mission to do the same. I am appreciative of the experiences I have thus far in my career. At this time, I want to be that influential person for new comers that look like me. Fashion is supposed to be fun and free. Weather styling myself or clients, I always seek to let the personality show. What’s the story you want to tell? What’s our statement piece? And finally, How will this translate to the world. Always seeking to be inspirational.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has not been an easy one. So many obstacles and struggles have tried to keep me down. In a field where image is everything, I have faced the most trials and tribulations. One would think that the fashion and entertainment world would be progressive. While some changes have been made, there are still more to come. For my personal journey, racism has been the most trying. Always having to prove your worth and fight for your place has been a struggle. Like anything, I fought to overcome them. I have always led with grace. No matter how difficult the job or obstacle may have been. I pride myself on being my best self. In the change of my career in Beverly Hills, I always fought for the underdog. Most of my loyal and elite clients all started and new clients. Working with brands on Rodeo Dr, I always wanted to share the success of my minority clients. No matter the profession, I wanted the big corporate officials to see who their consumers were. I received a ton of push back for showcasing my rapper, producer and influencer clients. Brands would say that they were not the idea representation. Working under Virgil Abloh, I knew that representation was key. I would develop personalized look books of some of my clients. Most of these individuals had a strong media presence. After a ton of no’s from the luxury brands, I would style my clients in runway, commercial pieces and everyday styles. Growing their purchase history from off the rack to off the runway exclusives.  As their presence grew so did their fashion. I would take meetings with a brand and show them the development of my clients. To their surprise, the top spenders of the brand were all minorities. Having various career backgrounds but very influential for the brand. This determination would also make me one of the top advisors in the store. With this consistency, I would later be credited for acquiring new brand ambassadors and spokesperson for the house. I am honored that I was able to shine a new light on some of the worlds oldest fashion brands.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my work, I specialize in brand marketing and image consultant. My time in luxury retail has afforded me the experience of developing a loyal clientele and exceeding goals. With that, I have also learned more behind the scenes endeavors. This has allowed me to be a jack of all trades. My work consists of everything from styling, media interviews/press to brand marketing. I have worked on some of the biggest world tours in the last 5 years. To the top grossing movies and shows. Assisting with wardrobe. My talents have also been used for brand development. Working with various sports teams and their star player. Being able to market a product and identify its consumers is not for the weak. I have also been a part of the endorsement process for some of my longtime clients. I’ve worked to prepare them for interviews/press. Recently my work has been shown in editorial spaces. Partnering with magazine for ad campaigns that showcase some of my most notable clients and style. I am most proud to be able to work with many of my favorite entertainers. Listening to their music or watching their films was only the tip of the iceberg. Now, having the chance to be a part of their team and assisting on projects with them has been a joy. Seeing my work on TV and movies is another great feeling. Knowing that your creativity is been seen by your peers and your ideas have manifested into reality- is a feeling like no other.
The thing that sets me a part from others is that, I am willing to work in any role or capacity. Weather assistant or director, I believe that there is no big or small role. But there is always room for growth if you take it. I pride myself on having a good attitude, strong credentials and work ethic. I have been able to sustain my networks and connections by being extremely reliable. Knowing my market and the consumer. In addition to, I have provided stability and a personalized experience for my clientele. Not all clients are the same, so being able to juggle different clients with curated experiences is a true talent.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
In terms of collaboration, I am always taking on new clients and opportunities. As I continue my time on Rodeo Dr, there are always possibilities to work with me. In regards to support, I have really leaned into my social media for connecting with people. Through platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, I am always updating new features and clients that I am working with.
 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/devinjford/
Instagram: @DevinFerrari

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @devinferrari
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/devinjford/