ReadysetDC A CREATIVE URBAN ENTERPRISE

Stylin’ w/Tyler Larish

Tyler Larish is a name that many of us should look out for in 2010. As a stylist at Immortal Beloved, Larish teamed up with Adrian Loving for Immortal Style, a fashion photography exhibition during DC Fotoweek. I caught up with him during a photoshoot in November. He had his hands busy as the Art Director and stylist for the shoot.  We discussed fashion, creativity and Movember among many different subjects.

“Some people are inspired by what they see on the street, others at shows and events. This is a huge part of why I’m doin what I can to pull everyone together in the city. It’s fun to do what we live for, and also inspires others.”

Atek: What is unique about the city?

TL: The creative community that I work with and surrounded by is so underground, yet we’re all connected. It’s like 70 degrees of Kevin Bacon but 2 degrees of Tyler Larish in the city!

Atek: Is there a new wave of creative energy in DC?

TL: The DC creative community has potential and it will be our year in 2010! I was living in DC for a few years and spent some time in NYC. I moved back to DC with a whole new respect for the city after I left NYC. In NYC, everyone has done it or is doing it. 2010 is the year for DC (and myself); we have a distinct style in our city.

We’re influenced by so many different cultures and I don’t mean just from other countries. I’m talking about the hip hop kids, b-boys and b-girls, the bmx crew and skateboard punks. This has always been a big part of my life and inspired me. I’m really drivin to connect designers, photographers, stylists, makeup artist, and artists within my team. My team and I will be hosting tons of shows and events, everything local including local charities by working w/the Dunes.

Atek: In your opinion, how is style and fashion evolving in the District?

TL: I hate to be so cliché, but Obama. He has given us a breath of fresh air in so many respects and as a country we are showing the world something they haven’t seen. As a city we are bringing what other cities have not seen. I finally walk down the street and see fresh looks. This is just the start. We will be bringing ‘it” to the city! I will be collaborating with local artists, designers, photographers, venues and everything in between.

Some people are inspired by what they see on the street, others at shows and events. This is a huge part of why I’m doin what I can to pull everyone together in the city. It’s fun to do what we live for, and also inspires others.

Atek: As a stylist, it’s part of your job to give the right looks and styles to your clients. What is the most common request that your clients ask for?

TL: My most common request as a stylist and something I try to push is to let me create a look for every guest. I ask questions and find out what I need to do to give you the best look for where your style is right now. My two favorite things to use for inspiration to create some ones look; accessories and shoes.

Tyler w/a few friends at Immortal Beloved’s grand opening party

Atek: You were voted for Best Dressed List: DC (ReadysetDC nominated you). What are your thoughts about being selected as one of the most stylish men in DC?

TL: I’m proud to see a list in DC that does not have the typical DC style, where all men are not wearing a suit. My biggest inspirations for my style are mad Max and Karl Lagerfeld. I’m most comfortable in some old boots, jeans and lots of leather.

Atek: Do you have any favorite boutiques for men’s fashion in the city?

TL: I shop at Energie for jeans, sometimes Gstar and Mercedes Bien Vintage in Adams Morgan.

Atek: Do you plan on being an Art Director for more photo shoots?

TL: I have a lot of photo shoots coming up in the future. The two I’m most excited about would be a shoot at the “W” hotel with an edgy Marie Antoinette inspired theme. It will be showcased during NYE. I will be working on some actors for a performance at the hotel’s NYE bash as well. The next will at Mardi Gras in New Orleans (an added bonus because it’s during my birthday).

Atek: We snapped a few photos of you at the (DC) Tweed Ride. What are your thoughts on the ride as cyclist in the city? Have you been riding for a while?

TL: I see more and more bikes in the city, it keeps coming. It’s a hit and it will get bigger and bigger. I’ve been riding BMX since I was a kid so it was a good event.

Atek: Many participants had ‘staches but you rocked a real one. It was one of the best ones I spotted during the Tweed Ride.

TL: I have been participating in Movember, a worldwide event, for many years now. I am going to the Mo-gallery in NYC, which will get waxed off after November. I’ve been doing this for years and enjoy growing out my mustache

Atek: What can you tell us about the next event at Immortal Beloved?

TL: I’m not exactly sure about our next event at the salon. I will say we’ve been open for 3 months and had 2 events (the grand opening party and DC Fotoweek) and each one has been a huge success. They’re getting so big we might need a guest list so join our fan page on Facebook and find out about the latest events and news there.

Atek: Lastly, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

TL: Haha. Five years? I can’t tell you where I’ll be in five months. I will say I hope to be doin hair and havin fun. Those are the two things I want out of my life.