Beyond the Runway: Tajh Barnes on Fashion, Culture, & Resilience

By: Ezzah Rafique

Talent: Tajh Barnes

Stylist: Jai Simmons - @jaimaofficial

Stylist Assistant: Jadah Noelle - @jadahnoelle

Photographer: Tiffany Le - Le @tiffanyy_le

MUA/Grooming: Dre - @makeupwdre

What first sparked your passion for fashion at such a young age, and how did your childhood experiences shape your creative vision? 

TB: I think being from Miami definitely sparked my acknowledgment of the importance of being fly. Miami is all about flossin, so the way to get respect in any room without even saying a word is having that sh*t on. My parents were also super fly and always kept me laced in the finest garments. I recently found a bag of all my old clothes from a child — Geanfranco Ferre, Moschino, etc. I was super shy growing up, so I always used fashion and creativity as an outlet to express myself, and gained a lot of notoriety

What challenges did you face breaking into the fashion industry from Miami, and how did your background influence your approach? 

TB: Being from Miami, I feel like there’s a ceiling when it comes to breaking into the industry. I wanted more than just “hood fame”. I was well respected by everyone in my city but having travelled all over the world and scrolling social media, I knew there was more. Although I would travel to Paris frequently for vacation, I wanted to start attending these fashion shows and be respected by these fashion houses— make a name for myself in this industry. My mom always said if you’re going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability or not at all,  so I knew I had to take things up a notch.  

What is your process for conceptualizing a look, whether for yourself or a client? 

TB: I think it’s all about a feeling—How you feel yourself, and the feelings you want to invoke in others. I wish I had a cooler story for my process, Lol

How do you balance creativity with the needs and personality of the person you’re styling? 

TB: I love when a client gives me 100% creative control and trusts me. If there’s ever a client [who] is more opinionated, I always try to come to a happy medium. If the client isn’t happy or comfortable, no matter how “good” the look is, the uncomfortability will overshadow the clothes. It’s all about a feeling– confidence 

Were there any behind-the-scenes challenges or surprises you encountered working on high-profile projects or events?

TB: This industry is always last-minute! More times than not, there’s behind-the-scenes chaos before big events. 

Q: Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from a shoot or event that captures the collaborative energy of your work?

TB: A former client of mine was receiving the Global Icon Award at the VMA’S and we co-designed a look with Dolce Gabbana. The Dolce atelier team flew in from Milan maybe 2 days before, and we had to re-dye and re-design the look at least 5 times before we got the exact silhouette and shade of red that the client approved. We also had to spray paint shoes minutes before the client hit the stage in, of course, a very specific shade of red to match the look. 

What key insights or skills did you gain from your time assisting the City Girls’ stylist and scaling up to work with Kollin Carter and Law Roach?

TB: I first learned that styling was an actual career once I met Kat Lee, and she showed me the ropes. I’ve had so many “firsts” with Kollin, and getting a peek into how the fashion and entertainment industry really works after having done countless red carpet events, fashion weeks, and Met Galas, sharpening my eye and aesthetic along the way. Whether working or just having conversations with Law, I learned so much about the psychology and business side of doing what we do. I advise anybody aspiring to work in fashion to buy his book; he drops so many gems! 

How did their leadership or creative process influence the way you now work with clients or collaborators? 

TB: It was a blessing getting to witness Kollin in real time, having to sometimes make something out of nothing with little time, and how he handles each situation with total peace and confidence, which then rubs off on the clients. Law taught me the psychology and finesse behind being a stylist and dealing with clients. Seeing it in real time was even more dope! We had to dress a very notable actress for a red carpet and didn’t have many options. The way he worked the room and sold the look to the client was incredible! He later told me, it’s all about the feeling you give them—confidence! And of course, the look has to be good. 

Did any of your experiences on the runway inform your work as a stylist, and vice versa? 

TB: Both dressing clients in runway garments, and walking them down the runway myself, definitely confirmed for me that it’s all about a feeling and emotion you are trying to invoke with fashion. Fashion is supposed to be fun! Sometimes you wear things to certain events, or on a runway that you would probably never wear on your own time in your personal life, but it’s fun to “step into character” and sell it. 

Where do you see your career evolving in the next few years?

TB: God willing, I am in a position to retire in the next few years. Lol. After having accomplished major milestones, of course — Hollywood Reporter Cover, Vogue coverage, etc, just like Law Kollin. I often joke with my friends that I am on a mission to complete the “Holy Trinity” of Fashion. Haha

Are there new creative directions or associations you hope to explore? 

TB: I would love to creative direct and consult with luxury brands. I think it would be dope to see someone “of the culture” and actually in the streets, hearing what people want and seeing what people are wearing, in the offices making decisions. I also want to do something in the culinary space. I’m a great cook! Not sure if that means having my own restaurant in the future, but whatever God has planned for me, I'm sure it’ll be greater than anything I can ever imagine. 

How did it feel to see Teyana Taylor wear your design in her "Undercover" music video? What initial emotions did you experience?

TB: I couldn’t believe it! I’ve always admired Teyana and all of her many different artistic outlets, so for her to include my designs in her music video was really special to me. Later, getting to collaborate and work with her almost 7 years later was a full-circle moment. 

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey so far? Do you have any upcoming projects you are most excited to share?

TB: I am most proud of never giving up when things got tough. And I mean up and moving to LA and sleeping in cars, tough. I now see the Hollywood sign from my balcony and have credits in some of the most iconic moments of our time. I've been approached to take on a couple [of] new clients for tours and fashion weeks which, although is very exhausting, it’s always a good time. I love what I do.