MADE BY YOU
MADE BY LAI
Laina "Lai Cartier" Caine is a Jamaican Canadian born visionary stylist, image innovator, model and all around creative powerhouse. She explores with multiple medians from music to fashion often blending the two. She has worked on multiple projects globally with her common goal being the celebration of people from all walks of life, championing diversity and inclusivity within the fashion world
This year, Lai has notably worked on the "coin laundry magazine" project by Katherine Nerima as the lead stylist
starred in the music video for Avenoir's song "superficial"
and without fail to mention her general work in the city as a stylist really capturing the vision of her clients on their various projects.
Q/A
MBS: How are you able to incorporate your creative vision as well as your clients style when doing projects?
LAI: "I’ll be honest, my job is to execute somebody else's vision. I am able to provide my input, and I am very fortunate to work with people who respect my opinions. However, it is important to remember that although I may have a certain vision, the client's vision comes first. I always start by getting a good understanding of what I am looking for and what is expected of me. Once I reach this understanding it is pretty smooth sailing from there.."
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MBS: What is your styling/creative direction process?
LAI: "I start by identifying the message that needs to be conveyed, the target audience, and the project’s underlying message. I also like to understand the person or concept’s meaning, the time period, and the overall essence. Using this information, I apply my training to create something tangible, such as a mood board, paper, or document. This helps simplify and organize their thought process and allows me to relay it back to them effectively."
CONT.
MBS: When thinking about your family, who would you say has had the most influence on your style today?
LAI: "I’m heavily inspired by my mom, both consciously and subconsciously. For example, when I cut my hair and started a new life journey at 19, I later discovered that she had done the same. Both of my parents are fairly young and stylish. They grew up in the city and had to find ways to succeed and look good while doing it. I am also constantly inspired by the people in my life. All of my friends are involved in the creative world, but I owe a lot of my success to my best friend Katherine, who has always included me in her creative projects."
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MBS: What is a staple clothing piece you believe everyone should own?
LAI: "I believe everyone should own either a leather jacket or a leather boot. Honestly, have both. They are both such versatile items, that you can easily interchange them to create so many different outfits."
FIN.
MBS: We know that fashion comes and goes in cycles, what fashion trends would you like to see reemerge?
LAI: "Anything from the late 2000’s, more specifically 2008 to 2014. I like to think that this is where I draw some of my personal style inspiration from. Growing up watching shows like The Game, Moesha, and even Power made me realize my love for that style. I also love the versatility, as you can range from Y2K, to the 90’s and even the 80’s. Specific pieces like low rise jeans, backless tops, as well as halter neck tops are some of my favourites from this era."
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MBS: How important is women's representation to you in a profession that is commonly dominated by men?
LAI: "It is so important. Although I work with both women and men, I especially love working with women. I believe we work hard to create beautiful art that is often underappreciated. For example, the short film I recently completed, titled Still in Love, was put together by an all-women team, with the exception of the male model. The outcome was beautiful, and I can confidently say that we work exceptionally well together."
LAI'S MESSAGE TO YOUNG WOMEN
"Be fearless and be brave, because they will try to tell you that you can’t do it. But you can. Anything they can do, you 100% can do as well."
-Laina "Lai Cartier" Caine