When I was 20 years old, I spent my free time doing what typical 20 year-olds do: looking for a classy fake ID. But times are changing. Today, getting a fake ID is as easy as catching a crotch-shot of Lindsay Lohan on a Tuesday.
So what do 20 year olds do nowadays? Well, if you’re Jazmin Whitley, you’re on the third year of managing your own clothing label (Li Cari), and starring in a new MTV reality show, “House of Jazmin,” that chronicles your life in the fashion industry along with all lives of those in your inner-circle.
I scored an interview with Jazmin, who happens to be the youngest designer ever to show at every major fashion week, and learned about what her life is like when the camera are on, what it’s like when they’re off, and what she plans to do next.
Naturally, I had to find out what attracted Jazmin to fashion in the first place, and it came as no surprise that this very family-oriented young lady gave credit to her grandmother:
“I would go shopping with my grandmother and loved clothes…when I was eight I began to sketch and created my first pieces when I was 13.”
By the ripe-old-age of 17, Jazmin launched her clothing line, Li Cari, with the support of her family, especially that of her mother who continues to be her business partner.
So how did this close family react to suddenly having cameras in their faces 24/7?
“Nothing really changed. We’re a close family…and my brother’s behavior likely would have been worse if there weren’t any cameras following him.”
In case you haven’t seen “House of Jazmin,” let’s just say that Jazmin’s brother enjoys being her brother…and intentionally missing the toilet bowl.
As I stated, Jazmin is the youngest designer ever to show at all major fashion weeks which she describes as, “…very stressful and emotional. You put all your hard work out there and want everything to be perfect.”
But like any art, fashion also has its fair share of critics. And when I asked Jazmin about those who have negative comments about her work, she responded like she has been in this business for years (wait, she has):
“Fashion is art so people will either love it or hate it…negative criticism is hurtful, but you need to stand behind your work.”
She also explained to me that she was very intimidated when she entered the world of fashion at such a young age.
“I feel I have to prove myself…that everyone is picking apart my work.”
Those picking apart her work, believe it or not, even include the models that she hires to show her clothing on the catwalk. Jazmin explained that it is difficult sometimes because she and the models are often close in age and they see her more as a peer than a boss. When that happens, cattiness ensues. Would someone please feed the models?
Yet that isn’t going to stop Jazmin Whitley anytime soon. She has big plans for herself and Li Cari.
“I want my label to grow…I want to branch out and do bags and sunglasses…I want stores in New York City.”
As for advice she has for other young people who may be second guessing their goals and dreams using the excuse that they are too young, Jazmin puts things into perspective:
“Work hard and set goals. Once you accomplish a goal, you have to set a new one and stay focused.”
Despite various reports that MTV cancelled “House of Jazmin, ” Jazmin assured me that the show was merely moved to primetime airing Saturday night at 8:00 PM on MTV.
Jazmin will also debut the 2010 Li Cari line in Los Angeles on October 16, 2009.
[Keep Clicking Thumbnails for a Larger Image]
Images Via: MTV House of Jazmine
