The Fashion Spot: How did you get interested in fashion?
Marcus Warren Mason:
I took a fashion design class as an elective my final year in high school. Something just kind of clicked. My teacher actually told me I shouldn’t pursue design because I wasn’t very good. I guess that was a major turning point for me. I was always interested, but never explored fashion, even with the prospect of going into the business. About a year later, I got my first fashion internship at Burberry and its been a whirlwind blur ever since!
tFS: When did you first start your blog?
MWM: December of 2008. I actually started blogging to develop my writing & editing skills. I didn’t really care so much about being read or being on anyone’s radar. I started CoaFA with the idea of my blog serving as a digital diary. I started at about the same time I started interning, so the things I am allowed to talk about or document, I’ll discuss in brevity. But I also wanted to be able to look back at how I wrote, dressed and designed be like—“ew.” This is way more fun than keeping a paper journal. Being a blogger has also brought me amazing experiences. If you asked me a few years ago if I ever thought I’d be scurrying around backstage at NYFW, it wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.
tFS: Who takes your pictures?
MWM: (Sigh) Sometimes I’ll nag my Mom & Dad until they help me out. Other times I’ll get help from my friends. I’m currently looking for an experienced photographer to collaborate with so if you’re out there reading….shoot me an email!
tFS: Favorite time of year for fashion?
MWM:
September and February! For two reasons – layering and New York Fashion Week! Getting to see all of my model friends & other bloggers who are usually out of town or travelling makes it a plus. Being able to work backstage and cover shows is a huge plus, and it’s something I really enjoy taking part in and sharing with my readers. Planning my schedule and making marathon mad dashes from Milk to Bryant Park is crazy but fun.
tFS: Fantasy dinner companion?
MWM: Kate Lanphear, Style Director at ELLE U.S. I love, love, love her. She’s one of my biggest style influences. I think she’d make really great dinner conversation.
tFS: What do you hang on your walls?
MWM:
I actually just put up a small cluster of sketches and a palette chart that I compiled for the current collection I’ve been sketching for Resort 2011 behind my computer monitor. I also have Balenciaga lookbook posters up, and a poster from the new Jil Sander Navy collection, along with some old editorials and lookbook images from shoots I’ve assisted on.
tFS: Do you pay a lot of attention to reader feedback?
MWM: Yes! I love hearing what my readers have to say! I really appreciate that people care enough to visit my little corner of the internet. ♥
tFS: What do you want to be doing in five years? How do you plan to do it?
MWM: Since I have so much PR experience, I’d like to start off by doing PR for a fashion house. From there, maybe a few years down the line I’d pursue other aspirations, which include endeavors in publishing, design, and styling. I’d really just love to finally show people what I’m capable of. I’ve geared my resume to have a good amount of every type of experience. I’ve done PR, I’ve done styling, merchandising, design, modeling agencies… you name it. To succeed in this industry, I think its most important to make yourself as well-rounded and marketable as possible.
