“What a life” - Interview w/ Dope Style Kid

x Jennifer Grasso

Jennifer Grasso is the creative vision behind Dope Style Kid, specializing in styling and creative development for both commercial and editorial projects. At the core of her work is an unwavering commitment to creativity, storytelling and collaborative ventures with fellow artists.  Dope Style Kid's innovative style has garnered recognition in esteemed publications such as Milk and Harper's Bazaar.  Outside of her professional pursuits, Jennifer finds joy in exploring the vibrant streets of New York City and embarking on adventures with family in her campervan.

Photographer : Tim Marsella, Style: Jennifer Grasso X Dope Style, Kids Models: Kingston @ World of Talent, Noah, Michal, Aisling, Kinsley, Rowan, Natalie @ Sprout Kids Agency

How did you first become interested in styling and creative storytelling? 

My journey towards becoming a stylist and creative storyteller started as a child, when I began making my own dolls, clothes, ceramics and paintings.  It was a way for me to express myself and tell my own unique story. This early fascination with the arts turned into a lifelong passion, which led me to pursue fashion. My degree ultimately led me to a career on the creative business side of the industry where I gained valuable experience and was able to hone my skills in the industry, skills that I use every day in my work. I have a keen eye for details and every piece I create reflects my personality and my vision.

What is your favorite project/ outfit you have worked on/ with? 

I pour my heart and soul into every project I take on so I can’t say that I have a favorite. What I can say is that I love working with creatives who appreciate my creative input and direction.

What inspires you? 

I am constantly drawing inspiration from everything around me. I find that nature, vintage, architecture, art and travel are the best sources of inspiration. But at the end of the day, my biggest inspiration comes from my parents. They came to the USA to create a better life for our family. Their hard work and dedication have instilled in me a strong work ethic and the desire to always dream big. These values are reflected in my work, which are bold, confident and unapologetically original.

Photographer: Erin Foster, Style: Jennifer Grasso X Dope Style Kid, HMU: Susan Donoghue, Model: Raphael @ Sprout Kids Agency

What are some unique challenges and joys of working with children as a stylist and creative storyteller?

As a mother and professional myself, balancing professionalism with creating a fun and comfortable environment for the kids is key. Kids are honest and unfiltered, so sometimes they may not always love what I put on them!

As someone who is a big kid at heart myself, I love seeing how kids express themselves.  There’s something contagious about the joy and laughter kids bring to a set. It’s incredibly humbling to be around people who haven’t been jaded by the world.

How do you approach incorporating storytelling into your styling work with children?

I love to create a style that tells a story in a fun, exciting and authentic way that truly captures the essence of childhood. Bringing together different elements and styles to create a story. I believe that children are truly one of a kind, so I treat each shoot as an adventure and try to keep everything natural, which can lead to amazing surprises during the shoots.

What are some key elements you consider when creating a visual narrative with children? 

Although I’m working with kids, I approach each project with a sharp eye for detail and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. I believe that children's fashion should be fun but also have an authentic style. When it comes to creating a visual narrative, I pay close attention to color, patterns, style and trends. My creative process involves finding a balance between style, comfort and playful design elements to produce visually stunning work that tells a story.

How do you balance artistic expression with practicality when styling children?

As a fashion stylist for kids, my goal is to create visually dope looks. I work with a carefully curated selection of children’s designers to create my editorials. With a focus on unique pieces and quirky accents, I carefully choose each piece and work tirelessly to create each look.