Meet Joel Bordeau

As fashion continues to evolve, so do the occupations in the industry, men have been dominating the runways for over twenty years now. With fashion designers presenting their collections such as the late Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo and newly emerged Christian Sirano. However women are usually the first faces you see ripping the runways. Why are male models not as marketable as the female models? Well that answer will remain un-anwsered, unless given by a noted fashion guru or marketing executive. Maybe one day this will change. I know a lot of women would agree that more male eye candy on the runway is desperately needed. So, I got a chance to talk to a good friend of mine who lives, and breathes the fashion industry. He focuses on the image of males, but also has the eye and fashion sense to dress a female. Get to know Joel Bourdeau, as he tells his tales of the fashion industry as he sees it.

SF: Tell me a little bit about who you are?
JB: My name is Joél Long. Crash-landed on Earth in the year 1985 in Philadelphia PA. Since then I’ve accepted Earth as my home, until my mission is complete. A recent graduate of Winston-Salem State University(WSSU) with my BA in Political Science, but, most know that I am a fashion-crazy, success-hungry guy with a positive outlook on everything in life. I am an individual who believes that every situation brings new opportunities, it’s up to us to seize it and make the best of it.

SF:What is your title ?(in the Fashion industry)
JB: In the fashion industry I am a wardrobe consultant/stylist/personal shopper/fashion junkie. Whatever it is they label the folks who are behind the wonderful image of those in the limelight.

SF: You went to school for Political Science, so when did your interest spark for fashion ?
JB: My interest in fashion really didn’t hit a climax until my later college years, but, since a youngster I was always very concerned with my style and in tune with trends. My mother is a huge contributor to my amazing style as she is the source from where I learned the basics. She instilled in me that the way you look is how people form their perception of you. My siblings and I were always well-dressed and very rarely did we dress like children. At a very young age, I was deciding what I would wear and how I would wear it. I remember being very particular about how I wore certain things- tucking my shirt right, rolling my sleeves up right, making sure my pants were fitting right- just totally obsessed with my style and image. I also have two aunts that are seamstresses, they also have a very natural eye for fashion and both have a very unique style to creating and executing clothing.

SF:How did you get into fashion?
JB: I believe my DNA was artistically designed with an innate sense of fashion while I was being created, making my future inevitable. But, I believe the catalyst that thrust me into the world of fashion was my participation in Mozik Modeling Troupe(WSSU). It was a student organization I joined while in college. It allowed me to explore my creativity with no limitations and throw myself into unknown realms of fashion and production. I was able to create and execute fashion shows that I dreamed about; watching the final production was like an extreme high for me.

SF:Explain the importance of fashion?
JB: The importance of fashion is probably different from person to person. I’ll try to explain it from a wide point-of-view. Fashion is something that will always be around and will forever be evolving. A very intricate component in society until the end of time, fashion will always have influence on every social class in nearly every part of the world. If you look back in history, fashion played a large role in the class system: kings and queens wore elaborate fabrics contoured and embezzled with exotic patterns, while townspeople were adorned in sackcloth or burlap. Not to even mention the revolution of fashion and it’s pioneer Coco Chanel…..

SF: Why should men dress just as fashion forward as women? Please Explain.
JB: In current society, the way one dresses could speak volumes about their personality and character. Everyone wants to be involved with individuals that are sure of themselves, who look kept together, and who are pleasant to look at. Fashion doesn’t just belong to women. For centuries, fashion has been looked at as the woman’s forte. With the help of blossoming pop culture, we all can see that fashion belongs to anyone who takes ownership and most men have seemed to jump onboard, realizing how important personal style is.

SF:How do you feel about the number of male models/jobs for male models are few and far between?
JB: I feel that it makes it more worthwhile. Being a female model could be a fly by night situation. The industry is saturated with women, they come a dime dozen and once they’ve hit a certain age, they’re out. Finding the right male with the exotic and timeless features that can represent several looks is a challenge and I think most designers love the challenge of searching for that perfect male model. Ultimately making the market harder to break into.

SF: What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear?
JB: My favorite piece to wear is that third piece. A vest. A jacket. A blazer. A scarf. A necklace. Whatever is that completes the trinity of your outfit. You have your top, your bottom, and your third. It seems to be the zest that every ensemble needs to make it stylish rather than just a nice outfit.


SF: Do you have a favorite fashion style that you like to see on women?
JB: I love to see women in a nice dress or a skirt with pockets. Complete with the right pair of boots or heels and the perfect bag.

SF: What is your favorite fashion style for men?
JB: I enjoy seeing men in a slim pair of bottoms either jeans or slacks and a nicely-contoured shirt. Not too tight, not too big. Just right. And carrying a bag, for fashion purposes, not for practicality.

SF:Do you have a favorite fashion designer? If so who?
JB: At the moment I do not, but, I’m a really big fan of Christian Siriano. So young, so fresh. Out-of-this world creativity!

SF: Do you have a favorite model/ fashion muse you would love to style?
JB: Not really. I would love to work with ANYONE.

SF: Who have you worked with?
JB: Currently I have the pleasure of working with radio host B Daht (Winston-Salem,NC) actress/model Kim Patrick, and DJ Blaze. I am constantly networking and marketing myself to bring in new clients.
SF: Who would you like to work with in the future?
JB: I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to work with June Ambrose! Even just as an intern or assistant! But, I also look forward to working with my partner Mark Walker, we share such an impeccable vision on fashion.

SF:Do you have a website?
JB: Currently I have a blog: fashionhasabrokenleg.blogspot.com. A website is definitely in the near future though.

SF:Any samples of your work?
JB: Yes, just not handy at the moment. As soon as my website opens, there will be.

SF:How can you be contacted?
JB: You got my number boo! Lol I can be contacted via email: jlong847@gmail.com or facebook: Joél Long or twitter: @JoelBourdeau