Meet Melissa Gordillo | Wardrobe Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Gordillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Growing up it was always instilled in me to have plan A, B, and C lined up. I have always been a planner and I always think ahead of any fires that could be prevented in advance. So it’s pretty clear to say that I was not very averse to risk. However, this all changed for me in 2020. As the pandemic tore through most of my plans and industry, I was left with the very core of what I value and aim to achieve while on this earth. It took some time to unlearn a lot of what had been deeply ingrained in me when it came to my productivity and self worth. It was during that period of relearning that I spent time on what truly brings me joy regardless of the profitability. Then it all kind of clicked for me. At that moment, I chose to approach life completely differently and decided that I would go with the flow. Nothing is promised and it is rarely a waste of time to pursue something you’re drawn to. This was the moment where I knew I had to pursue what I love and that is being creative. I was confident that my experiences and skills learned along the way would support the risks that I was now willing to take to do what truly fulfills me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s funny sometimes I look back on my journey here and I’ve lived so many lives! What has been consistent is my creativity. I was really into drawing and playing with clothes when I was little. I used to spend my weekends putting on runway shows for my grandma and sister in my apartment… I was the only model. On the weekends I went to art classes at the School of Visual Arts and when it came to deciding on college I decided to pursue a degree in Fashion Marketing at LIM College in NYC. I look back now and I hustled my ass off working three jobs while going to school full-time. During this time I landed an internship at Valentino which eventually became my first ‘real’ job as an Account Executive for women’s RTW. Fast forward a few years I switched careers to event production until covid hit and now I’m a wardrobe stylist.

What sets me apart is my ability to morph into whatever I need to be in a given situation. This applies to all aspects of my life. It reflects in my fashion sense. My style is fluid, it’s always changing because it’s influenced by so many things. I would say it’s impossible to pin it down to any one description. It changes as I go. And my work ethic is crazy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop, beach. Most of my best friends are on the East Coast so I like to take the trip to Laguna Beach to really flex. Check out a flea market and my favorite thrifts. Take a walk with my dog Luna around the Silver Lake reservoir then hang at dog park. Hike at Griffith or Elysian. Check out an exhibit at Jeffery Deitch Gallery or take a drive to the Getty Villa or Huntington Botanical Gardens. We’re definitely eating all the tacos and dessert from Mashti’s. I like a good dive bar so we could hit up 8100 or Akbar. Wine bar like Melody or Lolo. Check out a fun party like Rhonda or dance at Club TeeGee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Community is everything to me. I have such a strong support group here in LA and NYC, where I’m originally from. I feel truly blessed to have such an amazing family and group of friends who always allow me to explore my true potential without judgment. Having friends that you can share your goals and wildest dreams with is really priceless. Don’t ever underestimate the power of speaking your dreams into reality with people you trust. I’ve had some amazing opportunities come to fruition just saying it out loud to the right person at the right time.

I also have to shout out Gabe (@Gabriel_Sweet), who referred me to you in the first place! Gabe is not only a great photographer but an incredibly kind friend.

Website: www.melissagordillo.com

Instagram: mlzaaa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gordillo/

Image Credits
Jack Nelson Kyle Bautista Nevyn Matthews