Tag Billboard | Marcus Paul

September 1, 2016September 11, 2019

Zara Larsson’s Stylist Talks About Her ‘Museum Piece’ VMAs Dress: Exclusive

This article originally appeared in the Sept. 3 issue of Billboard, by Nicole Saunders

JAMIE MCCARTHY/GETTY IMAGES

Though Zara Larsson didn’t wind up getting a Moonman in the Best New Artist category at last night’s VMAs (Aug. 28), she certainly made an impression in the style department. For her first trip to the awards show, the 18-year-old wore a vintage velour Thierry Mugler sweetheart dress in a striking shade of green, black peep-toe heels, and matching emerald and diamond jewelry.

Billboard spoke exclusively with celebrity stylist Marcus Paul, who also works with Desiigner, Pusha T and Jay Z about Larsson’s vintage “museum-worthy” dress.

You’ve styled Zara for four months now. How has her approach to fashion changed since working together?

Zara has her own style and when we work together, it’s a collaboration. She knows what she likes, and she’ll tell you if she doesn’t like something. For the VMAs there were so many great options — that’s a good problem to have.

Tell us about the inspiration for Zara’s VMA look.

Marcus Paul: The Stylist With a Mission to Make Hip-Hop Move Past Streetwear & Embrace Alt Brands

This article originally appeared in the Sept. 3 issue of Billboard, by Bee Shapiro.

Sartorial derring-do has long defined hip-hop’s streetwear fashions. But with hoodies and sweatshirts reaching critical mass, a refined take on hip-hop style is emerging. Brooklyn-based men’s stylist and former model Marcus Paul is an evangelist for the movement, taking a polished-is-better approach when dressing stars like LeBron James, Jay Z, Pusha T and Desiigner. “I care about the quality of the garment, which a lot of younger people don’t seem to care about.”

To that end, Paul leans on tailored indie brands and highbrow European labels for the artists he styles.

For Pusha T’s 2015 album Darkest Before Dawn, Paul selected a fitted embellished sweater overcoat by Belgian designer Dries Van Noten, whose fabrics and use of color and patterns “are amazing,” says Paul. “I don’t have anything against streetwear, but I’m looking for details and not necessarily brands.”