NYC CREATIVES TO WATCH

As a part of our Peerless People series, we've asked some of our favorite NYC creatives to share what makes them, them. Learn what drives each of these talented individuals in the city that never sleeps.

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@bluewaverly

Stylist & Photographer

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Blue-Waverly, and I’m an Editorial Stylist and Art Director based out of New York City. I was born in Atlanta, and raised in Jacksonville, FL. I’m proudly from the dirty dirty souf, and I am a first generation Kenyan-American.

What makes your work, your work? What is your signature?

For styling, my work is my work because it is meticulous in symbolic detail. Authenticity is a core value of mine, and I would like to think that it reflects in my work. Wardobe is a means for communication, and I am intentional about what we are saying, remaining true to whatever story we are telling, each time. The goal is, and always will be iconic expression.

Someone will look back at what we were wearing in print and media 10 years from now. If I’m at all responsible for what they see, I would like to know I was helpful to the future observer, as a reference for how far we had come in pushing the envelope at this time.

Biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest inspiration comes from the culture of everyday people, Black people, and the things that make each of us unique. I often like to pull from history, but stories from life right now are just as phenomenal. Interestingly enough, I seldom pull my inspiration from fashion. Although, that knowledge is helpful. It’s usually from ideas rooted in our shared, lived, experience and other things we know to be true.

Describe the work you’re most proud of.

The work I’m most proud of is usually the last thing I did. The last thing I worked on that has gone public was an editorial coverstory for the magazine GrindPretty, featuring Maiya The Don, Monyetta Shaw, Madison Starr, and a talented fashion influencer by the name of Rue.

The last look I styled that is public right now, was for Kayra Theodore, shot by a Tampa-based photographer by the name of JR, who is truly a giant in the making. He wanted to capture something that is undeniably set in New York, and we landed at the idea of staging at a street-facing flower shop with a bodega feel. The kind nearly anyone who lives in NYC would pass by on their daily commute- making it feel instantly familiar and recognizable. When it came time to consider fashion direction, I wanted her to be a part of her environment, and the story, without mimicking it or trying too hard to fit in. So, floral print would’ve been a bit too literal. The creativity emerged in making wardrobe choices that express a flower. I did this by incorporating choices that favored the essence of a flower, beginning with dresses whose designs resembled petal-like details. I wanted her to appear like she was blooming, and so I manipulated fishnet stockings to make it appear as if thorns, leaves, buds, and petals were emerging from her long legs for stems. In addition to being a model, Kayra is a hair architect, and so we collaborated to consider some possible direction that identified her crown as the ultimate display of anthesis. It highlighted her soft blush makeup, which touched on the texture of a flower. It felt natural, and I love how it came together. The idea of a flowers stand influenced it all, but watching her stand there.. she became a flower of her own— One which, I think just about anyone would stop on their commute for.

What accessory could we never catch you without? What are you always wearing?

If you caught me on the street, one thing you can bank on me wearing is my beaded Kenyan bracelet 😂 I never take it off! It is how the Kenyan girlies find each other, and somewhere down the line I made the unconscious, but executive decision it does not matter whether or not it goes with the outfit lol (my one exceptional accessory!)

@oluwawadami

Fashion Model & Stylist

Who are you and where are you from?

I’m a fashion model and stylist! I’m from Brooklyn, NY!

What makes your work, your work? What is your signature?

What makes my work mine is my passion and my touch on what is creative to my eye. I love going back to different eras when it comes to fashion and reimagining it in my own way.

Biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration would be my mother and the films I watched growing up. My mom is also a fashion girl herself, she grew up tailoring and owned her own boutique in the early 2000s.

Describe the work you’re most proud of.

The work I’m most proud was the first work I did for my friend karyl and it being publicated on a magazine! It was super challenging but it all worked out amazingly!

What accessory could we never catch you without? What are you always wearing?

A fashion item no one can never catch me without if I was caught in the street is a stylish bag (my vintage Miu Miu Leather Shoulder Bat Tote Bordeaux) ! I’m always alternating my collectables!

@_e.saro

Shoe Restorer

What’s your name, and where are you from?

My name’s Eric. I’m from the East Side of Chicago, but I spent a lot of time around South Shore too. A lot of Chicago designers inspired me early on, even if I was just watching them quietly. But honestly, since I’m Nigerian, my parents didn’t care about shoes or fashion — it was school or nothing. So I started doing sneaker restorations as a way to make money for my own collection.

What would you say is your signature? What makes your work, your work?

My personal style is really comfortable, baggy fits. I care most about pants and shoes — that’s always the focus. People are always complimenting me on my pants, and obviously the shoes. I’m known for my sneakers, even people who just met me check for what’s on my feet.

What makes you the best shoe restorer in the city?

Attention to detail. I’ve mastered the craft over time. When I first started, I’d buy pairs from the thrift or work on my own shoes because I didn’t have the money. It was a way of preserving my collection without constantly buying new pairs. I used to do customs too, but now I focus on restorations — they’re quicker, and people usually just want their shoes to look like they used to. It’s like rewinding time.

Whose shoe game do you admire the most?

If we’re talking Chicago, I’d say Joe Freshgoods — his New Balance collabs push the game. Outside of that, it’s mostly New York folks. But honestly, I get inspired just seeing people on the street and how they pair shoes with fits. That’s what got me into fashion in the first place. I don’t even call myself a “fashion guy” — I’m just a sneakerhead who appreciates clothing.

What’s the best pair of sneakers in your closet?

I’ve got around 190 pairs, so it’s hard to play favorites. But if we’re talking rarity, I have Kanye Bapestas from 2006. You can’t really find those anymore, even if you’ve got the money. If I messed those up, I’d be heartbroken.

@jamdedceo

Editor In Chief, JAMDED Magazine

Who are you and where are you from?

Hey hey! I’m Jamisha Rosado, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots.

What makes your work, your work? What is your signature?

Everything I do is rooted in community. I pour my passion into it fully, while staying open to learn—always a student of life.

Biggest source of inspiration?

Creativity has always been in my DNA. My dad’s a balloon artist, so imagination and artistry were part of my world from the start. My parents supported every interest I explored, and I carry that gratitude with me. Honestly, my dad is the coolest. Looking back, my work now is just an evolution of what inspired me as a kid—turning nothing into something has always fueled me, and it still does.

Describe the work you’re most proud of.

Though I’ve worked with big brands, nothing compares to the impact of JAMDED Magazine. The real success is seeing its reach—whether through people recognizing it, or messages from readers who feel inspired. It’s fulfilling to see a community growing around it. For me, this journey is about collective growth, and that’s what excites me most.

What accessory could we never catch you without? What are you always wearing?

THE bob hairstyle, it’s become my signature accessory and honestly, part of my brand. Im not me without it! (I definitely have bob blindness.)