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Every week, Vogue will be spotlighting tastemakers across industries to hear how they’ve been approaching self-care during the coronavirus pandemic. We asked Hollywood stylist and creative director, Jason Bolden, who’s dressed everyone from Serena Williams to Alicia Keys, how he’s been staying sane at home.
1. I’m reading.
I’ve been reading a lot. I’m reaching back and reading through old magazines…like one favorite, Halle Berry’s 2010 Vogue cover issue. It’s struck my creative mood again in these moments of just being stuck at home. I’m indulging in a lot of art books like Malick Sidibé: Mali Twist, Henry Taylor, and Noah Davis. I’m also reading James Baldwin over and over.
2. I’m staying creative.
My number one coping device is my Samsung Galaxy Note. This is one of the things that has been keeping me sane, creative, and super-balanced. I love that I’m able to doodle and sketch designs with the S Pen, easily respond to emails, and take photos and videos. Every day I’m loading something new to it—it’s the closest thing I can get to a fashion show these days.
I’ve also been having brands send me sketches and ideas of red carpet moments that I can just illustrate on top and customize to come to life. One sketch I recently added to is of Janet Mock at the Met gala in 2019. It was her first Met and [she was] wearing a custom sequin tulle dress by Alberta Ferretti. I recently shared with her one of the details I would’ve changed: extra-large feathers. It was camp themed after all; we could’ve gone more extreme!
3. I’m spending time outdoors.
I’ve been going on a lot of hikes to decompress. My favorite is Malibu Canyon. I’m always wearing my Sunset Tower baseball cap. It’s one of those weird things that you shockingly buy at a hotel, and I actually live in L.A. and go to Sunset Tower Hotel for breakfast all the time. One time I saw this older actor with the hat on and thought it was so cool, so I went into the gift shop and bought it. That hat has been my go-to ever since. The sun’s been so hot these days, so it’s perfect for me when I forget to put on sunblock. It’s been my protector out there on the trails.
4. I’m relaxing.
For the first time living in my home, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to swim in our pool every day. It’s been great to cool off, relax, and stay active.
5. I’m catching up on shows.
I am watching Succession. I am also watching one that’s kind of crazy and I’m obsessed with right now called P-Valley. It’s amazing. I’ve been rotating through those on a regular basis.
6. I’m reconnecting.
I’ve been reconnecting with friends in the business and in different industries. Now, we actually have time to connect, talk, and have quality conversations. As you know, we’re always so busy running around, checking emails, on deadlines. Now, I’m able to have full 30-minute-plus phone conversations with people, which I’ve really enjoyed.