Mboko Ndimba Mobutu | FASHION EDITOR & STYLIST

MBOKO NDIMBA MOBUTU is a Fashion Editor and Stylist for GHUBAR Magazine. A 21-year old, Paris based student in Communications, he is the snazzily dressed stylist for the menswear section of the magazine. Although young, Mboko has worked as a PR Assistant for public relations and marketing agencies in Paris before joining GHUBAR.

MBOKO MOBUTU | THE INTERVIEW

FASHION EDITOR & STYLIST

GHUBAR MAGAZINE

You began styling professionally at a relatively young age. How did you start and how has been your experience so far?

It all started with a friend of mine, Laura, who was part of the founding team of GHUBAR. I helped her out during photoshoots, and in supporting her events and promoting the publication. Through her I was introduced to Sarah Diouf, the Editor in Chief, and other members of the team. Later in the summer, Sarah reached out to me to be a permanent member of the magazine.
Before that, I had no professional styling experience but I was always passionate and very interested in fashion. My blog, mbbymnm.blogspot.com and my own personal style, combined with my PR experience, convinced her that my vision for fashion was right for the magazine. I jumped to the occasion!! I was so thrilled, but above that it felt like a blessing to be part of something with meaning and a beautiful purpose to it.  

My experience so far has been addictive, I want more and more! I am a perfectionist; I want to be the best at what I do, and I constantly work to top myself. I have enjoyed the process of an idea taking root in my mind, and seeing it come to life, sometimes even better than what I'd imagined. No doubt it's challenging, tiring and time-consuming work but the rewards are worth it. I am never quite satisfied with my work, and that helps me evolve and improve. It's also something I get picked on a lot about!! [Laughs]

MBOKO for GHUBAR

Did you always know that you want to be a stylist? Do you have other interests that you would like to pursue?

Not outright, no. I didn't know what a stylist's job was before my internship in the industry. Generally, the role of a stylist is unknown to most people and is often misinterpreted outside the fashion world. 

I am an art lover. I appreciate photography; good pictures "speak" to me, and often I catch myself wanting to take shots as great as the ones I admire. I also love to write, and want to improve on it as a way of investigating innovative points of view centered on the creative processes culminating in the glamour of fashion. And why not a designer? I have moments when shopping where I try to find clothes I picture in my mind. When I was younger I used to draw up my own collections, but I stopped because I thought my drawings weren't good enough! Which leaves me with creative and artistic director [Laughs]. Another big interest is music. I regret I never learnt to play an instrument when I was younger; now I don't have the patience!

MBOKO for EDITORIALS

In your line of work, you're always right in the eye of fashion; keeping updated with new shows and and being familiar with collections from past seasons. Have there been definitive moments in fashion for you, since you began styling?

I am too indecisive to answer this question at the moment, the same goes for music and movies! I know that the sight of a well put together outfit, immaculate tailoring or a certain fabric on the runway make me really excited. Or when I find myself lusting over an editorial, wanting every garment in the picture because the styling is so right. Or simply wanting to have styled or shot an editorial because it is so good. An example: Damir Doma Fall-Winter 2011 Collection, the presentation gave me goosebumps! Everything, from the scenery to the styling, the clothes and the fabrics, were perfect. Brandy's editorial, photographed by Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold for 160g Magazine was also striking.

MBOKO for GOSSIP GIRL

Would you say there have been changes in the past decade in fashion, in terms of diversity and designers booking healthier models?

Most definitely. Obviously there are still some significant changes that need to happen, but change doesn't happen overnight. You may not see an entire runway of black or asian models, but you DO see a few here and there. It is not about having an overload of minorities, but of having a balance. More and more unconventional beauties are being used, and magazine guidelines are changing and reaching out to "everyone".
In the age we live in the new generation is eager to take over the fashion industry, and give it a more realistic image that they can relate to. I acknowledge this because credit must be given where its due, but there's no doubt that there's still a long road ahead. In my opinion, menswear fashion is more diverse than womenswear.
About different models, curvier models like Lara Stone (current face for Louis Vuitton) are gaining momentum. Some designers specifically use unusual model types, for example Walter Van Beirendonck.   I don't think models should look skinny to the point where it's unhealthy, but I do find that clothes tend to look better on slimmer bodies, and that is my unhypocritical opinion. The thin model is still the official one, but times are changing.

MBOKO for TRENDS

Grace Coddington, Creative Director and Stylist at Vogue USA, mentioned in The September Issue that without Vogue the magazine, her work would not be recognized. What role do magazines play and what is your opinion on Conde Nast rejecting Vogue Africa?

In my opinion, magazines act as a connector between the creative fashion enthusiasts (think Anna Dello Russo!) and the masses. They present the fashion world to the people in a subtle and sensitive way, a bit like a teacher passing over a legacy. I modeled my vision of style and nourished my passion for fashion through magazines. In a way they are also a wide open window into the fashion world, however it is important to remember that its all subjective; it's not an absolute reality.
About Vogue Africa by Mario Epanya, it is a delicate issue whose details I am not aware of, and I don't like talking about subjects I am not fully informed on. However, I think it is a shame that there is no African edition of Vogue. I am sure that Mario would do a terrific job, and more than that, I think it would help to remodel the current inaccurate image of Africa, and show its beauty. Lord knows we need it!

MBOKO for FASHION WEEK 

You live in the most celebrated fashion capital of the world. How has this influenced your personal style and your editorial work?

Paris is indeed one of the most exciting cities in fashion. There is a lot to see and discover in terms of events, exhibitions, etc. Not every corner of Paris is glamorous but in some neighborhoods you can tell that people take special care of how they dress up. The beauty and attention to detail has had a big impact on my personal style, in a way that any other city in the world wouldn't have. Living in a city like Paris widens your horizon, and opens you up to a world that has openly embraced fashion.

MBOKO for PERSONAL STYLE

Is there a person or a publication you dream of working with one day?

I say this all the time, but I am a big fan of Milan Vukmirovic, Editor in Chief of L'Officiel Hommes. I would love to work with him one day. I admire how he is a hardworking and multi-tasking man. I also love Vogue Hommes International. I'm not original in my choices, but working with photographers such as Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier would be a dream come true. I could go on like this but you get the point....I aim high!!! [Laughs]

MBOKO for L'OFFICIEL HOMMES

Thank you So much for taking a moment with Fashion Et Al!! Continue your great work with GHUBAR, and hope to see your name soon on L'Officiel Hommes.

GHUBAR ONLINE: http://ghubar-magazine.com/
MBOKO'S BLOG: http://mbbymnm.blogspot.com/