TJ Maxx, Micaela Erlanger team up for stylist incubator program featuring designer merchandise
TJ Maxx is launching a new incubator program for emerging stylists with the help of a well-known one.
The retailer’s new Styled by Runway program gives five emerging stylists and fashion creators, who were selected for the months-long program that also includes a Runway at TJ Maxx (the retailer’s selection of premium designer merchandise) shopping stipend to build their styling closet, access to TJ Maxx's social community, opportunities to expand their skills, and mentorship from celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger.
"We're endlessly inspired by the looks we see created using incredible pieces discovered at Runway, and this program is a testament to that," said Christina Lynch, VP and marketing director, TJ Maxx. "We're thrilled to share our Runway platform, uplift these aspiring stylists and provide them with access to incredible fashion and meaningful support. At TJ Maxx, we're proud to celebrate and support women to be and express their most authentic selves."
[READ MORE: TJX expands into Mideast, increases profit, sales in Q2]
Meet the Styled by Runway participants include:
- Afi Maita is originally from Nigeria, was raised in the U.K., and has a “fearless and dimensional style with bold and vibrant outfits that reflect her passionate approach to life.”
- Shae Johnson combines her “sophisticated and polished style with versatile pieces to create unique and elevated looks” in her hometown of Houston.
- Kinsey Ranee is based in Nashville and considers her style “effortless and contemporary,” while adding that her greatest passion is “helping people find an elevated version of themselves through fashion.”
- Patricia Klein is a creative director and jewelry designer in New York City and is aiming to “redefine herself as a fashion stylist through her vibrant and bold looks that exude a distinctly feminine, whimsical flair.”
- Breja'e Washington is a former professional softball player who “blends modern streetwear and elevated style into her own unique take on contemporary fashion.” She is now pursuing her styling career in Los Angeles.
"I know firsthand how important a mentor is when breaking into styling – from helping to define your unique aesthetic to getting access to top designer fashion,” said Erlanger, who has been a celebrity stylist for more than 10 years, with clients including Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Common, Sigourney Weaver, Shailene Woodley and more. “Having the opportunity to share my experience and expertise with future stylists by joining TJ Maxx for this program feels like I'm paying it forward to the next generation. It's been inspiring to work with such incredible emerging talent and I'm excited to watch as they grow and flourish within the industry. There is so much amazing designer fashion available at Runway at TJ Maxx, it's my go-to for coveted finds!”
Framingham, Mass.-based TJX operates across nine countries, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra in the U.S.; Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls in Canada; TK Maxx and Homesense in Europe, and TK Maxx in Australia. The company also operates e-commerce sites for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Sierra in the U.S. and three sites for TK Maxx in Europe.
