Remember those incredible images Rama Duwaji that went viral at the end of last year? Shot by Szilvester Mako, the portraits of Zohran Mamdani’s wife were stunning in their graphic simplicity, capturing Duwaji’s artistry, grace, and quiet determination.
The stylist behind them is Jessica Willis, fashion director at The Cut since June 2023, and my newest guest on the Threads of Conversation podcast.
At The Cut, Jess has shaped the publication into a major fashion player. Her covers (like Duwaji’s) spread across the internet like wildfire, and have featured everyone from Erykah Badu to Meghan Markle and Julianne Moore. She’s also created looks for Solange’s album ‘When I Get Home’ and Kendrick Lamar’s music videos ‘Not Like Us’ and ‘Squabble Up’. In February 2025, she styled the entire ensemble cast for his Super Bowl halftime show - the most viewed in its history, with 133.5 million people tuning in to watch the performance.
In this interview, we discuss the items of clothing that chart her early influences, working in the music industry, moving to New York, and her journey to becoming one of the city’s most notable stylists. Watch the interview on YouTube (above), or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Don’t forget to subscribe below for more Threads of Conversation, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok.
The piece that reminds Jess of her childhood…
Levi’s denim shorts.
The piece that reminds her of her career…
The Phoebe Philo jacket she wore to the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2025, when she styled and designed costumes for Samuel L Jackson, Serena Williams and Kendrick Lamar’s dancers.
The piece that reminds her of a high…
Black boots from Karl Lagerfeld’s S/S08 Chanel collection, inspired by Lindsay Lohan’s ankle monitor.
The piece that reminds her of a low…
The Prada ‘paper’ dress from S/S23.
The piece that makes her feel part of something…
A Céline by Phoebe Philo S/S14 skirt.
The pieces that make her feel sexy…
An Alaïa coat and Ferragamo boots.
The one that got away…
A Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghèsquiere skirt.
Other things we discuss:
‘Who Are You, Polly Magoo?’ 1996 film, directed by William Klein
Designer Gareth Pugh
Jenna Ortega’s stylist Enrique Melendez
Costume studio Marco Marco
Alexander McQueen ‘Savage Beauty’ exhibition
Music stylists B Åkerlund and Johnny Wujek
Suited Magazine cover story that went viral, shot by Paul Jung
Nehera clothing brand
Encens Magazine by stylist Samuel Drira
Start your own Thread
Which of Jess’ shoots is your favourite? And who would you like to see on the podcast next?
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