The vision behind Angelina Jolie’s Oscars looks is Jen Rade, one of the many inspiring individuals who walked the same halls as you and me, a Lower Moreland graduate and a true creative genius. As one of today’s most sought-after stylists, Jen has catered to a diverse clientele, including A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Cher, and Jenna Fischer, along with musicians such as Lady Antebellum, P!NK, Dave Matthews, and Tina Turner. Her portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned photographers like Patrick Demarchelier, Martin Schoeller, Norman Jean Roy, Andrew Macpherson, David LaChappelle, Mario Testino, and Bryan Adams, and her work has graced the pages of prestigious publications like Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, GQ, Esquire, and even Harper’s Bazaar.
Jen Rade is one of Lower Moreland’s finest. On April 4th, 2024, I was granted the opportunity to interview her. I reached out to Jen to ask her how Lower Moreland helped “style” and “design” her noteworthy career and how it can inspire current students.
Starting off our interview, I asked Jen how Lower Moreland set her up for her career today:
“Well, Lower Moreland is one of the best schools. Looking back, it was a very tight-knit community, like everyone I went to kindergarten with, I almost always graduated with. I remember growing up being surrounded by such a community-based District. Lower Moreland really allowed me to appreciate the community. So many of my friends from high school are still some of my closest friends to this day. I really learned how to work with others, since I work in the people business, through growing up in such a community-centered environment. Since I am a stylist working with celebrities, they are at their most vulnerable state, so the people skills I learned growing up have really helped me.”
Segueing to the next question, I asked Jen what inspired her to follow her passion to be in the fashion industry, to which she replied:
“I have always known that I wanted to move to LA one day to be in the entertainment industry. I even took costume design in college. Actually, my Mom and my Nanny really inspired me. My Mom would have simple, chic, great jewelry, black leggings, and her knee-high Weitzman boots. My mom was very stylish at the time, so I think that is when I became in awe of fashion and styling. I mean, my job is the story of other people’s clothes, not mine, but clearly my mom’s style seeped in.”
I then asked Jen what her all-time favorite project has been throughout the trajectory of her career. She answered:
“That is hard. My head is spinning with jobs! When I started my career in LA, I started doing Rap and Hip-Hop music videos, and then I moved into a big costume designer for commercials, then from there it was celebrity [stylings]. Every job moved to the next. Throughout my career, so many people have put their faith in me! I am actually just realizing that right now!” Laughing, Jen added, “I think that I am having a life epiphany right now on the phone with Mia Dubin! Every month there is always a new project, so picking a favorite is so hard! I mean, I have done the wardrobe for nearly 300 Target commercials. I also enjoyed doing the music videos for P!NK’s “Stupid Girls” and “Raise your Glass.” They were so much fun to work behind the scenes on! There have been so many fun jobs! However, in the moment, there is a lot of stress in the styling industry.”
Next, I asked Jen my most highly anticipated question: How did it feel to work with such iconic, well-known individuals? Jen replied:
“Everyone that I have ever worked with has been great because I am there to help the person. I have had a lot of fun working with very strong, fun, funny, smart, talented women. I work so many different kinds of jobs, but I make very strong connections with each job. I mean, for example, Angelina Jolie, if she ever needed anything, I would do anything to help her; she is my friend forever.”
I asked Jen what look she styled someone in that she is the most proud of. Jen, thinking, replied:
“This is a very hard question. I have so many favorites for so many different reasons. I mean, I LOVED, just as a dress, this pink and red Ralph and Russo Couture dress that Marissa Tomei wore. I remember, we went to a fashion show together, and we both saw that dress, looked at each other, and took the dress right after the show! I really did love the dress. I mean, there are also many moments I often think about, like Angie (Angelina Jolie) in the white dress just because it was my very first time dressing someone for the Oscars. It is actually funny that Sydney Sweeney just wore the dress! I mean the dress is just so simple, it is a classic.”
I next asked Jen one of my favorite questions to ask: Who is her role model, famous or not? Reflecting, Jen responded:
“I mean, I learn a lot from everyone. I learn a lot from everyone I work with, people I am related to, my friends, or someone I meet on the street. That is really a big part of being a designer is that you are picking things up from everyone who you encounter.”
Nearing the end of our interview, I asked Jen what made her agree to do this interview with me, and without hesitation, she replied:
“Why would I say no? I saw the Lion’s Roar, and that is my home!”
My last question for Jen was what advice would she go back in time and give her high school self? With no sense of reluctance, Jen replied:
“Get over it. You will be fine. Literally, just get over it.”
And with that, I would like to thank Jen Rade for being a true icon. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to re-introduce yourself to Lower Moreland. You vivaciousness could be felt through the screen, and I can confidently confirm that you are a true role model. I know Lower Moreland is so proud of you and your exceptional achievements. Thank you for bringing so much life, light, and laughs to so many lives. I am so proud of you!
