Miami Beach, FL – July 13, 2016 – Continuing our drive though the #JagDrive305 – a digital partnership between THE COLLECTION and World Red Eye – insiders can get an up close and personal look at the all-new 2017 Jaguar XE through the eyes of three of Miami’s own. Next up, we spent the day with esteemed stylist to the stars Calyann Barnett, who gave us a glimpse into Miami through her eyes behind the wheel of the newly-arrived 2017 Jaguar XE.

Raised in South Florida, Barnett received her undergraduate degree in business administration from Florida International University, and soon after attended New York City’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology where she quickly discovered her love for styling. In 2007, Barnett began working with Miami Heat star, Dwyane Wade, and in time reinvented the way basketball stars dressed off the court. Her creativity and innovation continues to assist Wade and other notable clients in being recognized as some of the best-dressed celebrity men and athletes. When she’s not creating a new look, you can find her working on some other projects which includes building her own costume concierge service.

WRE: What was your perception of Jaguar before you drove the XE?

CB: I have previously leased a Jaguar so I knew it would definitely be stylish and comfortable, however I was a little concerned with the size.

WRE: What was your perception of Jaguar after you drove the XE?

CB: Still stylish and comfortable, but I was really amazed at how roomy the car felt and the size of the trunk. I could fit my sons car seat in there with no issues as well as fit a lot of shopping bags in the trunk.

I was happiest driving the XE on the highway; you get to experience the power and speed of the Jaguar.

Calyann Barnett

WRE: How would you describe the driving experience of the XE?

CB: It was extremely comfortable and handled the road very well.

WRE: Tell us about where you went with the XE?

CB: I live down south and work in the Design District, downtown and the beach. So, I went everywhere from CrossFit, to the office, shopping, Starbucks and to pick up my son.

WRE: The XE is packed with technology. What was your favorite tech feature?

CB: I’m not quite sure what it’s called, but I really liked the fact that the headlights rotated when the car turned to illuminate the area you are about to turn on.  Also, with the back up camera, I saw a lot more of the road then I am used to seeing in other back up cameras.

WRE: What was the XE’s most memorable characteristic?

CB: The recessed dashboard, it really made the front cab feel so spacious.

WRE: When and where were you happiest driving your XE?

CB: I was happiest driving the XE on the highway; you get to experience the power and speed of the Jaguar.

WRE: Describe your perfect day behind the wheel of a Jaguar XE?

CB: Heading out to watch the fireworks with my son and husband on the 4th of July. My husband drove so I was like “oh this is nice.” Also, since it’s a smaller car it was easy to find parking.

WRE: What song do you identify with your XE?

CB: I played the Hamilton Broadway soundtrack the whole time.

WRE: Describe the Jaguar XE in one word.

CB: Revolutionary, which might have been because I was listening to the Hamilton soundtrack.

WRE: Would you recommend a XE to your friends?

CB: Yes, because it’s a luxury car at an affordable price.

WRE: How did you get your start as a stylist?

CB: I met a photographer who introduced me to a group of stylists and from there I interned for four months, seven days a week until they hired me as an assistant. While being an assistant I learned what it meant to be a stylist and made a ton of great relationships. Once people became familiar with my work and work ethic I started getting job offers for myself.

WRE: What is your process in choosing an outfit for your clients?

CB: I start by understanding what they would like to say to the world through their style, as well as where they are going and their body type. I then present references to what I think they should wear and once we review I go shopping. I bring my selections to my clients and we go through an editing process of “yes,” “no” and “maybe.” Once I have the core pieces we want to work with I either build looks and then have a fitting or, I do the fitting and based on what fits best then build a look.

My most defined characteristic is that I do not take no for an answer. I am persistent and keep pushing until my goals are accomplished.

Calyann Barnett

WRE: How did you go about building up a clientele starting out?

CB: This business is about reputations. Do an amazing job and your work will get noticed.

WRE: Who are some of your most notable clients?

CB: Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, Nicki Minaj, Sheldon Lowe, Justin Rose, Usain Bolt, Hype Williams, Shaggy, Hublot and Neiman Marcus to name a few.

WRE: What is it like working with Dwyane Wade?

CB: Amazing! He trusts and allows me to do my job. He likes to learn so working with him has become a collaborative effort, but he understands that he hired me for a reason so even if he doesn’t 100% believe in my choice it’s worth considering.

WRE: Where do you find a lot of your pieces?

CB: I find pieces from all over; from vintage stores in Hialeah to the shops of Bal Harbour. However, my favorite new store is MRKT Duex located in the Design District. They have several brands I cannot find anywhere else in Miami.

WRE: How is the Miami fashion scene right now different from what’s going on in other major cities?

CB: The Miami fashion scene is absolutely new and exciting. Most other major cities are done and I have been to the stores for years. Over the past four years, Miami has received a fashion face lift and we have more flagship stores than ever before. Plus, the product offered is different because of our geographic location and the influx of Caribbean and South American customers.

WRE: What is your favorite trend this season?

CB: Sheer… I am such a fan of underwear as clothing.

WRE: What do you consider your greatest life achievement?

CB: I would consider my greatest achievement has been changing the face of the NBA and creating a whole new genre of “stylist,” all while having a healthy and full personal life.

WRE: What is your most defined characteristic?

CB: My most defined characteristic is that I do not take no for an answer. I am persistent and keep pushing until my goals are accomplished.

WRE: Any goals moving forward in regards to your work?

CB: I am hoping to continue to branch out in the creative direction field and help build more brands as I have with Dwyane Wade. I am also working on building my creative concept and costume concierge for The Phoenix House Miami. It will be a costume house that is made up of actual timepieces and pieces from around the world. The idea is to allow magazines, movies, stylist and individuals to rent pieces they wouldn’t regularly find and have a knowledgable staff of stylists that can assist.