This Stylist Talks Everything From Tacos to Beyoncé Bathrooms
Written By: Jasmín Nelson
Photographed By: Bianca Simonian
Hair and Makeup By: Eddie Buico Salvador Camarena
Inside the ever so lovely Villa Golighty in Palm Springs, a sweet and sassy sartorialist is lighting up the room with free spirited charm in a finely fitted, blush pink suit serving piñata smooches and shaking his “Judy” (his personal word for booty) to ‘90s Jennifer Lopez jams. The vibe is contagious. And that’s before witnessing him jump into the backyard pool with his stylish threads on.
Salvador “Sal” Camarena, born and raised in Indio is a self proclaimed “Modern Mexican.” He’s the celebrity wardrobe stylist you can’t help but wish could be your personal stylist. “I really just want to make people happy—give them that JLo glow and make them smile,” said Camarena.
Camarena puts love and light into everything he styles from flower arrangements, interior design and piecing together outfits for celebrities. During this year’s Modernism Week, within the walls of the gorgeous and mod home of his friend Kelly Golightly, he slayed in the creation of the Beyoncé bathroom paying tribute to Bey’s Lemonade album. The lavish lavatory is complete with a retro phone above the TP with signage reading “Dial 9 To Call Becky With The Good Hair” and brightly colored, lemon wallpaper certainly making the Beyhive proud. Speaking of the powers that bey, one of Camarena’s style manifestos includes channeling your inner Beyoncé. “It’s about being confident and just owning who you are even if you’re wearing sweatpants,” said Camarena.
Golightly describes her pal’s personality as “someone you just naturally gravitate to, the life of the party and hysterical without trying to be.” Golightly and Camarena know one another from mutual design circles where they attended Fashion Week together. “We realized we were two, design-nerd peas in a pod who are just geeked about pretty visuals,” said Golightly.
Camarena’s upbeat and colorful persona of “Hollywood Glam With Palm Springs Swag” matches his personal wardrobe style of grown-and-sexy mixed with whimsical, playful pieces. The man has not one, but two closets! “In closet number one I have my suits, bow ties, dress shoes, pocket squares, my grown man attire; you know, the stuff you want to steal,” said Camarena, “In closet number two, I have my jogger situations, elastic waist bottoms ‘cause I like to eat my tacos, the kicks (sandals and Vans), oh and I love a slide shoe, my Selena tees, tons of swimsuits, short sleeve button downs; there is a lot of playful color prints and party stuff. It’s basically a piñata explosion,” said Camarena.
When speaking of his resumé, Camarena is modest, and not to name drop for him, but he’s outfitted the likes of Jeff Lewis, Heather McDonald, Ali Landry, partner Ross Mathews and then some. You may have also seen Camarena doing his thing on “Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian,” E! Live from the Red Carpet, “Chelsea Lately” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” As if his resumé is not already poppin’ you probably turned the pages of In Touch Weekly and saw his skills.
When the dapper designer isn’t styling and profiling, he’s a doggy daddy to two chihuahuas, Audrey (named after Audrey Hepburn, of course) and Selena, named after the “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” singer. You’ll also most likely find him working his “Judy” training for the Glitter Run, which benefits LGBTQ. The 5K funds go directly to the Latino Initiative. “I’m all about pushing the culture and promoting communities working together.”
For the next month or so, Camarena is committed to working on the future project of building his brand to continue doing what he loves. “I legit love styling and it goes back to making people smile.” He hopes to host his own makeover show for the everyday man and woman.
So, let’s aim to live like Camarena: embrace your talents, tailor your suits and eat tacos.
The Motto: Camarena’s fashion motto is: “Be yourself, because at the end of the day there is no one else like you and I’ve also gone by Marc Jacobs’ ‘Make it pretty and f— it up.’”
#Inspo: Camarena draws his inspiration from his mother, Frida Kahlo and Selena Quintanilla.
Style Goals: Camarena would love to style Kendall Jenner, Issa Rae and Jackie Cruz.
Represented by Creative Visual Artists
Salvador Camarena | @stylistsalvador
Photoshoot Location:
Villa Golightly
Palm Springs, CA
JasmÍn is a true Jazzy of all trades. This girl boss keeps busy mothering, Life Coaching, photographing, legal assisting and studying as a Juris Doctorate candidate. Additionally, she appreciates all things fashion, food, art, and special events. She was born a Jersey girl, raised in San Diego and now lives in the OC. When she’s not wearing her sassy pants and finds free time, you’ll most likely spot her kickboxing, nama-slaying or catching good vibes and waves at the beach with her son. Guilty pleasure: Will work for shoes, bags and pumpkin frappes when in season. Hey, don’t judge unless you can walk on water. www.jasminamiraphotography.com
