Model Latina Miami Judge Talks Fashion

Jorge Ramón and I have more things in common than I thought—he's just as in love with Rihanna's style as I am, indulges in fashion blogs (Style Rookie is one of his faves) and got his career started at magazines. The NYC-born/based boricua stylist, spokesperson and TV personality was the first male editor at Seventeen magazine. I caught up with Model Latina Miami's fashion know-it-all, who's styled everyone from Beyonce to Reese Witherspoon, to talk—what else?—fashion. 

Who was your favorite Model Latina Miami contestant? I can't pick favorites because all the girls had something special, but I feel the top three were definitely the right choices.

Which contestant had the best style? Who had the worst? I was super happy to see Zuleyka learn that less is more. As the show progressed, she stripped away all the makeup and hair extensions and became more confident in her natural beauty. However, when we first met the contestants at go-see they all needed help.

How do you feel about the season overall? This season on MLM was incredible! We saw very special women grow and learn about the industry, how to depend on themselves to get through assignments, and find their strengths.

What do you love/hate about being a stylist? It's very stressful. Everyone thinks it's just about putting outfits together and playing with clothes, but it's so much more. The behind-the-scenes is extensive, demanding and exhausting. The transformation of a person's self esteem and confidence when they see themselves in a new light is what I love most about my job.

Tell me about your fashion roots? I've always been intrigued by how clothing creates a character and conveys a message. Lets just say, my little sister had great Halloween costumes growing up! My first job after I graduated college was an editorial assistant for Seventeen magazine. I went on to Teen People, where I worked my way up to fashion director. I transitioned to television a couple years ago, hosting shows on TLC. I'll be co-hosting a show for Mun2 called The Look, doing makeovers and giving style advice.

What are your most recent projects? I just wrapped up N.Y. Fashion Week. I worked on a show for Jamaican supermodel-slash-designer Lois Samuels called The Vessel. It meant so much that we all worked gratis; Lois is donating a percentage of her profits to an all-boys school in her native Jamaica. 

You say you're also a spokesperson. Who do you represent? Rowenta. It's a 100-year-old German iron and steamer company that's huge in Europe. I'm teaming up with them to get the word out on their amazing home products.

Describe your personal style. Classic with a twist. You can find me in a plaid shirt, striped tie, pinstriped jacket, dark denim jeans and killer kicks. I'm obsessed with Alejandro Ingelmo sneakers.

What are this season's must-haves? Plaid is huge. So is black with a rock 'n' roll feel. Off-the-shoulder looks for women is still big for fall. And for guys, take your classics and mix them up—plaids with a colorful sweater or even stripes and checks. Look for cardigans, Fair Isle knit sweaters and leather jackets.

Where do you shop? All over. I'm not a snob about fashion. I'm wearing a T-shirt from Target that I love. I like to mix it up with denim from Burberry and sneakers from Campus. It's more about how you put it together than wearing one designer head-to-toe.

What is your most treasured possession? A picture of my dad at 7 right before he came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico.

Ahhh, that's cute. And I'm sure he was stylin' too!