9 minute read
JONATHAN MARC STEIN the FASHION MAVERICK
JONATHAN MARC STEIN the FASHION MAVERICK
Interview by QP STAFF WRITER
In the heart of Studio City, tucked away from the facade of Los Angeles, lies a sanctuary of style: the enigmatic atelier of Jonathan Marc Stein. As we step into his studio, the air crackles with an electric buzz, a palpable energy that ignites the space. Surrounded by racks of fabrics and sketches strewn across the walls, it's clear that this is a realm where creativity reigns supreme.
Today, we have the get to sit down with Jonathan himself, the fashion maverick whose designs challenge convention and redefine the very essence of couture. Join us as we embark on a journey through the depths of his imagination, exploring the raw passion and uncompromising vision that have propelled him to the forefront of the fashion world.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design, particularly with your background in mechanical engineering it seems like such an unusual curve ball, we’re fascinated!?
My interest in fashion design actually began while I was getting my degree in Mechanical Engineering. During my sophomore year while I was waiting for class to start, I saw a video on Youtube for a 1990-something Alexander McQueen runway show. I knew right away that creating clothing was my forever dream. I then taught myself how to sew and design and the rest is history. It was definitely something I never thought I would do with my life and I am so excited to see where this journey will take me.
Could you share some insights into your creative process when designing garments? How do you fuse edginess with elegance in your designs and yet make it work for a range of people from different cultures and age ranges.
My creative process is probably not in line with the typical design process as my creativity can come at any moment. Most designers will thoughtfully sketch out a look, make a pattern, sew a sample, etc. For me this process can be the opposite or even completely different. Usually I will have an idea pop into my head and go straight to making a pattern or even draping on the dress form to see how my vision unfolds. I have always been fascinated with the medium of leather. By mixing it with more traditional and freeform fabrics such as silk, organza, etc. I am able to create garments that are edgy yet structured, delicate, and feminine. This allows me to design pieces that complement people of any shape or size with diverse cultural origins.
As a self-taught designer, what challenges didyou face breaking into the fashion industry, and how did you overcome them?
Fashion design has always been an oversaturated market with thousands of designers in the mix. All of them are extremely talented with the same problem that I have: How do I differentiate myself from others and market myself as unique? Breaking into this industry is something I am still striving to accomplish. Networking within the industry has allowed me to meet new influential clients who are so gracious in allowing me to be a part of their journey and promote me to the level I am at today. I am fortunate to have dressed and worked with hundreds of celebrities.
I have showcased internationally and beat out major brands for best designer award at Arab Fashion Week
Your family history seems to have played a significant role in shaping your career path. Can you elaborate on how your familial background did this?
It was not until I was well along in my career path that I discovered I have a lot of clothing design and tailoring in my blood. Before Bergdorf’s became more commercial and had a house brand, my great grandmother was one of their in-house designers. I am fascinated by the few antique pieces I have in my possession that she created with her own hands. I even use some of her thimbles when I am creating my own work. It feels amazing to be a part of my familial history and continue the path that they once led.
Can you walk us through the journey of presenting your first collection in 2017 to showcasing at fashion weeks and events worldwide? We’ve seen several of your runways with your most recent involving Vanessa Villela who we interviewed a couple months ago.
A few months after I watched that first runway video while waiting for class to start, I set out on my journey to create my first collection. It was for the Fashion Meets Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio in 2016. I definitely look
back and realize how terrible the pieces were and how much I have improved since then. However, it brought me some amazing success. A scout at that show saw my work and invited me to showcase a collection in Los Angeles the following year. It made me really push myself to enhance and refine my work into an aesthetic that represents who I am as a brand. Since then I have even showcased internationally and beat out major brands for best designer award at Arab Fashion Week. I have had the honor of working with some amazing celebrities and fashion weeks that have propelled my career to where I currently am.
What are some memorable moments or milestones you've experienced in your career so far and what do you hope to achieve in the future?
My career, thus far, has definitely been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. I have been so fortunate to experience an overwhelming act of support from both my family and team. From winning the Golden Forever Rose award in Dubai at my first international show, to my private show in August 2023 dedicated to my father after his murder. Working with my eldest brother Stephen as a photographer and my mother who is now my manager has helped me so much. Since my namesake brand’s inception to now I have dressed and worked with over 100 celebrities and major magazines. I have so many plans in motion that I hope to enact within the next five years as I continue to expand my brand into the future.
With your studio based in Los Angeles, how does the city influence your creative vision and business operations? Los Angeles is known for being the central hub for all kinds of talent so it must play a part in your design journey …
Building my life and career in Los Angeles was definitely a major decision I had to make. Between NYC and Los Angeles, it was an easy choice and one that greatly affected my success. Los Angeles has always been an entertainment hub for the US and the world. Many of the major red carpets, music videos, films, and more happen here in Los Angeles so that is where I decided to put my roots down. There is something about the air here that really gets the creative juices flowing and allows my muse to thrive. Being so close to where the magic happens has given me the opportunity to work with so many talented individuals. It’s magical to be integral in the process of curating their looks on the carpet and more.
Jonathan, can you tell us about any sustainability practices or ethical considerations incorporated into your design and production processes?
I had always been interested in making sustainable luxury pieces when I first imagined my brand. When choosing materials for my brand, I strive to work with recycled materials both in fabric and hardware. While I do utilize natural leather, I source from suppliers who adopt sustainable practices and offer leather that is exclusively a byproduct of the meat industry. My last collection incorporated about 80-90% recycled materials and other deadstock fabrics. I hope to continue this approach with future collections being even more sustainable.
We’re incredibly nosey at QP, so we must ask, can you discuss any upcoming collaborations or projects that you're excited about?
I am actually working on something that is very exciting. While balancing clients’ needs and my namesake brand, I am in the process of developing a new venture with my first ever collection of accessories and bags that will bereleased in a matter of months!
I am in the process of developing a new venture with my first ever collection of accesories and bags that will be released in a matter of months!
How do you balance the artistic expression of your designs with the commercial viability of your business? One of the biggest struggles we see in fashion is where a designer/artist wants to freely express themselves whilst making it appeal to consumers. It looks like you manage this incredibly well, what’s your secret?
There is definitely a fine line between my vision and what will sell and balancing this can be very difficult. I am finally starting to let go of the reins a little bit to ensure that my brand is commercially viable and has a future. That special project that I previously mentioned will help with this quite a lot and I cannot wait to share!
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers, especially those with unconventional backgrounds like yours, who are looking to establish their own brands?
Given I started in this industry completely from scratch and with zero knowledge of how it works, I know how hard and scary it is to be in that position. There were years without any forward progress and I lost hope in myself many times. My initial advice to others is to have the courage to put yourself and your art out there to determine if fashion design is truly your passion and personal dream. Taking the risk by allowing others to judge your work is nerve wracking so it’s important to have some kind of support system. Find others to network with who are willing to share strategies that did or didn’t work as they pursued their fashion career. I recommend starting on a small scale as getting a foothold in this industry I have found requires significant resource investment.
There is definitely a fine line between my vision and what will sell and balancing this can be very difficult
