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Jonathan Simkhai in the showroom at the W Hotel, London
American designer Jonathan Simkhai launched his eponymous label in 2010. His line of modern masculine/feminine separates, using innovative fabrics such as metallic foiled tweed and printed ponyskin, has won him a handful of accolades, including participation on the CFDA’s Fashion Incubator programme. MATCHESFASHION.COM’s fashion features editor Tilly Macalister-Smith caught up with him on a recent trip to London…
“I was raised in Westchester with my two brothers, right outside NYC. I always had an unexplainable connection to the city, I think because I was so close to it. I’ve been really blessed with a great family that completely supports me.”
“I always knew I wanted to work in fashion. From an early age it was something that completely fascinated me. I used to pretend to be sick so I could stay home with mom and go to the mall with her and help her pick out clothes! It wasn’t until I was in my teens that I realised I wanted to be a designer. I helped out my uncle with his mass-market fashion line and while I was working there I thought, ‘I can do this, I want to create my own line.’”
“For my AW13 collection, I was inspired by the British Ska movement in the early 1980’s, namely bands like The Specials, The English Beat and Madness. All the guys in those bands had this impeccable way of dressing: really tailored and well put together, but once they got up on stage they became such rock stars. I wanted to capture that feeling and apply it to my girl, so people would think, ‘OK, she is the coolest girl in the room.’”
“I think women want to wear clothes that make them feel cool, that aren’t too fussy and capture their personality in the best light. I think the Simkhai girl likes to take risks but never strays from the sporty-chic aesthetic that is true to her. For my Resort 14 collection I worked with digitally printed cowhide and metallic leathers, fabrics that felt fresh and new and allowed me to explore new avenues of getting my message across. She likes a sexy boyish twist to her clothes, and in recent times I’ve been focusing on that while giving my girl elevated options for her closet. But that’s not to say she is any less tempted to take risks…”
SHOP JONATHAN SIMKHAI > http://bit.ly/14QyyJL
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
What the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
My to-do list and how I need to get to the gym!
Which living person do you most admire?
My dad, Beni Simkhai.
The last record you bought or downloaded?
Daft Punk’s album, Random Access Memories.
What do you do to celebrate when you finish a collection?
Get together with my best friends and dance.
When and where are you happiest?
Coachella festival.
What super power would you like to have?
To be able to fly.
What is your greatest regret?
No regrets, just lessons.
What is your most treasured possession?
My iPhone.
What is your favourite book?
Gun for Hire by Helmut Newton.