CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS
Christopher John Rogers strives to elevate both a woman’s wardrobe, and her confidence. “Wearing a Swarovski embellished garment that reflects your innermost ‘you’ makes you stand taller,” he explains.
Rogers’ dedication to designing clothes that express a woman’s most authentic self comes as no surprise – he moonlights as an associate designer at DVF, a purveyor of female empowerment. The designer also cut his teeth as an intern at Tanya Taylor where he applied, at Taylor’s suggestion, to the Swarovski Crystal Design Competition. Roger’s was awarded a coveted sponsorship, beginning his fruitful relationship with Swarovski.
Inspired by these experiences, as well as design muses Isaac Mizrahi and Angela de la Cruz, Rogers presented a debut collection designed to, “champion [the customer’s] flair for the dramatic in a modern world,” he explained. Hotfix crystals enhanced contrasting plaid suits and bias-cut dresses while crystal buttons provided shimmer on blazers and blouses. Standout moments included an iridescent shawl featuring ‘Drama!’ across the back in crystal embroidery, as well as crystal “freckles” in models’ make-up.
JONATHAN COHEN
Jonathan Cohen invited guests to an unmarked space in the Bowery to celebrate his first runway show. A short speech by the designer kicked things off. “I have a real passion for storytelling. My goal with this collection was to translate that passion into my clothes, and in my opinion, nobody does that better than songwriters,” he said.
Entitled “Love Me/Love Me Not,” Jonathan Cohen’s debut collection takes inspiration from the love songs of musicians like Siouxsie Sioux, Robert Smith, Lauryn Hill and Kate Bush. Petal and floral motifs and over 11,000 Swarovski crystals decorated a flowing scarf dress, tweed frock and organza gown.
JEREMY SCOTT
An army of Jeremy Scott clones walked the Spring Studios runway Thursday evening, revealing a collection the designer describes as grunge-sportswear-army-surplus-super-glam. Inspired by none other than himself, Scott looked to Polaroids from the late 90s – a time of metamorphosis for the designer. “I was very experimental with my personal appearance. I had yet to start designing my own collection, so my imagination had only my own body as a canvas.”
The most brilliant designs were Scott’s Swarovski pieces showcasing over 32,000 multi-colored crystals hand-applied on corsets, thigh-high boots, jackets and skirts. As Scott so perfectly put it, “If you want to make a splash you have to have Swarovski.”
JASON WU
Long-standing Swarovski partner and Atelier Swarovski designer Jason Wu presented his SS19 collection at the Tribeca Lofts. This season saw Wu forego models for mannequins, displaying his designs within a decidedly industrial space contrasted with colorful wildflowers.
The designer’s signature femininity was ever-present in his showing of 16 dresses, each more romantic than the last. 28,000 crystals in hues of Golden Shadow and Silk wound around bodices to accentuate curves – an aesthetic Wu has maintained since his debut collection 11 years ago.
Wu commented, “I’ve worked with Swarovski throughout my entire career; their innovative materials provide endless inspiration for me every season. It’s been great to evolve together over the last decade.”
