[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27428″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Jonathan Marc Stein was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Marc Stein as an emerging brand creating an identity as a couture fashion house. Stein, a 23-year-old and Cincinnati, Ohio native, chose to pursue his passion for fashion starting at the young age of 15. A few years later, at 18 years of age, he set out on a quest to create an internationally-known brand as he pursues his vision for both men’s and women’s fashion. Jonathan’s natural artistic talents, combined with his family history of seamstresses, tailors, and designers for luxury department stores, positioned him well for his chosen fashion career.
His artistic skills enable him to create custom designs from origination to garment construction. His creative vision combined with his mechanical engineering degree uniquely position him to create fashionable garments that are distinctively edgy yet elegant. Jonathan’s determined attitude has served him well as a self-taught designer creating his own path forward.
His exposure as a designer has quickly evolved via showings at New York fashion week, Los Angeles fashion week, fashion week Columbus, San Diego fashion fest, fashion meets music festival, and various charity fashion events with plans for broader exposure in the upcoming year.
This past year he has dressed many notable celebrities featured in major publications and on Cosmopolitan magazine’s best dressed list. In addition, plans are in process for international expansion later this year.
2019 priorities will build on his success to date with plans for a celebrity collaboration, headlining additional events, repeat appearances at Los Angeles and New York fashion week, and custom designs for celebrity clients.
Jonathan Marc Stein offers quality clothes and accessories for men and women alike. His studio is currently located in Los Angeles.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27427″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Jonathan, please tell us a little about you?
I am a 24-year-old fashion designer based in Studio City but originally from Cincinnati, OH. I launched my JONATHAN MARC STEIN brand during college while completing my Mechanical Engineering degree. I am unique in the industry as my sewing skills are completely self-taught. I have presented at a variety of fashion shows coast to coast, including multiple appearances at NY and LAFW since 2016. I execute end-to-end, starting with the concept, then imprinting the idea as a sketch, creating patterns, and, finally, constructing and altering the final garment to fit. My style is edgy yet elegant with a personal goal of having those that wear my designs feel confident and badass.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, determined, driven
Name one your strengths?
Creating eye-catching garments with leather and installing zippers in unique ways that can make anyone feel good about themselves.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family. They are always there for me when I need it most and come to assist me at every fashion show.
Why and how did you decide to become a fashion designer?
When I was 15, I viewed my first fashion show on YouTube and I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life. At 18, I decided to create my own brand and here we are today.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means everything to me. It provides an artistic way to create confidence in yourself and others. When I see my clients’ smiles and badass poses when trying on a JMS garment, I know I have done just that.
How do you describe your fashion style?
My style is very edgy and fashion forward.
What is it like working for yourself now and who is your dream client?
For me, working for yourself is the best path to success. The only one at fault if failure occurs is me. My dream client is probably Zendaya. She is always stunning on red carpets and her style is very complimentary with JONATHAN MARC STEIN designs.
Define fashion?
Fashion is the purest form of self-expression. It allows each person to express his/her individuality and what image you want to portray.
What is the qualification required for a fashion designer career?
Long hours and hard work. Most fashion designers attend a notable fashion school for their formal training. I am completely self-taught.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
My friend Glenn Nutley! He creates hair and makeup for celebrities such as Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, etc. I was fortunate to have him, and his team do the hair and makeup for my latest AW19 Collection fashion show! He is truly so talented, so down-to-earth and such a great friend!
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
Working with so many amazingly talented artists and influencers; witnessing how my pieces come to life as they feel confident and badass wearing them on the red carpet or for any occasion.
Tell us about your brand?
JONATHAN MARC STEIN is a luxury clothing brand that creates clothing for everyone, no matter the size or shape. We create edgy yet elegant clothing that makes a person wearing it feel sassy and attractive.
How did you select the materials you use?
It is all about how I feel. I go through dozens of materials (touch and feel them) until I find the right fabric to fit with each unique design.
What is different from your brand to other brands?
I create wearable, yet extremely chic clothing that can be perfect for a variety of occasions. Many brands create garments that are appropriate for one specific event.
How do you stay up to date regarding fashion?
I don’t. I like to create my own trends versus copying what other designers are designing.
Describe your creative process?
It all depends. My typical start is sketching the piece that I have envisioned. Then I select a fabric, create the pattern, cut out the pieces and finally proceed with garment construction. A critical step in the design process is the finish when I fit the garment to a model and then finally deliver to my showroom for stylist to pull for their celebrity clients.
Tell us about a project or collection which has been your greatest achievement so far?
I have grown so much from one project to the next. My most recent MJS X JMS AW19 Collaboration Collection with my good friend Matt Sarafa was the most fun and successful collection to date. I am now working on some notable projects that I cannot wait to tell everyone about! I will be working closely will my biggest client to date! Follow me on Instragram and be one of the first to hear updates!
Who was your role model as a child?
Alexander McQueen. His was the first show I ever watched that ignited my interest in joining the fashion industry.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
My favorite models are Winnie Harlow and Cara Delevingne. They rose from nothing and became top models in their field. My favorite designers are Alexander McQueen and Alexandre Vauthier. They create stunning edgy designs that and personally influenced my design style as I began creating my own line.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
My hope is to still be doing what I am currently doing! Fashion is everything to me! My goal is to grow support for my brand each year, continue evolving my designs, and to work with bigger and bigger clients!
Best advice ever given?
Follow your dreams.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I am in process of expanding to be an international designer! My clothing will be featured in a luxury department store in Dubai very soon! I am also working closely with someone big on a new collaboration collection! And more! I cannot wait to share these upcoming projects with the public!
What advice do you have other aspiring fashion designers?
Following your dreams is something easy to say. Following through with hard work and dedication is what transforms dreams into success!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I have been to a lot of amazing countries; however, I would love to go to Monte Carlo and take my family with me!
Do you support any charity?
Yes! I support a few charities and have had the opportunity to participate in charity supported runway shows.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sketching in bed and working on new designs!
Something people don’t know about you?
I graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Name one beauty product you can’t live without?
A good facial moisturizer!
Where can people see more of your work?
My designs are available in a celebrity showroom in Beverly Hills, select boutiques, and on my website jonathanmarcstein.com.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram and Facebook @JonathanMarcStein
Quote: “Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who’s wearing it.” —Yves Saint Laurent
Favorite Singer/Artist: Kim Petras
Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Sports Team: I don’t watch sports.
Drink: Passion Fruit Mojito
TV Show: Dynasty
Book: Revenge Wears Prada[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]