Fashion Month Edition: NYFW designer Jackson Wiederhoeft on learning from Thom Browne and gaining the CFDA's support
Sep 9, 2023
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In this episode, emerging designer Jackson Wiederhoeft discusses participating in NYFW, the perks of being named an interim CFDA member, and the significance of mentors and the bridal business in the fashion industry.
Runway shows bring clothes to life and create a memorable experience for the audience.
The choice of location for a runway show influences the design and contributes to the brand's storytelling.
Deep dives
The Importance of Runway Shows
Jackson, an emerging designer, emphasizes the significance of runway shows for his brand. He believes that the drama and theatricality of the runway bring his clothes to life in a whole new way. With elaborate choreography, music, and lighting, the runway showcases the essence of his brand and creates a memorable experience for the audience. Despite the big investment required, Jackson has seen the impact of runway shows multiply over time, and he believes it is worth it to engage in these high-profile events to showcase his collections.
Choosing a Location and the Impact on Design
Selecting the right location for a runway show is crucial for Jackson. While scouting for venues, he seeks spaces that align with the narrative of his collection and the overall brand experience. The choice of location informs the design of the collection itself, as the way people experience the show contributes to the storytelling. Jackson has experimented with different venues, from a small gallery to a gym, and for his upcoming show, he has secured the historic LaMama theater. The venue choice sets the stage for a larger production and signifies the growth and potential of his brand.
Business Growth and Bridal Focus
Jackson's business has steadily grown over the years, with profitability year over year. Initially focusing on custom-made bridal designs, the bridal industry played a significant role in supporting his brand. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Jackson was able to adapt and focus on the direct-to-consumer business. He believes in treating bridal designs with the same integrity as ready-to-wear and eveningwear, seeing great value in the emotional connection of these pieces. Alongside upcoming collaborations and celebrity partnerships, the brand is expanding and exploring opportunities in wholesale, with a partnership launch at Bergdorf Goodman. Jackson's dedication to his craft and understanding of his clients drives the continued success and growth of his brand.
It’s a new era for fashion month, where designer collections are just one piece of the pie. As brands across price points and specialties aim to compete in the increasingly competitive retail landscape, more are taking advantage of the opportunity and approaching it strategically. They’re cutting through the noise with innovative marketing tactics, introducing new commerce plays and leveraging advanced digital capabilities to best showcase their products. In this podcast series, running throughout Fashion Month Spring 2024, Glossy and influential leaders are breaking down the evolution of the experiential event.
In this episode, we sit down with emerging designer Jackson Wiederhoeft, whose training includes Parsons School of Design and three years under Thom Browne. Like Thom Browne’s, Wiederhoeft's collections are decidedly theatrical, whimsical and, therefore, perfectly suited to a runway. He discusses the importance of taking part in New York Fashion Week, as well as the business perks of his recent honor of being named an interim CFDA member.