CREATOR DIARIES
JONATHAN MEIZLER
FASHION DESIGNER
DATE: DEC 2019
CATEGORY: CREATOR DIARIES
Take a peek into the magnificent world of Jonathan Meizler, Creative Consultant at HOTSOX for the new White Label Collection.
Photography by Brian Phelan
WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST MEMORIES OF BEING CREATIVE?
When I was about 4 years old, I remember drawing on the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. I recall my father being very angry that I defaced a book…thankfully he grew to appreciate my creativity. I received my BA in Film Production and Advertising Design, moved to London and Vienna before relocating to LA, where I worked in film before falling into the fashion world.
Photography by Brian Phelan
HOW DID YOU ENTER INTO THE WORLD OF FASHION?
Long story short—I have had no formal training in fashion design. I originally launched a menswear collection in LA that evolved into a women’s designer brand and ultimately into a couture collection that retailed at Bergdorf Goodman.
AS THE CREATIVE CONSULTANT FOR HOTSOX’S WHITE LABEL, TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST COLLECTION.
I’ve created a capsule collection based upon the history of the original HOTSOX designs with a primary focus on the art world. Current events and the state of our nation solidified a backdrop for the remainder of the collection. All played with a cheeky or dry sense of humor.
Photography by Brian Phelan
Photography by Brian Phelan
Photography by Brian Phelan
HOW DO SOCKS FACTOR INTO YOUR DAILY WARDROBE?
Socks are a perfect accessory to define one’s style—they are sometimes hidden, so when one gets a glimpse, they reveal a great deal…
WHAT LEAD YOU TO START YOUR COUTURE LINE, TITLE OF WORK?
When I parted ways from my previous company, I became interested in moving into the art world, and after a period of intense research I felt it best to merge the worlds of art and fashion. Using the necktie as a 2.5” x 58” canvas would allow me to explore varying concepts from season to season, bridging the worlds of art and fashion authentically.
YOU WORK WITH THE FINEST, MOST INTRICATE DETAILS — WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE PIECES YOU DESIGN?
For me, details are what separate exquisite design from the mundane. Integrity of design along with quality of construction are two major factors that play into all of my work.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DESIGN INSPIRATION OF YOUR COLLECTION?
I believe illustration presents another point of view to the designer. Illustration can exaggerate in ways that photography can’t — the sleeve can become enormous, the skirt sweeps off the page. It becomes a kind of drama that captures what the designer was thinking.
Photography by Brian Phelan
WHICH ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?
There are literally too many to name, but here are a few: Chiharu Shiota, Francesco Clemente, Egon Schiele Alberto Burri, Junya Watanabe, and Tara Donovan.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM COVER?
Graphically, the Rolling Stones…
