Los Angeles based Jonathan Marc Stein is an influential emerging designer, creating sophisticated edgy couture since 2017. Jonathan’s designs have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel and Cosmopolitan. His work has been worn by celebrities such as Mackenzie Ziegler, Gretchen Rossi, and Laura Marano where she was recognized as Cosmopolitan’s Best-Dress List for 2018 HBO Emmy After Part
Beauty News NYC had the opportunity to ask Jonathon a few questions about his background, dressing for the fall and the story behind his latest piece, the DAN/IEL trench coat.
For our readers who may not know you, what got you started in the fashion world?
Jonathan: Contrary to popular belief, I did not start my career as a fashion designer. I attended college in pursuit of a degree in Mechanical Engineering which I saw through to the end. But at most times, my career in fashion design was paralleled by my engineering classes.
When I was a sophomore waiting for one of my classes to start, I came across a video on YouTube which happened to be a 1990-something Alexander McQueen fashion show which immediately sparked my interest in becoming a designer. Soon after, I taught myself how to sew
and jetted across the country showcasing my designs at various fashion weeks. The rest is history!
Does having an engineering background affect your designs in any way?
Jonathan: 100%. Engineering and design have so many coinciding factors. Both require an understanding of complex math and structure to ensure a successful product. In the designing of a garment, it not only needs to have a proper fit but needs to be able to stand on its own without falling apart. My education in learning engineering allowed me to have the success I have today.
Who or what motivates you during the struggles of being a fashion designer?
Jonathan: Fashion design is extremely tough. I need to have the creativity of a designer as well as the acumen of a businessman. This means that not only do I have to be happy with a piece, but it must have the approval of consumers. I constantly battle with myself to create garments that are trendy and high-quality. If it was not for my incredible support system of family and friends, I most definitely would not have the success that I have today. Not only that, but the greats that I look up to (i.e. Alexander McQueen) inspire me to finish what I started and that the best is yet to come.
I’ve seen that you’ve done international shows at Arab Fashion Week. What are some differences and similarities between shows in AFW and shows based in the US such as NYFW?
Jonathan: Arab Fashion Week was such a blast to be a part of and was my first-ever international show. Not only did it allow me to showcase internationally, but helped me to learn that location and culture are huge factors in what dictates the fashion of a region. NYFW allows designers to express anything and everything. Artistic expression is limitless in all factors and there are virtually no rules that a collection must follow. AFW, being held in a more conservative country, had more of an unspoken rule behind it and helped to sway what pieces I should or should not have included in the collection. Overall, they both uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism, everyone was amazing to work with! Production was impeccable and the venues only speak to high fashion and luxury.
I’d love to learn more about the DAN/IEL trench coat. Would you be able to tell us more about the story behind the design?
Jonathan: The DAN/IEL trench coat took the longest period of time to conceptualize and construct compared to all of my other designs. I named it after my father who was murdered in October 2022. Both he and my mother were the managers that ran my business. They traveled the world with me to every runway show that I participated in. Mulling over it for quite some time, I knew that I had to dedicate something to him. He was always there for me in every way, so I had to design a piece that would forever be part of history and carrying on his legacy. We both shared an innate love of all things leather so it was no question that the jacket would be composed of it. After sketching out a variety of designs, the one that came to be is the one that everyone sees today!
What is your key advice for being fashionable this fall?
Jonathan: Unlike summer, fall allows for layers on layers. I think it allows for so much more creativity when choosing your outfit for the day. So do not be afraid to be bold and take risks! It is all about confidence in what you choose, so there are no wrong answers!
Anything upcoming that you are working on that you’d like to share with our audiences?
Jonathan: As a designer, I am always working on new things! I am in the process of a new collection that I am extremely proud of as I am constantly evolving as both a creative and fashion designer. I cannot wait to share!
