Sometimes, being a fashion entrepreneur can be hard especially when there are hurdles like lack of funds, inability to get a studio, and balancing a day job with your fashion career, in your way. Situations like this can be highly discouraging but even with them, it is still possible to make a mark on the fashion scene.
Christopher John Rogers has proved this.
Christopher John Rogers started his eponymous brand in 2016 after graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design. The 26-year-old bolted into the spotlight after just 2 years in the fashion scene thanks to his voluminous designs and choice of bright colours.
Up until early this year, Christopher John Rogers and his small, industrious team created the brand’s signature pieces out of Roger’s living room in his Bushwick, Brooklyn apartment. Last year, Rogers won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award which has now been used to get a studio for the brand In Soho.
By the time Rogers won the award, he had shown critically acclaimed collections at New York Fashion Week twice and dressed Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Gabrielle Union, Rihanna, Cardi B, Zendaya Ashley Graham, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Most impressive of all is that he accomplished most of that while balancing a 9-5 with a fashion career.View this post on Instagram
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What Makes the Christopher John Rogers Brand Unique?
The Christopher John Rogers (CJR) brand is one that proved that more is well… more. The brand is characterized by lots of volume and bold colours in dramatically tiered gowns, pleated skirts, and Swarovski crystal-adorned suits.
The outfits the brand makes have been described as over-the-top yet wearable and full of vibrant life. They are creating clothes that are against stereotype but ask the question of ‘Did you own your look?’. Their clothes are meant to make women feel powerful, bold, and capable of anything.
According to Rogers, their clothes are expensive and should look expensive, he said, “I’m trying to make clothes that are heirlooms that even I can’t afford, but maybe when I’m 40 or 50 I’ll be able to. It’s not about thenow, but it’s very much about the future.”
Christopher John Rogers Collections:
In total, the Christopher John Rogers brand has 3 collections under its belt;
Christopher Rogers Fall 2020 Ready-to-wear Collection:
This collection much like every other collection was filled with voluminous and colourful outfits. The collection brought back some familiar silhouettes like the bulbous strawberry-shaped waist (which is one of the brand’s bestsellers) and references to the Pierrots and the clown-inspired ruffled neckline look.
In the way of new design inspirations, Rogers cited that a trash bag gave him some inspiration for other looks. The pieces in this collection are nothing short of bold, jaw-dropping, and elegant with a dash of confidence.
Christopher Rogers Spring 2020 Ready-to-wear Collection:
This collection spanned a wide range of Rogers influencers like the Pierrots, the naïve clown of old cinema, and a Paul Gaugin’s painting. Here he delivered most readily wearable pieces with a sense of whimsy.
He incorporated some wear into this collection and dotted the collection with Swarovski crystal-adorned silk button-down shirts. The tailoring here is as always, sharp and features vibrant colours.
One of the most notable garments outfits in this collection was a crystal-dotted (which took 11 hours to iron-on), collared gown that had exaggerated costuming in it.
Christopher Rogers Fall 2019 Ready-to-wear Collection:
In this collection, Rogers brought a whimsical take to evening wear with cascading tulle, slimming taffeta suits, and pleated lilac skirts. This collection is filled with dramatic outfits with exaggerated features.
The colours here are vibrant as always and outfits quite difficult yo make like the strawberry-shaped waist which was made from a process of stuffing bone in tulle.
What’s to Learn from the Christopher John Rogers Brand?
Christopher John Rogers has proved with his brand that anyone can succeed in the fashion industry against all odds. As far as you put your heart into your fashion brand and are not afraid to go against the norm, your brand can catch the attention of the creme de la creme of society.
As a fashion entrepreneur in Nigeria, no matter how small you start or how tough the journey has been so far, always remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel so you can push towards it. You do not always have to do what others are doing, even with the Ankara print fabric, you can still speak out and stand out.
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