Embracing the Journey with Designer Jonathan Reid

A typical day during NYFW is a whirlwind. The pace is relentless, and things change on a dime. As one designer shares, "You never know what will happen. Everything is spur of the moment." With a career grounded in purpose and universal connection, this designer emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive energy and productivity.

 "If I can do this, I can do anything," Jonathan Reid, owner and designer of J.Reid, asserts, believing that the key to success is rooted in the energy they bring into each day. It's not just about the clothes; it's about how one approaches life itself—guided by a deep universal source, a mindset that fuels their creative work.

For those navigating the demanding environment of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the hustle is non-stop, and the unpredictability of the schedule makes each day unique. In the fast-paced world of fashion, where creativity and business collide, the journey of a black fashion designer is one marked by passion, resilience, and a deep connection to personal and spiritual growth. As a designer, every day is filled with both challenges and triumphs. 

For many black designers, the journey into fashion is influenced by a blend of family history, cultural significance, and personal experiences. For Reid, their connection to fashion is atttributed to their mother’s constant presence in the world of clothing and shopping. "I've always been around clothing and product," they say. Add to that a family legacy of entrepreneurial spirit—both grandfathers were business-minded—and a circle of friends that foster creativity. From a young age, they felt destined to bring clothing, design, and events to life. For Jonathan Reid inspiration isn't just drawn from the latest trends or fashion runways. Instead, it comes from the very essence of existence—the universal laws that govern life and the designer's personal evolution. "I love designing from the perspective of what the universe is, what planet/realm we are truly in, and what technology the body truly has." they explain.

While their roots are in Charlotte, North Carolina, and their current home is Atlanta, Georgia, the designer is now considering a major move to New York. "My plan was never to move to NY. I can't stand the cold," they joke. But the call of the fashion capital is undeniable, a place they view as the "final boss" for their career. Whether they make the move or not, the journey continues to evolve. Still, every career faces challenges, and being a black designer in the fashion industry is no exception. With a mindset grounded in strength, they believe that all of life's challenges are part of a greater illusion, one that can be shaped by the energy and attitude we bring to it each day. "I do what I can to execute everything else, I leave to my highest self/universe," they share. 

Fashion isn’t just about the designs, it’s about the purpose behind them. After discovering their calling in 2015 through graphic design they never looked back. "I made my logo and never stopped," they say. Their journey to full-time entrepreneurship has been one of dedication, faith, and persistence. 

They have deep influences that span generations and disciplines. Their designs honor their roots, often reflecting the significance of black history—not just during Black History Month, but throughout the entire year. "Black history is every month to me," they affirm, explaining that their latest collection, including the sleek "Reid 003" eyewear, draws inspiration from iconic symbols of strength and power.

In the world of fashion, where creativity knows no bounds, black designers are not just shaping trends—they are shaping culture, history, and the very future of the industry. Their journey is one of purpose, strength, and a deep belief in the power of the universe. And for this designer, the best is yet to come.

For those aspiring to enter the fashion world, this designer’s advice is clear: "Make sure you're doing this with a purpose." Beyond the financial gains and business strategies, success comes from intention. Perhaps most importantly, they stress the importance of inner work. "Work on the inner side of yourself first, and everything will attract you." Life's challenges will come, but it’s how you respond that truly defines you. "This is just the beginning of what I am going to do,"J.Reid’s story, while still unfolding, is a testament to perseverance and dedication. With conviction they say, "Stay tuned!"

Written by T'L Smith

First Looks: Discovering NYFW 2025

NYFW takes place within the first two weeks of February, an iconic time of year for New Yorkers and anyone else who may be a fashion lover. This almost full month-long event showcases world-renowned designers and brands and opens hundreds of doors for new and upcoming designers who are trying to make their own names. 

This year I had the opportunity to attend several shows each highlighting its unique style. The Fashion 420 Runway Show, presented by SBFashion, The Ethereal Fashion Show, and Small Boutique NYFW Runway Show, each showcased three to five designers, and out of all of them, my favorite show was The Ethereal Fashion Show. 

As someone who had never attended NYFW, I was so in awe of the presentation and execution of this show. It brought the upscale and traditional vibes I was expecting, but it also held extremely fun and interactive moments that made it memorable. 

The music playlists chosen for the show and each designer were immaculate and the MC brought the vibes UP.

And a show is only as good as its audience, The Ethereal, where the runway was held, did a great job of creating a beautiful space that allowed vendors to be highlighted throughout the entire event while also providing live entertainment to keep the crowd interactive, and lively, which they were. Each guest I met was very friendly and extremely well-dressed. It truly made my NYFW dreams come true.

Designed and Styled by Chavelis Playhouse for The Ethereal Fashion Show.

Photography: KateLynn Herrera & Emma Garber

My favorite designer from this show goes by the name ‘Chaveli’s Playhouse’. Her designs were so whimsical and childlike but in the very best way. It was refreshing seeing her designs come alive and by her definition “play” on the runway. I loved her curious personality through her designs in comparison to the upscale, clean-cut, professional looks NYFW is known to bring. 

I wasn’t the only one experiencing the wonderful whirlwind of a first-time NYFW, for 22-year-old Fashion Stylist, Emma Garber, she saw the show from a different side of the runway.

Emma was very involved working as Back of House Manager for Rise Fashion Events, Social Media Assistant for Revive Fashion Week, Styling Assistant for Chavelis Playhouse, and a Backstage Assistant for Art Hearts Fashion. 

While ‘Chavelis Playhouse’ was a favorite of mine, Emma had a different highlight from her week in NY, “My most memorable moment was at Vellachor when one of the corsets that walked the runway was hand painted in front of us during the runway,” she told 47Magazine.

Pictured above, NYFW designs by Vellachor

“Vellachor made her NYFW debut and was amazing.” Vellachor, whose designs were described as an “elevated, romantic, and whimsy style that is very modern and timeless,” by the stylist showcased dresses with unique and intricate silhouettes at her runway show. “I know Ella Titus, the Designer, is going to grow very quickly in this industry,” said Garber.

Timothy Romero, 26, assisted Jane Wade’s show, Vettese, and Leblancstudios - all in Manhattan, for his first NYFW.

“I definitely do think Jane Wade’s designs & show caught my eye the most,” said Romero. 

“Jane’s show gave strong dystopian office siren vibes, and the music coupled with the models (including Lisa Rinna) and the designs emphasized this. Vetesse was very organic and simple, the Italian instrumentals and vocals in the background made it feel very intimate. Leblancstudio’s show was dark (set wise), the models walked slowly on salt/rocks so you were very tuned into the show and their walk, you had time to appreciate the designs.”

To many NYFW is a ticket to some of the hottest events in town, but what the designers are doing, from small indie pop-up runways, to carefully designed large shows, means a lot to artists, and their audiences. 

“Leblancstudios’ Latin-American roots and background was something that personally stuck out to me (being a Mexican-American in the US) so being able to see first hand the designs on the runway, seeing families and friends of the designer enjoy the show and the designs - it oddly felt like I was at a family reunion. I think that’s why that one felt more personal to me.”

Marketing and Business student, Lucía Huerta Del Sol, 20, was another first-time NYFW attendee, but as a previous Paris Fashion Week attendee, was provided a newfound view of the runway here in New York.

Del Sol worked for The Art Heart Fashion and had the opportunity to help with content creation for several runways such as Carlos Pineda, Bad Pink, Nif Global, Giannina Azar, Raúl Peñaranda.

“Working with them backstage is a completely different experience as in this way, I was able to see how every piece was being built, the process behind the show, and how talented the designers are,” said the first-timer.

New York Fashion Week will forever maintain a significant amount of recognition and admiration from thousands of people, brands, companies, designers, and many more every year. Though many try to defer first-timers and those looking to enter the fashion world, there are just as many people looking to help you navigate it.

NYFW changes every year and gives those looking to create, the chance to become better and better. NYFW is used as an outlet for many people; it allows us to take time away from whatever life may be throwing at us, tap into our own creative mindsets, and truly learn from one another while gaining insight into how fashion speaks through different cultures, experiences, and imaginations.

My first New York Fashion Week was more than I could have ever dreamed of, and I hope it continues to amaze me and anyone else willing to step out of their comfort zone, and into the chic and fabulous world of NYFW. 

Written by KateLynn Herrera

Photography by Lucía Huerta Del Sol, Emma Garber, KateLynn Herrera, and Timothy Romero

Get The Look: Top 4 “Horror Girl” Styles this Halloween

Over the past few years, ``Horror Girl'' or final girl fashion and cosplays have stormed

TikTok-style spaces and social media. We’ve donned our fair share of plastic fangs, flammable wigs, and itchy Halloween costumes to help emulate our favorite pop culture icons or characters. However, before we reach the dress-up stage, drafting the perfect Halloween costume is either a fun or woeful affair. Collecting the necessities needed to construct the look can be costly, disappointing, or straight-up tedious. Whether you’re sprinting to Spirit Halloween or fighting the hoards of thrifters and Depop resellers at GoodWill, this “fun” experience can easily turn sour. Since the 2020s’ there’s been an influx in Sidney Prescott’s, Maxine Minx’s, Anna Delvey’s, and an over-exhaustion of costumes based on the cast of Euphoria. Regardless of where you are in the drafting process, these Top 4 deadly vixens are a few ethical and unique costume ideas for this spooky season.

#1. Faith Lehane, Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997)

Most of us know and love Faith’s “better” half Buffy Summer for her girly crucifix-donned

ensembles and killer fighting skills but not many of us remember how iconic Faith’s style was. Typically spotted in a fitted denim jacket and taut leather pants, Faith tends to favor a vampy color palette of black, gray, and brown with striking hints of deep red and navy blue. Being

one of the vampire slayers, her style is manufactured for battle, her shoe of choice being platform combat boots or Dr. Martens. Faith’s outfit formula consists of bootcut jeans, a bold graphic t-shirt, a denim or leather jacket, and potentially a wooden stake. To obtain this

quintessential 90s look, see more of Faith Lehane’s outfits below.

#2: Sarah Fox, My Babysitter’s a Vampire (2011)

Despite most of Gen-Z’s trauma towards the skinny-jean epidemic of the 2010s, Sarah Fox is

exempt from the perils of business casual attire and chunky statement necklaces. Sarah’s

girl-next-door aesthetic consists of knee-high boots, floral dresses, midi skirts, lacy tights, and

structured denim, wool, and leather jackets. While struggling to maintain her human facade, this

hyper-innocent look contrasts with her true nature as a repressed blood-sucker. Her color scheme

is made up of purple, blue, fuschia, gray, and black. Honestly, anything from your heydays in

middle school or the ninth grade could fulfill her style needs.

#3. Courtney Shayne, Jawbreaker (1999)

Once described as “Satan in heels” Courtney Shayne is an authoritarian of style and taste. After

accidentally choking her best friend with a jawbreaker, Courtney is crowned supreme of her

school and exclusive friend group. Allegedly Soulless and self-obsessed, Courtney’s eclectic

wardrobe depicts her innate control and manipulation over her friends and followers. The key to

Courtney’s signature styles are neck scarves, bustier tops, hot pants, and pencil skirts. Courtney’s

color wheel draws from shades of red, purple, blue, and green. Her pin-up aesthetic is easily

recreated by wearing colorful basics, cropped cardigan tops, and flashy 90s sunnies.

#4. Thana, Ms. 45 (1981)

Tumblrinas from the days of yore might remember this iconic screencap of Thana, the killer nun

from the cult classic film Ms. 45 (1981). This iconic costume has been worn by the likes of

Barbie Ferreira in Euphoria is referenced throughout numerous pop culture art. The good

news is the wearer only needs half a nun's habit, a slip gown or black dress, and a bold scarlet lip.

Written by Nathan Zierlein