Fashion designer Jordan Saenz: Boldly going where no bra ever goes
The young Mexican-American designer rocked Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Fall/Winter 2015, with her unique, edgy and androgynous looks, meshing men’s suiting with women’s lingerie — she calls it “Suit up with Bras.”
At only 26 years of age, New York-based designer Jordan Saenz has already launched her own luxury clothing line, called Jordan Alexandra. She has worked under the tutelage of such notable designers as . Jason Wu, Zac Posen and Betsey Johnson — and based on her recent media success, something great rubbed off.
Saenz is using her skill to virtually reinvent the way women wear traditional sportswear-inspired suiting.
Originally from Loredo, Texas, the young Mexican-American designer rocked New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2015, with her unique, edgy and androgynous looks, meshing men’s suiting with women’s lingerie — she calls it “Suit up with Bras.”
Saenz says it was working with Oscar de la Renta and Betsy Johnson that she cut her teeth creating lingerie. “But my heart has always been in designing menswear,” she says.
Her line is unabashedly cross sexual, merging masculine with feminine, and reinforcing the powerful statement that today women are free to wear what they please — even showing their rough side on the outside.
“I must admit, I’ve always been drawn to androgyny. Women who look like the actress Tilda Swinton for example; they kind of embrace both sides of women,” she says.
So, who are buying these uncommon, neutral-toned, and structured ready-to-wear pieces with lingerie-looking detailing? Saenz says her goal with her 8-piece collection is to make a commanding statement. “It shouldn’t take a woman two hours to get ready for work. Women are busy. My line would be wonderful for creative professionals – editors, architects, interior designers – risk takers with a flair for the luxe,” Saenz says.
Jordan Alexander designs are indeed luxurious. Retailing from $300-$1,300, the line is made from 50 percent cashmere, 50 percent silk, and the leather is cowhide.
As designers are apt to do, Saenz is of course working a season ahead on her Spring 2016 line. She’s creating what has now become her signature look — tailored suiting with unexpected feminine touches. “You’ll probably never see drapy or flowy looks from me.”
She says she’ll be staying with neutrals, but will likely add a pop of color, perhaps embroidery or maybe even rubber — a hint of bondage in the mix?
Using both her savings and the help of an investor, Saenz says she believes it will take at least five years for her business to really take off. In the meantime, she’s working on an e-commerce site that she hopes will be ready next year.
Now, planted safely in Brooklyn, N.Y., Saenz says that like a good Latina she remains close to her family. “I don’t know what I would have done without them. They keep me grounded; something I need desperately to get through all the weight of living and working in New York City.”
Although still young, Saenz’s confidence is evidenced in her bold designs. Perhaps Jordan Alexander designs will give women who wear them the same unflinching swagger.
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