THE WOMAN WHO DRESSES THE MAN
FASHION FORWARD MEN CHATS WITH MENSWEAR DESIGNER
JANET ZHENG
Often times when meeting someone for the first time, we sometimes find ourselves surprised by the initial things we have learned about them. When I was first made aware of Janet Zheng, the fact that she was a designer didn't cause any alarm. But shortly afterwards, I discovered that she was a menswear designer, and only and a menswear designer.
By now, it's no shock to know that poor closed minded souls see the fashion field as superficial, fickle, and yes, feminine. But strangely this industry is mostly dominated by men.
Studies have shown that more men are trucking to stores to keep their wardrobes fashionable and current. And although the menswear market has blossomed, it still doesn't hold a torch to the billions of dollars spent in womens apparel. Women's apparel that was probably designed, or created by a man. The slight spin to almost now expected way of thinking is what makes me curious about Zheng.
"I have always had a strong interest in menswear. I found it to be much more intriguing and more complex than womens wear. I love structure combined with fluid form and I free that I can apply that much more intimately in menswear," she explains.
Zheng was born in Kunming, China, but the majority of her life has been here in the states. Looking at her creations, you can almost see her actual life in her work. The infusion of east meets west may be apparent, but what I find makes her special is her ability to remain innovative yet modern.
Knowing that she always wanted to be a designer, Janet continued her education majoring in Textile and Apparel Design from Cornell University. And although she is talented as well as smart, Zheng is also realistic. In a city that practically houses more designers than street corners Janet understands that it takes drive to be successful in this industry.
"This industry is and always will be difficult and very competitive, but I believe that the strong will survive and the product will speak for itself. Challenges will not hold me back, but rather, push me to work harder, better and smarter. New York is the heart of the apparel industry in the US and no matter how tough, I have no intentions of leaving."
Determined to thrive, the designer has surrounded herself with a strong and dedicated team of individuals whose goal is to make the Janet Zheng Collection a household name. Although reliable, all of the initial concepts and samples are usually handled by her.
With her eye on the prize, Zheng's clothing has been seen on MTV worn by members of the group Midnight Red, and has been featured in both fashion pulsed print and online magazines such as Papercut, NU-MODE', and The Fashionisto.
With such fashion savvy outlets, showing off her wears, it also quite safe to assume what her demographic is as well.
"Our consumer is the man who doesn't want to look like everyone else. He doesn't want the clothes that every other well-healed man is wearing. He's very conscious of fit and fabrication and wants a modern/understated spin on classic menswear. We are modern, comfortable, functional, and different while still fixated in true traditional menswear."
Taking pride in using the most amazing fabrics, directly imported from Japan, Zheng describes her clothing as being "refined, luxurious, quality pieces that have form, fit, style and function."
With price points varying from $300-$1500 you can only expect the very best.
Known for drawing inspirations from sometimes personal thoughts and scenarios, Zheng says that her next collection will be consistent with her previous ones. it will also be a collection that shows her love of architecture and modern art.
As a stylist, I look forward to working with some of Janet's amazing pieces myself. One never knows how soon that will be.
STAY TUNED...
-Rudy Reed
Janet Zheng
Creative Director | Founder
Janet Zheng Intl., LLC
LOVE HER!!!!
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