Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin
The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”
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CHLOE KING
Fashion Director
A longtime New Yorker and current Brooklyn resident, King began her career in sports after playing Division I soccer but quickly pivoted to fashion. She landed her first role as an in-house PR assistant. After taking the initiative to launch the brand’s Instagram account, her career in social media took off, with roles at companies like Bergdorf Goodman, The Webster, and Amazon. However, as the digital space evolved, King found that her true passion lies in Fashion Office work.
Contributor: Adam Katz Sinding
Published: May 2025
Breaking into the industry is always an extremely personal—and often interesting—journey. How would you describe your fashion 'break'?
With an unpaid internship and a restaurant job at night! Very grueling and cliché, but I was so sure I’d found what I was meant to be doing. And that was exhilarating.
Having started as an intern, I’m sure there were a lot of mentors along the way. Were there any specific individuals who contributed to your story?
I am so grateful to the women who I’ve had the honor of working with and learning from. Sally Singer, and her unrivaled instinct for where culture is headed, her precise and passionate style of leadership, and, of course, impeccable taste. Linda Fargo’s exuberant love of fashion and deep knowledge of design, art, and history. And Linda’s generosity, when she launched her eponymous shop at BG, she invited me to tea with her friends and women I’ve worshipped forever. Icons like Patricia Field, Iris Apfel, and Betty Halbreich. A true fashion education through osmosis.
Q&A
Having people to learn from and offer guidance is so crucial. On the other end of that, what have your experiences taught you about yourself?
A former colleague once joked that I never seem to be bothered when an idea gets a “no.” And it’s true. I’ve learned that my persistence and optimism are a unique combination. Understanding there is always a creative solution, whether that be to a business proposal or styling quandary, motivates me. I’ve also learned how important maintaining curiosity is to new ideas, attitudes, music, art, and anything that makes you uncomfortable. At its core, fashion is clothes through the prism of culture, so without a hunger for the latter, the former will always seem empty.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic, colorful, playful. I don’t take getting dressed too seriously, so I embrace taking risks in my personal style and pursuing clothes that bring me joy. How do you know what you like if you don’t try it?
What thought would you like to leave with the industry?
In order to stay relevant, we have to make changes. There are too many excuses about working sustainably, creating equity, or investing in the next generation. I hope we can find a better balance between nostalgia and creating new systems for an industry we can be proud of.
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