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.
Connect with CHLOE on Instagram
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fw25/26 women's trends session
An interactive live presentation of key seasonal products, color trends, patterns, and graphic shifts in apparel, footwear, and accessories across women's markets.
LOGO HERE
Having previously founded menswear brand L’HOMME ROUGE, John is a Woolmark Prize winner, and was named the future face of global menswear by Interview Magazine. After a health scare 10 years ago, he took up running to relieve anxiety and cope with stress. He has since founded the holistic running brand UNNA, which means "treat yourself" in Swedish. He now serves as the creative director.
Contributor: Adam Katz Sinding
Founder & Creative Director
JOHN-RUBEN HOLTBACK
What changes have you seen influencing fashion culture?
I used to discover brands and designers by going to stores, feeling the fabrics, and trying on products. Twenty years ago, buying denim meant going downtown and touching it, you know? We had to invest time to really experience it. Now, you can just go on social media, do a quick browse of a brand, and get an idea. However, this doesn't tell you much about the actual product, its quality, or the depth of detail.
We've shifted a lot from focusing on product quality, to product presentation and branding. I see an opportunity in finding new ways to showcase products and be an influential source. Today, brands are more defined by their vibe than by the people wearing them. Customers lean into that vibe, so try to own it.
Do you think brick-and-mortar can have a resurgence in this environment?
Yeah, I miss the personal relationships you could build with the well-respected and passionate sales staff; these people educated me. It's just so hard to get that online. I'm not the type to post questions on Reddit; I prefer face-to-face interactions. Therefore, I believe physical retail has a role to play in the future, focusing more on the local community and bringing like-minded people together.
Staple wardrobe item?
I've been wearing my silver necklace from my friend Jonatan's brand, Kultur 5, a lot. I love it, and soon I think I need to get the bracelet too.
Do you think accessories are important, or is it just that piece that you’re drawn to?
Nowadays, I’m quite inspired by styling in general. Since entering the sports space, I’ve enjoyed merging and contrasting sports and technical clothing with wider tailored silhouettes, wool knits, jewelry, and similar items. Running with a necklace that has zero function and might even slow you down is a playful nod to all the performance-focused people out there—I don’t care.
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SPOTLIGHT: NICOLAS BAROSI
Multidisciplinary Creative Nicolas-Barosi explores his desire to grow his brand and the nuanced connection between sociology and fashion as he sits down with Adam Katz Sinding.
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Pursuing an editorial path in fashion must have been quite exciting. What sparked that journey for you?
Essentially, it started because I wanted a cashmere sweater, and my mom said, “I am happy to buy you a sweater, but it’s not going to be cashmere. If that’s what you want, I suggest you get a job and buy it yourself.” So, I went to the nicest clothing store in town, Joseph P. Roth and Sons, and asked them if they needed any help after school or on weekends, and they said, “YES.” I have been working ever since. I was 16 when I started working.
So, the question is…how many cashmere sweaters do you own now?
I recently counted 47…I feel like there could be more…somewhere.
Looking back at your 35 year career can you pinoint any individuals or experinces that you feel helped to shape your journey?
I honestly think that Peter Rizzo, who was my boss at Barneys New York (1987–89), taught me everything I know today. He taught me how to look at brands, the way a collection is designed, how to choose fabric, and how to refine my taste and point of view. He really was a master.
Were you a buyer at this time? How did you take his advice and make it your own?
Yes. I was first an assistant buyer, then got promoted to buyer. In stores, buyers are called merchants. I really believe it was the best training I could ever have. It’s analytical, it’s creative, and it’s how I developed taste and a point of view. I just listened and soaked up everything, or as much as I could. It’s as if I knew this would last only a couple of years, so I truly made the most of it.
FW25/26 Women's Contemporary Buyer's Guide
Our exclusive FW25/26 Women's Contemporary Buyer's Guide further illustrates the Design Aesthetics presented in the Women's Trends Digital Discovery Session.
FW25/26: ILLUSIONS AND INTRIGUE Trend direction, styling inspiration, and a closer look at the irresistible brands of COTERIE New York. Get ready for your imagination to take flight.
