Wes Gordon is having quite the year. After scooping up Fashion Group International’s prestigious Rising Star Award in January (in a tie with Misha Nonoo), the 25-year-old Central Saint Martins alum’s glamorously undone creations (think shredded cashmere coats and metal-embroidered pants) have been spotted on everyone from January Jones and Lena Dunham to Michelle Obama. Now the fashion darling is taking his ladylike wares in a darker direction for his spring 2013 collection, which he’ll show in New York on September 10. “The woman is a bit more sinister than before,” Gordon told us. “But still feminine and beautiful.” ARTINFO caught up with the designer via email to chat about his tarot-inspired creations, “Real Housewives” addiction, and dressing the FLOTUS.
What are the inspirations behind your spring 2013 collection? What’s on your mood board?
There was a mystical vision for spring inspired by the traditional tarot. A beautiful hand-drawn swan print, delicate knits, and embroideries embellished with Swarovski Elements underscore the collection’s darkly ethereal tone.
What can people expect to see in this collection? How is it different from your last collection?
This season was an evolution of my fall collection. The woman is a bit more sinister than before, but still feminine and beautiful.
What are your fashion week vices?
Mindless television – currently “Real Housewives of New York.”
What is your first fashion week memory?
Working backstage dressing models when I interned for Oscar de la Renta. I was completely star-struck the entire time.
Who are you designing for?
To be honest, I think I’m designing for my friends — the amazing women I’ve had the opportunity to know and meet. My client isn’t an abstract idea but a real person, and I try to make pieces that she can integrate into her life.
If you weren’t a fashion designer, what profession would you choose?
Architect.
Is there any specific music that you’ve been listening to while working on this collection?
Best Coast, Grimes, Fleetwood Mac
What, in your mind, is the purpose of fashion?
To make our lives and the world a more interesting and beautiful place.
Describe your wardrobe when you’re prepping for fashion week. How do you decide what to wear the day of the show?
A charcoal suit with a button-down shirt, no tie.
We’ve seen your dresses on a lot of red carpets lately – who was the last celebrity who really wowed you in one of your designs?
It’s always exciting to see anyone in my designs, but I have to say I can’t really top Mrs. Obama. That was an exciting moment.
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