Jonathan Cohen has taken on a new role. The New York designer has joined J. Mendel as its first resident designer, as the 156-year-old brand looks to make a strong return. He started in August.
Although the news comes just one day before New York Fashion Week begins, Cohen will debut his first collection for the brand with a runway show in October in New York. He’ll work at J. Mendel alongside his own label, where he recently reworked his business model into a two-tier system: Jonathan Cohen White Label (a seasonless core collection released eight times a year) and Jonathan Cohen Black Label (made-to-order specialty pieces).
At J. Mendel, Cohen’s job is to breathe new life into a long-standing New York atelier known for its shiny evening gowns and lavish furs. The brand was previously led by fifth-generation designer Gilles Mendel, who now runs the couture and bridal label House of Gilles.
J. Mendel filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and afterward, minority investor Stallion Inc. bought a majority share of the business. Even after the bankruptcy, Mendel kept designing collections for the brand through Fall/Winter 2020, plus an extra FW22 knitwear line. Cohen, who is known for his colorful hand-drawn prints and bold shapes, is likely to bring a fresh perspective to this heritage brand when October rolls around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs regarding Jonathan Cohen joining J Mendel written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
General Questions
Q Who is Jonathan Cohen
A Hes a wellknown fashion designer who started his own eponymous label Hes famous for his sustainable practices bold prints and modern artistic take on womens wear
Q What is J Mendel
A J Mendel is a prestigious luxury fashion house originally famous for its incredible fur work and now also known for its highend readytowear clothing and evening gowns
Q Wait did he buy the company or is he just working there
A He is joining as the new Creative Director This means he is now in charge of the overall design vision and creative output for the brand but he doesnt own the company
Q When did this announcement happen
A The announcement was made in early October 2023
Q Is Jonathan Cohen replacing someone
A Yes He is succeeding the brands founder Gilles Mendel who is stepping down from the creative role Gilles will stay on in an advisory capacity
Q Is the brand name changing
A No the brand will still be called J Mendel Its a new chapter for the existing house
Q What does this mean for Jonathan Cohens own label
A He is closing his own label to focus fully on J Mendel His last collection for his own brand was shown in early 2023
Design Brand Direction
Q Will J Mendel stop making fur
A This is a big question While J Mendel is historically a fur house Jonathan Cohen is known for being a sustainable designer who uses vegan leather and recycled materials It is highly likely the brand will move away from new fur but an official statement on the total removal hasnt been made yet Its a shift to watch
Q What kind of clothes will Jonathan Cohen design for J Mendel