A black and white bodysuit worn by a model on the runway at left; a black and white portrait of Jonathan Guzman at right

Alumni

Grad Designs Fashion and Bridal From LA Atelier

Fashion designer Jonathan Guzman was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to the U.S. when he was 15. While he was a student at Fort Bragg High School in Fort Bragg, California, a representative from FIDM visited his campus. “I originally had my mind set on becoming an architect, but fashion design interested me as well,” said Jonathan, who designs ready to wear, couture, and bridal from his L.A. atelier. “I loved drawing since I was little and my mother’s business growing up was selling clothes, plus one of my sisters is a designer, so one way or another fashion was already in my blood.” After having been heavily inspired by Alexander McQueen and Lady Gaga, Jonathan decided to major in Fashion Design at FIDM and graduated in 2012. We recently caught up with the designer to learn more about his journey.

What have you been up to since graduating prior to launching your label? I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco in 2013 and got a job within a month of being here, working for a designer as a sample maker. I worked for a few other designers, making patterns, sewing samples, and hand sewing appliqués. I worked my way up from being a seamster and only sewing to managing a team of 15 seamstresses to ultimately being the designer of one of the brands. At the multiple companies I have worked at, I always wore multiple hats.

Why did you start your brand in 2010? I felt it was appropriate for me to start my brand early, even while attending FIDM, because I wanted the brand to grow with me. I knew it wouldn't necessarily be easy, and that there would be highs and lows, but I always wanted to be my own boss. And regardless of what stage in my career I have been at so far, I always put all my effort and creativity into any piece I make for my clients.

A bold and colorful structured look from Jonathan Guzman at LA Fashion Week

How would you describe your designs and the customers who wear them? I always like to say that when I design I think, "If it's already out there, I want nothing to do with it," and also I would never want to design boring clothes. I want my clothing to be beautiful to look at, but also to evoke emotions in people. I love drama, exaggeration, high levels of detail, and most importantly an impeccable fit. My clients have said to me that when they put on my designs they feel empowered, unbothered, and pretty much ready to conquer, which makes me feel like I achieved what I set out to do. I love to design for people who want to be seen, who aren't afraid to be the center of attention, and who crave to look different from the rest.

How did FIDM help prepare you for entrepreneurship? FIDM gave me the base knowledge and tools to begin my journey of entrepreneurship fashion. I will always be grateful because they truly provided a great foundation for what was to come. Along the way I have learned so much on my own and continue to learn daily but those classes I took come into play often.

An avant garde design by Jonathan Guzman on the runway at LA Fashion Week

Any advice you'd share with a current student or recent grad? Follow your gut, ask a lot of questions, especially in class and lab, don't ever let others around make you feel uncomfortable for craving to know more or wanting to do better, and always reach high — dreams are nothing but achievable goals!

Learn more online at jonathanguzman.com and on Instagram @jonathanguzmanatelier.

Runway photos by Arun Nevader for Getty Images Fashion.

Categories: Fashion Design Alumni