Fashion, at
this point in time, is surely not a smooth path to choose for a career but the
savvy designer knows that they must have a “hook” or in other words something
that sets them apart from what’s already out there. With the internet as well
as brick and mortar still very much in play, competing for sales and attention has
increased exponentially just as it has for models and photographers. Fashion in general has become this sort of free
for all for those who believe they bring something to the table.
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Then there
is Nathan Ayon who has it figured out
in a way that is unique to him and his brand. He has most definitely used the
visual component of fashion to his advantage but his extra added coupling is SEX
and BESPOKE! Some would think it’s an unlikely combination but the visuals
substantiate the points and the logic. Case in point is the ubiquitous bomber jacket
that pervades the menswear arena at every price but alas most of them are interchangeable
or knock offs of one another except for price points. What attracted me to this
young man’s work is his take on said jacket. I generally spurn the style
because of its “generality” and ubiquity but Nathan found a way to do it with
his imprimatur that is exquisitely fashionable and unique in every way. Even
the simplest tank top takes on new meaning when rendered in luxe panné velvet
or even a gym short translated in the most sensuous of charmeuse… they suddenly
become the sexiest pieces of one’s wardrobe; then imagine your bespoke swimwear!!
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So now in
his own words you will get to know the man behind the brand…
Jeffrey Felner: Can
you give us a brief synopsis of your professional life up to this point?
Nathan Ayon: Well, my first ambition
in life was to be a ballet dancer and it was this passion that drove me to take
my training at a professional level. I left Yakima Washington and trained in
Seattle, Austin, and Houston as a teenager. I danced professionally for a bit,
and also did a lot of performance art. After moving to New York City, I
attended beauty school and graduated with a license in cosmetology and began working
towards a career as a hair stylist which is a craft that I love with all of my
heart. However … I always had a passion for clothes. It wasn’t until I was
living in New York that I really began to become somewhat obsessed with
fashion. I started designing custom pieces for high end clients that I knew
both through hair, and my circles of ballet and opera enthusiasts. I decided to
launch my own business in 2016 and focused on custom clothing. I’ve had three
shows since then which took place in both in New York City and Fire Island
Pines.
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JF: Do you have any
style icons or mentors who influence your body of work and
why?
NA: I am inspired by the
bold, unique, and original. Gianni Versace, Iris Apfel, Quentin Crisp, Marilyn
Monroe, Princess Margaret, Madonna, Nancy Sinatra, Jean Shrimpton, Stevie Nicks
and Cher to name a few.
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JF: If you could
invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?
NA: Let’s see. ANY 5 people…
Anne Frank, Marilyn Monroe, Oscar Wilde,
Andy Warhol, and Stevie Nicks. The world was changing so much around them, and
they all found a way to make a difference and be remembered. I think that’s
romantic.
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JF: If you could select any collaboration, whether
person or brand, who or what would it be and why?
NA: Iris Apfel, although
she’s already taken by Macy’s; I really respect her approach to style and usage
of colors. She understands authentic craftsmanship, and the mixing of “highs” and
“lows” to make an outfit truly fun and individual.
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JF: What is that
little voice in your head that inspires and what is that voice telling you?
NA: The voice is my head can
be annoying at times … sometimes I hit a creative roadblock and cannot figure
out how to move forward. In those cases I like to visit places that inspire me.
Fire Island Pines has been a huge
inspiration for my clothing. The one important thing that the voice in my head
tells me is to portray my life and experiences through my work. I want my
clients to feel unique and represented by the clothing I design for them while
also presenting a part of me within each piece. Also, that phrase “Be the
change you want to see in the world.”
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