Wes Gordon has a lot to be excited about. Since showcasing his spring collection at Fashion Houston four months ago, the fashion world has taken note of the 27-year-old Atlanta native. He has been nominated in the Council of Fashion Designers of America emerging designer category, along with Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind and Rosie Assoulin. The prestigious award will be given out in New York on June 2.
He learned of the nomination in Los Angeles, where he celebrated with Hollywood tastemakers, including Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Molly Sims and Ali Larter. "I had just landed in LA for a dinner we were hosting to launch the collection at Neiman Marcus so the timing was perfect — it became a joint celebration," he said via email.
"Texas women are incredibly fashion forward. They have the confidence to really take risks and have fun with clothes, which makes them a designer’s dream client."
Gordon's fall collection, a mix of streamlined daywear in rich fabrics and military-tinged outerwear that Women's Wear Daily calls "hyper-chic yet cool," will be on view in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday (March 18 and 19) at Neiman Marcus Galleria and in Dallas on Thursday and Friday (March 20 and 21) at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. He will also make a personal appearance in Dallas.
Before his Texas visit, he visited with CultureMap about what the nomination means, the Texas look and whether he could live without email for a day.
CultureMap: How does it feel to be nominated in the CFDA's Emerging Designer category?
Wes Gordon: It’s surreal. I was completely surprised! I’m a huge fan of Shane & Christopher’s and Rosie’s and I couldn’t be more honored to be nominated with them.
CM: What does the nomination mean for you personally and for your business?
WG: When you’re a young designer, validation such as this is so important and can really make a difference with both press and retailers.
CM: What do you plan to wear to the big event?
WG: I have zero idea. Ask me in a month!
CM: What five words would you use to describe your fall collection?
WG: Modern, textural, clean, layered and feminine.
CM: What inspired you in creating the collection?
WG: For fall 2014, I challenged myself to combine clean, crisp lines with textural depth. This collection is modern but not sterile, blending feminine and masculine silhouettes.
CM: Do you have a favorite look or looks from the collection?
WG: Looks 12, 21, and 3 (which Elle Fanning just wore). (Editor's note: See the looks in the photo set above.)
CM: Who do you hope that your collection appeals to?
WG: We work really hard to ensure that our collection appeals to a large audience of women. My hope is that each piece finds a home with a woman who appreciates the quality, time, and love that’s gone into creating it.
CM: Is there a Texas look?
WG: Texas women are incredibly fashion forward. They have the confidence to really take risks and have fun with clothes, which makes them a designer’s dream client.
CM: Do you have a can't miss TV program you watch?
WG: I wish I had more time for TV. I'm big Homeland fan.
CM: iPhone or Android?
WG: iPhone.
CM: Instagram or Twitter?
WG: Instagram.
CM: Could you survive a day without email?
WG: Yes, delightfully!
Wes Gordon chooses this colorblock dress and cardigan among his favorite looks for fall.
Guests can sip sweet tea and shop Draper James’ latest collections during The Decade Tour.Photo courtesy of Draper James