New York-based designer Jane Wade blends individuality and functionality in her contemporary workwear, challenging traditional dress codes and gaining recognition in the fashion industry.
New York-based designer Jane Wade has emerged as a leading figure in the realm of contemporary corporate fashion. Wade, who grew up in Portland, draws influences from her childhood experiences and the contrasting styles of her parents—her mother, a hairdresser with a penchant for high fashion brands like Etro and Comme des Garçons, and her father, a contractor favoring utilitarian brands like Dickies and Carhartt. “Growing up in Portland, I was surrounded by diverse expressions of workwear,” she recalled in an interview with ELLE Singapore.
Graduating from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Wade’s career path took her through notable fashion houses, including positions with Alexander Wang and bridal label Danielle Frankel. During her tenure in the industry, she became increasingly contemplative about workplace dress codes. “I observed how dress codes can be both expressive and repressive. This led me to question: Can I be sexy and show a little skin at work? Or will no one take me seriously because I’m expressing myself, even though I’m equally excellent at my job?” she mused.
In 2022, Jane launched her eponymous label, quickly gaining recognition for her distinctive style that combines elements of both club culture and professional attire. “My designs aim to bridge the gap between functionality and individuality, allowing wearers to express themselves authentically in professional settings,” she explained. Her creations reflect a novel fusion of technical features and practical silhouettes, characterized by innovative construction and multi-functionality. In a brief span since its inception, her brand has made significant waves, including two presentations at New York Fashion Week, a shortlist nomination as one of the ten finalists for the 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and bespoke creations for popular artists like Tate McRae and Camila Cabello.
Wade showcased her fall/winter 2025 collection, titled ‘The Merger,’ in February, featuring actress Lisa Rinna in the show’s final walk. The collection served as a critique of modern surveillance culture, exploring the interplay between personal freedom and corporate settings. Apart from her signature deconstructed tops and sharply tailored blazers, this collection also ventured into the realm of integrating metal hardware into soft, handcrafted fabrics, representing the juxtaposition between structured workplace dynamics and personal identity.
In addition to promoting her brand, ELLE Singapore highlighted other contemporary labels that reflect similar values in reimagining workwear. South Korean label Low Classic focuses on transforming everyday staples into functional fashion, while New Zealand-based Harris Tapper blends femininity with minimalism to create sophisticated office wear. Also noted is Grover Rad from Los Angeles, which finds inspiration in art and history, producing unique pieces with a commitment to slow fashion principles.
Through her innovative approach, Jane Wade continues to reshape the landscape of professional attire, advocating for a style that balances self-expression with the demands of the modern workplace.
Source: Noah Wire Services
