Pasadena: Designer Jonathan Simkhai explores vintage finds at the Rose Bowl Flea market, drawing inspiration for his upcoming fall 2025 collection, which blends modern aesthetics with antique elements, underscoring the significance of individuality and sustainable materials in fashion.
In the realm of sustainable fashion, Jonathan Simkhai has made notable strides through innovative designs that reflect both contemporary style and a rich heritage. Recently, the designer visited the Rose Bowl Flea in Pasadena, where he paid an early admission fee of $20 to explore the vast array of vintage offerings. This decision, made in the early hours of the morning, proved fruitful. “It’s still pitch black when you get there,” he recounted, noting the experience of navigating the market with a flashlight in hand.
During his visit, Simkhai encountered a particular booth where a vendor displayed a selection of old military jackets, which captured his attention. “Each piece just had so much character,” he remarked. This sentiment was echoed when he stumbled upon a collection of antique brooches, further inspiring his creative direction for the upcoming fall 2025 collection.
The collection will feature designs that harmoniously blend a modern aesthetic with elements that suggest a past life. Key pieces include chunky cashmere sweaters with distressed hems, oversized leather jackets that appear well-worn, and motorcycle boots designed in two styles: mid-calf and over-the-knee. “We left the stay stitches to show the construction and the tailoring,” Simkhai explained, pointing out the intentional loose threads from a boxy blazer, which contribute to the overall vintage appeal.
The collection also includes a double-layer bustier and matching skirt, along with knit hot shorts and cardigans that are embellished with crystals for an added touch of elegance. “We don’t like to skimp out and only do the front,” Simkhai noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining glamour from every angle: “When you’re walking away, you need to be as glamorous as when you’re walking in.”
In a notable feature, Simkhai’s elegant finale dresses are adorned with a mix of brooches that showcase his commitment to individuality and creativity. Some are sourced from the Rose Bowl flea market, others from the designer’s home base in Thailand, alongside unique pieces crafted by his in-house design team. This thoughtful combination underscores the significance of upcycled and second-hand materials in crafting new, stylish apparel.
While Simkhai acknowledges that his designs may not “save the world” amid challenging times, he believes in the power of clothing to uplift the spirit. “There are days where I don’t want to get out of bed, but I think about a jacket that I have in the closet or a pair of pants, and I’m like, ‘you know what? I’m going to put this on, I’m going to go to work, I’m going to rally the troops, and we’re going to keep going,’” he reflected. In this way, Simkhai’s work illustrates the potential of sustainable fashion to resonate with personal narratives while contributing to a larger conversation about environmental impact and consumer responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
