Meet Christopher Jones of Like a Rock Star, our featured designer for June What inspired you to start designing men’s clothing? Like a Rock Star was culled from a frustration with the never-ending cycle of finding garments that fit the style, look and attitude that I had crafted after years and years of scouring vintages, rummages, Ebay and estate sales. Even if I did find something in my vein (vain), half the time I’d have to alter it for it to fit to my liking. After about a decade, I figured I probably know my style and this niche better than anyone save for the original designers so I just threw caution and a porkpie to the wind and decided to design my own label and start my own revolution. There is absolutely no distinction between me the Fashionista and me the person; they are the same.

What's your background and have you always been creative? Are there other artistic endeavors you're involved in? I have a Marketing BS but otherwise am self-taught fashion wise. I wrote or co-wrote all of my site and all of my ads; so I’d say I have some experience in ‘tequila fueled creative writing.’

Your clothing line shows a clear love for the 70’s, rock and roll and London. What drew you to these types of items? The fabrics, the styles, the people, the ideas, the culture, an incredibly strong affinity for the music. The feeling of expressing oneself through personal style is such a novel concept criminally underused these days.

Please explain your design process and how the clothing is created? How do you fit the pieces to be so tailored? The design process is pretty simple....I sketch, write down, doodle, whatever it takes and then usually get it made for myself, then I get it snapped for the site. The pieces are extremely tailored and one of a kind due to an extensive measuring process. If I did my job, it should truly be the best fitting article of clothing you own. Once a client’s measurements are taken (by me or a tailor), they are stored permanently on file with me. Then they choose something from my line and I ask a multitude of questions to almost a collaborative degree. Once we are both satisfied, I send the designs and numbers to my tailor for production. In a few weeks, viola...a box of magic arrives! There are plans to go general sizes for boutiques and department stores, but for now, its all completely custom.

Do you have a studio or do you work from home? In my head and in my condo. Since it is all custom kits, there is no inventory; all I need is my computer and my creativity.

What other types of mediums have you worked in? Drawing/painting/writing through classes and hobbies.

What was the most difficult thing about starting your own line? And how did you get over that hurdle? Not knowing what the hell I’m doing has been the hardest thing. I lept over that by rockin’ on and on on pure instinct and guts. My naivete has/is an incredible strength for me in this industry. I haven’t/don’t get intimidated nor discouraged by what is and isn’t possible; since I really don’t know. So really anything IS possible.
 
Whose work do you admire? Hedi Slimane these days. People/designers so comfortable in their own skin and clothes that it is all simply an extension of them; not playing dress up. The King’s Road and Carnaby lads from back in the day. The old guard is getting a touch stodgy and people just aren’t having as much fun as they used to, so not a whole lot blows my moustache back.

Where do you find your inspiration? The aesthetic and sensual world is my inspiration. It can come from anywhere, anything or any feeling. Decadence plays a large role in creativity.

What advice would you offer new designers entering the market? Design for yourself; from the heart and the loins, the rest is cream cheese.

What is your vision for your business and where would you like to be in five years? Owning the coolest store in the world and not wavering from my vision and integrity.

Any other area of fashion you'd like to delve into? Since vintage scarves are such essential accessories to my everyday uniform, I would love to partner with another designer to create a line of scarves that mirror the overall vision and aesthetic of Like a Rock Star. I like the thought of scouring for silks and fabrics, then doing a bit of sewing and ooh lala, having something for shops and boutiques. And a co-line with someone would be fabs.

Will there ever be an equally mod woman’s line? Yes, its in the deck of cards. I like to cha cha before break dancing, y’know?

What current trend would you like to see go away? Most 80's fashion is utter rubbish.

If you could have one item, new or vintage, what would it be? A Nudie suit. Or Sailor Ripley’s jacket.

What was your favorite fashion item growing up? I had some pretty amazing hunter green velvet slacks in High School.

We're not the only one's who like Christopher, check out what the Seattle Times had to say about him and his line, Like a Rock Star!

Archive of Past Featured Designers:
Miyuki Ott - August 2007
Seed Clothing - September 2007
Moxie & Oliver - October 2007
MishMash - November 2007
Tarah Prater Designs - December 2007
Effie's Heart - January 2008
Organik - February 2008
Red Delicious - March 2008
Marlo M Jewelry - April 2008
Ugly Baby - May 2008