In an absolute whirlwind of a fashion month, SCAD-Grad, Christopher John Rogers, presented his Spring/Summer 2021 lookbook. Inspired by crayon drawings and the simplification of shapes as seen through a child’s eyes, Rogers has fully cemented himself as a strong contender in the fashion market. His introduction of elevated everyday closet staples without sacrificing an ounce of his aesthetic led him to win the 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
White suiting with colorful stitching and belt loops allow the everyday consumer to buy into the fantasy while still wearing something familiar. Rainbow crystal embellishments heighten closet staple button-ups. Color blocking and stripes throughout the knitwear emphasize the idea of simplifying shapes as a child. The breast motif creates a sense of fun while simultaneously feeling sophisticated. There is a balance of glamour and wearability that feels fully resolved and authentic.
In tandem with the new elevated staples introduced by Rogers, there is still an abundance of red-carpet-ready looks that I can’t wait to see this awards season. The strawberry silhouette gown is back in two colorways. A reinvigoration of the mismatched checkered and zebra stripes call back to CJR’s Fall 2019 collection. The attention to topstitching throughout the gowns is subtle yet powerful. The way that Rogers has encapsulated an audience through his fantastical designs is powerful and authentic. These pieces that we have seen our favorite celebrities and icons dressed in for the past few recent years have drawn us into the CJR community. Now we can feel the fantasy in our own world.
Rogers’ vision for his brand is crystal clear – he knows exactly who he is designing for. We all know the person that is the CJR girl. I think we all want to be the CJR girl. It is a clear vision of someone who loves a disco playlist, a sparkling drink, and takes herself seriously, yet all the while, not too seriously. Rogers is designing for the person that is a god damn good time to be around. From Lady Gaga to Rihanna to Michelle Obama (!!), watching the creations of Rogers gracing some of the biggest names in pop culture has been a joy. This season feels like an invitation into that world of glamour and drama for everyone. What made this transition so special is that Rogers managed to create more “wearable” looks without sacrificing any part of the identity of high fashion joy that has become synonymous with his name. This spring collection is a seamless transition for Rogers that allows his clothing to permeate from award shows and magazine covers to everyday fashion obsessives’ closets.
Words by Nicholson Baird
Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Monslave for Christopher John Rogers