About Me
Jonathan was born on the south side of Chicago but raised in the small town of Greenville, MS. His desire to pursue fashion as a career happened after a classmate asked him to sketch her prom dress, where inspiration came from a Dorothy Dandridge black form fitting knee length dress. Much like Karl Lagerfeld’s take on Old Hollywood glamour, who is one of Jonathan’s biggest idols, he is very much inspired by feminine silhouettes. Jonathan took that Dorothy Dandridge inspiration to sketch his classmate’s dream dress, which then sparked his desire to pursue fashion as a career.
Jonathan had a stint at Delta State University, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. Although Computer Science did not keep his attention, Fashion Merchandising piqued more of an interest in Fashion Design. After learning of different market classifications within the fashion industry, Jonathan then understood limited opportunity at the university. It was then his passion for Fashion Design led him to Chicago where he still experienced ebbs and flows, yet obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications, still not losing sight of pursuing a Fashion Design career.
Jonathan purchased his first sewing machine and began teaching himself basic machine operations, basic patterns and sewing techniques. Still taking part in sewing courses, which continued to fuel his passion to learn more and have a more in-depth understanding of how to draft his own patterns and hand sewing techniques.
He has since been building and working to expand the Jonathan Thedford brand and follow in the footsteps of the many great designers that have come before him.
“At Jonathan Thedford Atelier, our vision is to empower women through clothing that inspires confidence, strength, and sophistication.”