In Studio | @Jona Sees

Chance meetings. "This is my second time running into you, so it must mean something."

 Jona and I initially met in February, at 14th St Union Square Subway Station. We were both taking the L train, and I was admiring his coat, It was intriguing to say the least. You know that feeling you get when you're looking at an artist? I could just tell he was into design. So I sparked up a conversation and asked him about it. He informed me that it was from a friends brand in Japan, and that it's original color wasn't white, he had it dyed. I continued to gush over the coat, the design details were impeccable. High collar, asymmetrical hem, and it fit perfectly. After I told Jona a little about what I did, and what I was interested in, he gave me his card; it was heavy, engraved, and made of metal. I hadn't seen anything like it, and now I can't wait to get home to do some research. 

Fast forward a few months, and after a failed attempt at connecting with him via email, I run into Jona again at the same station, and on the same train. We sat directly across from one another, and gave one another  the usual "hey don't I know you from somewhere, haven't we met before" glance. After re-introductions, and me telling him I emailed him before with no response, he tells me to email again. This time I did receive a response, and he invites me to his beautiful studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

 While in his studio, Jona and his assistant were working on new accessories for one of his clients. A beautiful necklace, with a sharp architectural pendant adorned with black diamonds down the center. Jona shares with me that he did not go to school for design; rather, he surrounded himself with those who did. As for his collections, he does not confine himself to a set idea, "The ideas come", he says. His garments are structured, yet fluid. I can't quite describe what I felt viewing, and touching his pieces for the first time in person, but simply put, they are perfect in every way imaginable. 

I am beyond thankful to Jona for allowing me into the place in which he creates. His space is filled with elements of nature and texture. Elements which inspire me as a designer. This is a moment that will stick with me for days, months, years to come.

Do yourselves a favor and meet the man behind InAisce @Jona_Sees