Ryan Jordan is Gaga-Approved

When you get an email from Nicola Formichetti’s assistant asking to take on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” you don’t refuse. “As an aspiring designer, you never expect to have pieces from your college thesis collection be worn by one of the biggest fashions icon of the generation,” says Jordan. But that’s what happened.

Soon after, Formichetti took Jordan on as his assistant designer; at Mugler, he’s worked on projects like Viva Glam Masterpiece, the Barneys window displays for Lady Gaga’s Workshop, Schott Leather collaborations, and custom Mugler pieces. “Working with Nicola is like working with a friend. With all that he has accomplished, he is definitely very down-to-earth. He’s been a great mentor. He’s today’s creative genius.”

The New York-based Filipino-American designer was born and raised in San Francisco, where fashion played an integral role in his childhood. Jordan’s grandmother was a dressmaker in the Philippines and his mother studied and worked in fashion. “I was able to come out at the age of 14 with the support and love of my family. This allowed me to express my creativity freely and embrace my fashion dreams without restraint.”

Jordan earned his BFA and studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design. He earned his credentials working as a production assistant for shows like 3.1 Phillip Lim and Herve Leger. He went on to intern and work at Yigal Azrouël, Tom Ford, Prabal Gurung, Alexander McQueen, and Alexander Wang.

The 22-year-old designer never allows himself to be limited from inspiration. “I like to take everything in, whether it’s a special piece I saw at a Chelsea gallery or a cool band poster plastered on the streets of the Lower East Side. As a designer, random could definitely be a good thing. I would say staying true to myself and my personal tastes is the ultimate influence for what I create.”

With exotic skins, luxurious materials and sexy silhouettes, the sensual collection is bold and playful. “My woman or man will always be inspired by two things I strive to be: self-assured and fearless.” says Jordan. Between the launch of his new website, balancing Formichetti’s projects, and his own brand, Jordan’s got his hands full.

Photo by Easton Schirra