Since arriving in New York in 2009, Wes Gordon has made a name for himself in the American fashion industry. After six years designing his own namesake label, the CFDA member’s rising star landed a consulting role at Carolina Herrera, working with the designer herself.
When Mrs. Herrera was faced with the question of succession, the appointment of Gordon in 2018 as the new creative director of the brand was the perfect synergy.
Six years later, Gordon has been able to retain the same elegant and feminine aesthetic of the brand, while bringing his own touch and sensibilities, and as a result, he has ushered in a new era for the Herrera woman.
Tonight, he receives the esteemed recognition of Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards in Manhattan. Ahead of the gala, CFDA caught up with him for a quick look back—and forward—as he continues his distinguished career.
What does the Designer of the Year recognition from the American Image Awards mean to you?
I am honored to be recognized as Designer of the Year at this year’s American Image Awards. Growing up in Atlanta and having called New York my home for almost two decades, I have always been proud to call myself an American designer. Whether designing my eponymous collection or as creative director of Carolina Herrera, I have gone to work every day grateful to be pursuing my passion. This recognition from the AAFA means the world to me.
This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. As a finalist of the program, how did that experience shape the trajectory of your career?
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was instrumental in my design career. To have exposure to Anna [Wintour], Steven [Kolb], Vogue, and the industry at large, as well as having the chance to connect with other fellow designers going through the same challenges was an invaluable experience. It’s initiatives like the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund that remind us that the American fashion community is truly a family.
Recently, you celebrated the new fragrance 212 VIP Rosé Elixir in São Paulo, a new Carolina Herrera store opening in Palm Beach, and you published your book “Colormania” with Rizzoli. What are some other new and exciting things we can expect to see?
I am excited as we continue with our preparations for the Met Gala, as well as the launch of our next Resort collection and planning for another destination show.
With over two decades in fashion, what important lessons have you learned along the way?
Trust yourself. This is an idea that we all talk about often but rarely lack the courage to really act upon, especially when fresh out of school. You have to be your own north star; it’s your uniqueness that will make you successful, and trying to emulate other successful people runs the risk of dampening your own fire. Trust yourself, listen to yourself; you’ll never make everyone happy so therefore you cannot look to others else for your own validation.
If you could relive one moment or time in your career, which would it be and why?
My first runway show – Wes Gordon Spring Summer 2014. It was a surreal moment to see my name on the Official NYFW Calendar for the first time.
