Baton Rouge native and 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Christopher John Rogers wants women to feel empowered – through his dazzling and theatrical designs. Consider him a wizard who makes you feel like you are in Oz.

Where did you get your inspiration for women’s design?

I’ve always had an affinity for femininity, and have felt very close to women. I create clothes for freedom of expression, and although geared towards the womenswear spectrum, they are accessible and fluid. No matter how you identify or whatever your gender, there is something in my collections for everyone.

What were/are your greatest challenges?

Right now, the greatest challenges so far have been capital, cash flow, and making money with the brand thus far. We just closed market and will be in stores early next year, and that should help the brand moving forward. Thankfully, it’s good being associated with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

What advice quote would you give to emerging designers that want to be successful in the fashion industry?

Follow your heart! Follow your gut! Do what your instinct tells you to do. Create the work that makes you feel most alive and most fulfilled. We all can make a product that sells off the shelf, but there’s so much stuff today that we don’t need any more things that don’t mean anything. People will be consuming your work and living in your work and that is the thing that resonates most with editors and customers.

Web: www.christopherjohnrogers.com

IG: @christopherjohnrogers