Jonathan Tinkle Closes His Spring 2014 Runway Presentation, Semplice Elegance, with two spectacular gowns, one the butterfly gown that was the inspiration for this collection, and the other Champagne tulle, with leather pailettes, in beautiful River Oaks home garden setting…
It was one of those rare lovely Houston nights when sitting outside was pleasurable, particularly when you were sitting poolside, which had been covered to become wandering runways, graced by 20+ beautiful Page Parkes Models, showcasing the latest collection from Houston’s own designer that always does things right, Jonathan Tinkle. I didn’t mention that Jonathan introduced this 60 piece collection at the spectacular River Oaks home of Deana & Larry Blackburn.
Jonathan’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection has been named by the designer, Semplice Elegance, meaning simple & elegant and that is what impressed me so about the collection. I have seen all of Jonathan’s creations since he launched his first collection only in October of 2012 and it has been joyful to see this up and coming young 21 year old man, enhance his skills with each collection. I was most impressed this season by his simple, wearable but elegant daytime dresses that were in soft shades of creamy white to soft blue to the luscious french blue that created many of the most memorable pieces for me. His designs felt much more modern and body conscious this season, flattering most women’s figures. He has listened to his customers and learned what they like and want from him, and has responded well.
A key to the collection was also his use of the finest fabrics…..the show-stoppers, of course, were the beautifully soft croco jacket,(if you loved this, hurry in as only 3 exist) made from skins produced in the same factory as Gucci and Hermes, silks were back again with the addition of silk fail that takes colors so well and as a newbie to printed fabrics, Jonathan chose the Monarch butterfly print that he had found from a 1960’s Vogue cover as his inspiration for the launch of his first printed fabric.
I know that I have shown quite a few photos here, more than usual, but I found the variety of this collection enlightening. His apparel can be purchased at the Jonathan Blake Atelier, 4544 Post Oak Place, Suite 220; and online at jonathan blake.net. Apparel may be the only category on the menu today but watch for news about a handbag collection in the not too distant future……a natural for a master of exotic skins, don’t you think?
Runway Show featuring Spring 2014 Jonathan Blake Collection in garden of Blackburn home…
Soft pastels and creamy white were key pieces from this collection; new simple styling in shades from cream to soft blue
Luscious butterfly print that started it all; this break-out print for Jonathan was inspiration for the key color pallet, shades of blue, including the sophisticated french blue
Metallics rule as Jonathan showcased this idea in many fabrics and textures, including Croco combos, Lace (not shown) & crowd-lover, Lame, soft pant outfit
Jonathan’s Fashion Admirers on-hand at Runway Event to cheer him on……
John Tinkle, Mandy Tinkle, Jonathan, Rose McCreery; Joyce Echols, Jared Lang, Jonathan, Mandy Tinkle, Deana Blackburn
Theresa Roehmer & guest; Gabriela Dror (her hats were on the runway models), Jonathan
Jonathan Tinkle, Carolyn Farb, Yasmine Haddad & friends; David Peck, Deana Blackburn, Jonathan
photos courtesy of Kim Coffman
Jonathan Blake Look-Book images as seen on his site: jonathanblake.net (order here or at Jonathan Blake Atelier….)
Silk embroidery scoop neck dress w/crocodile cropped jacket; silk jersey batwing dress w/croco belt
Coral silk charmeuse sheath; Cream fitted sheath w/ruffle hemline detail
Silk Faille fitted dress w/ruffle detail; Silk Faille peplum jacket w/attached Python Belt and matching Mermaid Skirt
photos courtesy of Cody Bess