June 11, 2020
111ICONS: Jonathan Cohen
111ICONS: JONATHAN COHEN
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Fascinated in the art of storytelling, Jonathan Cohen is a breath of fresh air when it comes to designing and merging high fashion with sub-culture. From working alongside icons such as Oscar De La Renta and being inspired by artists such as Wes Anderson and Phoebe Philo, we discuss the importance of self-expression and finding time to be creative.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Jonathan Cohen isn’t just a designer but an artist and expert creative. Born and raised in California before studying at the Parsons School of Design in New York, where Cohen was able to find his vision and design path. Working alongside fellow icons such as Oscar De La Renta, Jonathan formed his own aesthetic that paid tribute to multi-dimensional influences of sub-culture and his own Mexican heritage. Away from the usual chaos of designs and fashion week, we discuss routines, the industry and his latest work.
Nateisha: In a nutshell, what is your job title?
Jonathan Cohen: I am the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Jonathan Cohen Women’s Luxury RTW.
NS: From where you are now in your career, has there been anyone that has supported you?
JC: My mother, she is my greatest support system.
NS: What was the best project you worked on and why?
JC: For me it would have to be Spring 2019, it was a very important collection for me personally. It dealt with a lot of important issues in my life including my heritage (Mexican American) and the idea of conscious luxury. It was a very liberating experience, even if it was polarizing to some. It’s important to stand up for what you believe in. Regardless of the risk.
ON ROUTINE
NS: What is a typical day in the life like for you?
JC: Obviously life is very different now because of Covid-19 and quarantine but I have been trying my best to keep a daily routine. I try to work out first thing in the morning, whether that is on my bike or an online yoga class. After that it’s a lot of zoom conference calls with my business partner Sarah Leff and others. We just launched a digital floral shop on our website called “Our Flower Shop” which has kept us very busy…the response has been really amazing. At night I unwind by cooking dinner for my family who I am staying with in San Diego for the time being.
NS: What is the first thing you do when you wake up and last thing you do before heading to bed at night?
JC: I always start my day with coffee and brushing my teeth and the last thing before bed would be to always wash my face.
Vanityfair - Jonathan Cohen in his downtown Manhattan headquarters, wearing eye masks by 111Skin. BY ALEX O'NEILL.
NS: Talk us through your morning routine (skincare/hair)?
JC: I use an oil and toner from Brooklyn Herborium called “No Evil” and “Clear Complexion”. All of the products are made in her shop in Brooklyn. My skin reacts really nicely to them. I also love 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream, I would apply that after washing my face both morning and night. The Vitamin C Brightening Booster is also one of my favourites for the morning if I want to awaken my complexion.
NS: And in the evening?
JC: In the evening I wash my face with the “No Evil” oil, which acts as a great face. I find that the less I put on my face the better. At least 2 to 3 times a week I use a clay mask from Brooklyn Herborium or a face and eye mask from 111SKIN.
NS: What are signature products you can’t live without?
JC: I have a few but my favourites would be the 111SKIN Vitamin C Brightening Booster, Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Mask, Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask and the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream.
NS: Do you have any wellness and fitness habits?
JC: Before quarantine I did Barry’s Boot Camp and Overthrow Boxing, both were great workouts and kept me feeling great and in good form.
NS: What is one habit that you would like to enforce into your routine?
JC: I have found it hard to be consistent in these past few weeks with my workout routine, now that we are quarantined. However, I am trying not to be so hard on myself about it and know that it might just take some time.
NS: What are your on the go essentials?
JC: My iPhone and iPad…and I guess Purel now!!!!
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
JC: Before I go to bed, I try to watch something funny or positive. I think it’s important to laugh and smile a bit before you go to bed.
ON THE WORLD & INDUSTRY
NS: Where is your favourite travel destination?
JC: I. would have to say Paris
NS: Where do you see the industry going?
JC: Right now, the industry is essentially on pause, during this pandemic. Nobody knows exactly what the other side will look like. However, I think we are going to go through some positive changes. I still believe sustainability and this idea of a conscious luxury is and will be more important than ever. I think we will go back to a period of craft, creativity, and less “stuff” … thoughtful products that have meaning and be special.
NS: What other designers and creatives, inspire you within the industry?
JC: There are so many. I have always loved Jean Paul Gaultier, Alber Elbaz and Phoebe Philo. I am very inspired by storytelling and cinema, so I always loved Wes Anderson.
ON THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
NS: What things bring you joy every day?
JC: Right now, I feel very blessed that I am able to be with my family, as I know that is not the case for many people.
NS: The best advice you have ever received?
JC: “Only you can answer that question”. Someone very powerful in the industry said this to when I asked for advice on a project I was considering. I thought it to be very honest and helpful. At the end of the day, you have to answer to yourself and trust your gut.
Shop mask
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Fascinated in the art of storytelling, Jonathan Cohen is a breath of fresh air when it comes to designing and merging high fashion with sub-culture. From working alongside icons such as Oscar De La Renta and being inspired by artists such as Wes Anderson and Phoebe Philo, we discuss the importance of self-expression and finding time to be creative.
111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.
Jonathan Cohen isn’t just a designer but an artist and expert creative. Born and raised in California before studying at the Parsons School of Design in New York, where Cohen was able to find his vision and design path. Working alongside fellow icons such as Oscar De La Renta, Jonathan formed his own aesthetic that paid tribute to multi-dimensional influences of sub-culture and his own Mexican heritage. Away from the usual chaos of designs and fashion week, we discuss routines, the industry and his latest work.
Nateisha: In a nutshell, what is your job title?
Jonathan Cohen: I am the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Jonathan Cohen Women’s Luxury RTW.
NS: From where you are now in your career, has there been anyone that has supported you?
JC: My mother, she is my greatest support system.
NS: What was the best project you worked on and why?
JC: For me it would have to be Spring 2019, it was a very important collection for me personally. It dealt with a lot of important issues in my life including my heritage (Mexican-American) and the idea of conscious luxury. It was a very liberating experience, even if it was polarising to some. It’s important to stand up for what you believe in. Regardless of the risk.
ON ROUTINE
NS: What is a typical day in the life like for you?
JC: Obviously life is very different now because of COVID-19 and quarantine but I have been trying my best to keep a daily routine. I try to work out first thing in the morning, whether that is on my bike or an online yoga class. After that it’s a lot of zoom conference calls with my business partner Sarah Leff and others. We just launched a digital floral shop on our website called “Our Flower Shop” which has kept us very busy…the response has been really amazing. At night I unwind by cooking dinner for my family who I am staying with in San Diego for the time being.
NS: What is the first thing you do when you wake up and last thing you do before heading to bed at night?
JC: I always start my day with coffee and brushing my teeth and the last thing before bed would be to always wash my face.
Vanityfair - Jonathan Cohen in his downtown Manhattan headquarters, wearing eye masks by 111SKIN. BY ALEX O'NEILL.
NS: Talk us through your morning routine (skincare/hair)?
JC: I use an oil and toner from Brooklyn Herborium called “No Evil” and “Clear Complexion”. All of the products are made in her shop in Brooklyn. My skin reacts really nicely to them. I also love 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream, I would apply that after washing my face both morning and night. The Vitamin C Brightening Booster is also one of my favourites for the morning if I want to awaken my complexion.
NS: And in the evening?
JC: In the evening I wash my face with the “No Evil” oil, which acts as a great face. I find that the less I put on my face the better. At least 2 to 3 times a week I use a clay mask from Brooklyn Herborium or a face and eye mask from 111SKIN.
NS: What are signature products you can’t live without?
JC: I have a few but my favourites would be the 111SKIN Vitamin C Brightening Booster, Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Mask, Rose Gold Brightening Facial Mask, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask and the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream.
NS: Do you have any wellness and fitness habits?
JC: Before quarantine I did Barry’s Boot Camp and Overthrow Boxing, both were great workouts and kept me feeling great and in good form.
NS: What is one habit that you would like to enforce into your routine?
JC: I have found it hard to be consistent in these past few weeks with my workout routine, now that we are quarantined. However, I am trying not to be so hard on myself about it and know that it might just take some time.
NS: What are your on the go essentials?
JC: My iPhone and iPad…and I guess Purel now!!!!
NS: How do you wind down in the evening?
JC: Before I go to bed, I try to watch something funny or positive. I think it’s important to laugh and smile a bit before you go to bed.
ON THE WORLD & INDUSTRY
NS: Where is your favourite travel destination?
JC: I. would have to say Paris.
NS: Where do you see the industry going?
JC: Right now, the industry is essentially on pause, during this pandemic. Nobody knows exactly what the other side will look like. However, I think we are going to go through some positive changes. I still believe sustainability and this idea of a conscious luxury is and will be more important than ever. I think we will go back to a period of craft, creativity, and less “stuff” … thoughtful products that have meaning and be special.
NS: What other designers and creatives, inspire you within the industry?
JC: There are so many. I have always loved Jean Paul Gaultier, Alber Elbaz and Phoebe Philo. I am very inspired by storytelling and cinema, so I always loved Wes Anderson.
ON THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
NS: What things bring you joy every day?
JC: Right now, I feel very blessed that I am able to be with my family, as I know that is not the case for many people.
NS: The best advice you have ever received?
JC: “Only you can answer that question”. Someone very powerful in the industry said this to when I asked for advice on a project I was considering. I thought it to be very honest and helpful. At the end of the day, you have to answer to yourself and trust your gut.
SHOP MAsKs
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.