JANE WADE: REVOLUTIONIZING OFFICE ATTIRE
Jane Wade stands out as one of New York’s most innovative designers. With her first official CFDA show debuting just a few months ago, she’s on the path to gaining broader recognition. We interview her to explore the intersection of office wear and gorpcore, designing with the body in mind, and dressing for oneself irrespective of the setting.
Jane Wade quickly realized that working in corporate fashion houses felt creatively limiting, a revelation that took her by surprise. While these houses’ creative principles can inspire and form a basis for exploration and innovation, they can also constrain designers eager to chart their own course. Wade, an inherently restless artist, found that the freedom she sought in fashion could only be achieved by forging her own path.
Recently, two seemingly opposite trends have captivated our attention: corporate culture and gorpcore. Season after season, utilitarian silhouettes and technical apparel have dominated both runways and street fashion. Brands like Salomon have a strong influence on the fashion scene, with techy outerwear becoming a staple. Simultaneously, the subtle luxury of corporate America has taken TikTok by storm. The television show “Succession” profoundly impacted the nation’s cultural consciousness. How can these trends be reconciled? Both are purpose-driven, yet the urge to explore the outdoors and the ambition for corporate power seem contradictory. For Wade, the solution is simple: find a balance and subvert both. Attend the gala in a gown and leave in a pair of XT-6s you stashed in the cloakroom.
Jane Wade’s creative process begins with a sketch and swiftly moves to meticulous material selection and sophisticated tailoring. Despite the buzz around her work, it remains high-quality, smart design. In our interview, she shares her journey and how she has balanced creativity with pragmatism. Fashion is art with utility and a commercial aspect, and Wade is skillfully navigating this balance with refreshing vigor, eager to share her story.
