Jonathan Kayne on the upcoming Miss USA 2018 and being inspired by the women in his life
Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie is an American fashion designer, specializing in evening wear gowns. He was a contestant on the third season of the Bravo reality series 'Project Runway' after being rejected during second-season auditions.
In 2002, he won the Critics Choice Award at Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC for evening wear and graduated magna cum laude.
He moved back to Nashville after graduation and opened Kayne's Clothing Boutique, where he created custom ballroom dance costumes, evening wear, and wardrobe for the country music industry.
In 2003, the openly gay Kayne and his former partner bought Southern Charm/Alter Ego, an established formal wear and pageant store in Norman, Oklahoma. Kayne and the store were both featured on an episode of the MTV reality series 'Tiara Girls'. After much hard work and endless nights behind the sewing machine, he built an impressive name for himself in the pageant world.
In December 2005, he dressed the entire top five teen contestants in the Miss Oklahoma Teen USA pageant and the winner and first runner-up in the Miss Oklahoma USA pageant.
In a conversation with Meaww, he talks all about his designs and where he draws inspiration from, along with who he's rooting for as the next Miss USA this year.
What led you to the field of fashion designing?
I applied for my second job at a clothing boutique where 2 of my 5 sisters purchased their prom and pageant gowns. The job was for a salesperson and sketch artist. I got the job and quickly became a buyer and enamored with the fashion industry.
What is your favorite aspect of designing?
My favorite aspect is visualizing the design in my mind and then working through the sketch and production process to make it come to life.
Could you walk us through your process?
I always visualize WHO my customer is, WHERE is she going, WHAT does she want to wear, and HOW MUCH does she want to pay for it? Then I start sketching the ideas. Usually, I will fill up a page of small sketches before I finalize the design details.
You have been very vocal about the strong women who have been around you throughout your life. How has your interactions with them affected you professionally?
I learned a lot about women in general from my mothers, grandmothers, and sisters by just listening to them and watching them. I learned how beautiful they are, how strong they are, how they do what they have to do to get the job done. Mothers and grandmothers especially give selflessly. They taught me to be in tune with my mind as well as my heart and treat others with respect and kindness. It sounds simple, but these core values have helped me professionally.
If you had to design for any one person in the world, who would you pick and why?
Oprah Winfrey because she is so beautiful, the epitome of a strong woman, and is an inspiration to much of the world.
You are an outspoken advocate for empowering women. Could you tell us a little bit about your activism and what your goals with regards to this in the future?
I have noticed women typically have to work harder than men for the same credit. This is unacceptable. I try to empower women through my support, my voice, and my clothing. I join in such movements as #FightLikeAGirl and give time and money to the YWCA and local organizations like Thistle Farms which helps empower and employ women rising up from human trafficking and drug addiction. The best way, in my opinion, is to encourage, support, and love women.
What was the journey like, going from one store to more than 2000 now?
The growth of my career has been a huge learning and humbling experience. I really credit this to my luck of the Irish, my mistakes I have learned from along the way, a few angels watching out for me from Heaven, countless hours of hard work, devoted and loyal employees, an amazing group of friends and retailers, an incredibly supportive family, and my better half, Ian.
As for the upcoming Miss USA pageant, what rounds in the competition are you most excited about? Which ones do you have the highest hopes for?
Of course I love evening gown! We are excited to have a few beautiful designs in this years competition! I always want every young lady to do well and be proud of their performance.
Have you worked with any of the contestants in the past?
The first Miss USA contestant I ever worked with was Lynette Cole who went on to win Miss USA in a fully beaded nude gown we styled for her. There have been many special young ladies in the past who have competed in Miss USA that I had the pleasure to work with.
If so, how was your experience?
I tend to connect with women very easily. I can’t really explain it, but there is an unspoken energy that I think just meshes. I sincerely love my job and my experiences have all been inspiring. I love seeing women work so hard for a goal even when facing adversity.
If you had to pick one contestant from the pageant, who would you be rooting for?
Tennessee of course!