A Discussion with CFC’s new President - Marquan Jones
Marquan Jones @ Chicago Fashion Coalition’s Met Gala Viewing Party ‘23 Photo by Meagan Shupter
Marquan Jones is one of Chicago’s fashion’s most ardent supporters. This multihyphenate can be found styling, performing poetry, and collaborating with other creatives. As the new president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, Marquan is poised to effect change and help implement his vision for our city’s fashion industry, one of strength, diversity, and inclusion. Read on to learn more about what inspires Marquan’s unique point of view on the fashion industry as well as how you can get involved with the Chicago Fashion Coalition!
When did you know that you wanted to be part of the fashion industry?
I knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry upon graduating from Cornell in December 2019. I dabbled in fashion while in undergrad because many of my friends were from New York City, and had been involved with an on-campus fashion magazine. Because of my proximity to other creatives, I also became more creative. Then I graduated and the pandemic stopped everything. I wanted to start a brand but because of the overhead costs, that wasn’t feasible. I decided to start styling so that I could still research fashion and design without having to cover the cost of starting my own brand and build relationships with clients and other people in the industry.
Photo courtesy of Maddie Neiconi
How did you get involved with the Chicago Fashion Coalition?
My career is in tech innovation consulting, and my former coworker, Taylor Naughton, happens to be the founder of CFC. I was looking to get more involved in the fashion industry from a business strategy perspective, and because I work at a consulting firm where we have many Fortune 500 clients, I thought it would be great to get that experience from every facet of fashion not just a creative but the business side of things, and after networking in the firm, Taylor‘s name came up many times, and everyone would say that I should get to know her. I then connected with Taylor and we hit it off. I followed her on Instagram and just kind of supported her from afar and then I saw her launch CFC and there was a position open for an ambassador role. I applied and got the position in September 2021, and after a few months of being an ambassador, I was promoted to become Director of Strategic Partnerships, and then recently becoming President.
By day, you’re in tech consulting-how do you think that experience informs the way you look at fashion?
I believe my experiences are very eclectic.
My day job in tech innovation, consulting, and strategy influences how I view fashion because I apply my business acumen to the fashion industry. I see things from a human-centered lens and always keep the dynamics of the end consumers, workers, and business owners in mind. I can understand the various problems that plague a business and find solutions. I am conscious of the ways technology can empower a business.
Being in tech and innovation consulting makes me think about how innovation can surface in any product or service - fashion is no different. For example, designers can utilize tech like generative AI and 3D printing to make new garments and disrupt the supply chain. Furthermore, technology can enable innovation in an industry that touches all people. Everyone wears clothes, whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not, that is a beautiful thing.
Photo courtesy of Christopher Marrs
You’re also known for your incredible outfits at events, and we know you’re an avid thrifter; how do you come up with your outfits? Any tips for an aspiring thrifters?
In addition to being a technology innovation consultant, and the president of CFC, I am also a published wardrobe stylist. I do a lot of research on styling - studying the lookbooks of trending brands, runway shows, YouTube videos, and also understanding basic design principles such as the rule of thirds and color theory to understand proportions, textures, fit, and form. I apply this research as I curate my own outfits.
A tip I would give to thrifters is to create a mood board. Look at your favorite content creators and the everyday people you see on the street. Don’t necessarily copy and paste their style because everybody is different, but use their style as inspiration to adapt to your own personal taste. Take risks and don’t be afraid. If your outfit makes you happy and feel confident, then wear it. There are no rules of fashion; there are only suggestions and frameworks.
Are there changes you would like to see with regard to the Chicago fashion industry and its relationship with consumers, the city, and the larger national fashion industry?
I would love to see more support for the fashion industry in Chicago, similar to the music, food, and art scene here. In order to develop and retain the amazing talent of the city, we need the proper infrastructure in place for that to be a reality. More funding mechanisms to support small businesses in fashion, more scholarships for high school and college students so that they can have a viable career in the industry, more collaboration between fashion organizations and leaders already doing good work, and more support from elected officials and governmental entities. With all of that, the rest of the world will fall in line and see what we all unequivocally believe, which is Chicago’s undeniable talent that deserves to be spotlighted.
Marquan’s Fashion Styling Side Hustle
Are there changes you would like to see within the Chicago fashion community?
I would love to see more diversity and inclusion at fashion events. I want to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and we are centering diverse perspectives and experiences. The most interesting events are those that layer different audiences that typically wouldn’t be in a room together. Those are the events that are most memorable for me and the type of events I want to see more of.
What’s your favorite part about being part of the Chicago fashion community?
My favorite part is how proud we are to be either from or based in Chicago. We are not solely trying to be in New York or LA. We have our own swagger and way of doing things and we will tell you about it. We are resilient and creative. Our city is beautiful; it is perfectly imperfect, and all of these factors contribute to the way that Chicagoans show up in our own city, but also in other cities. Contributing to strengthening a respected fashion scene here is a purpose that I don’t take for granted and am excited to contribute to.
Photo courtesy of Christopher Marrs
What should readers know about the Chicago Fashion Coalition?
CFC is a new organization and we’re growing exponentially. We are seeking potential partners, sponsors, and collaborators, if you are interested in partnering and/or learning more about CFC, please email me at mjones@chicagofashioncoalition.org.
Be sure to follow me @dapper_griot and the @Chicagofashioncoalition on Instagram.
CFDA President CaSandra Diggs, Marquan Jones & Elliot Carlyle (Creative Consultant CFDA Connects)
