Making the Cut’s Jonny Cota has an eye on the past and ear to the present

Balancing the hard and the soft, Jonny Cota shows Making the Cut fans that the dichotomy in fashion keeps his designs constantly moving forward.

Without being pigeonholed, Jonny Cota has brought his design aesthetic to Making the Cut. While he might be the best leather jacket designer on the Amazon Prime fashion show, he is more than just that iconic fashion staple. By bringing a touch of softness to a look, Jonny impressed the judges and earned a coveted win.

As the designer behind Skingraft, Jonny’s fashion brand balances the feminine and the masculine, the edge and the softness. While the first couple of Making the Cut episodes focused on his leather jackets, Jonny wisely listened to the judges’ feedback. By showcasing some more flowy designs, he proved that his brand offers a wide breath in a closet.

Looking specifically at his winning, accessible look, Jonny found a way to bring the cool factor to a dress that could have ventured toward a costume edge. More importantly, that dress continued the vibe of his design aesthetic. Whether that dress was worn alone or under a fabulous leather jacket, it had an effortless cool that many people would want.

After his winning look episode, Jonny Cota spoke to Culturess about his Making the Cut experience, his design approach and who is loves seeing in his looks.

Jonny’s winning accessible look in the one day challenge might have referenced a slightly goth edge but it was clear example of how his career has evolved. Jonny mentioned that at the beginning of his career was focused on hard edges and lots of leather. Looking back, he sees just fierce looks that might be amazing on a runway, but there isn’t a range.

Now, Jonny and Skingraft has a broader scope. Although he has had much success with custom celebrity looks and performance looks, he is even more proud of the looks that everyone can wear. When he sees that kid walking down the street wearing Skingraft, that moment is even more meaningful.

In a way, that idea is the biggest concept behind Making the Cut. With each episode’s winning accessible look available in the Amazon store, everyone can have their fashion moment. Even if there is not an immediate occasion to wear that amazing dress, there will be a moment to put it on and be fabulous.

Jonny believes that everyone should just do it. Whether it is converting that old leather coat into something new or choosing a bold outfit, he does not want anyone to be afraid. That decision to cut off a sleeve can be empowering and a learning moment. Why not go for it and see what happens?

Putting aside the idea of being afraid can be a moment of change. Change shouldn’t be filled with fear. A willingness to have a wide array of choices is what keeps fashion fresh.

Looking into his own closet, Jonny has a wide array of options. Tucked beside those leather jackets are softer looks. He believes that any designer needs to evolve with the times in order to maintain his longevity.

While Skingraft was called the new American avante garde, that idea is more than a label. It is an encouragement for people to embrace the juxtaposition in fashion. Hard, soft, fierce or subtle, hyper wearable, elevated designs can be in anyone’s closet.

Specifically, Jonny mentioned that he has an eye of the past and an ear to the present. That concept was present in his winning look. While the Beetlejuice reference was clear, there is something every now about the dress. From the silhouette to the seam placement, it was modern and fresh.

Additionally, Jonny thinks that the reference is important. From pop culture to a historical event to a location, the reference keeps fashion exciting for everyone. Whether it is part of the now or looking to the future, fashion should never be stagnant.

Looking back at his Making the Cut experience, the feedback from the judges were lessons for him. Jonny took each comment to heart and it helped him grow. In a way, all those ideas helped to refine him and his approach.

In many ways, the whole Making the Cut experience was positive for Jonny. While he did well in the collaborative challenge, he saw the design show as a way for all the designers to grow and help from each other. Since no one else was in his lane, he was free to celebrate his design aesthetic.

Over the years, Jonny learned to push aside the idea of the comparison. He does not want to be referred to as the next this or that. Instead, he wants to be the best of himself, his own vision. There is strength in finding your own voice.

Jonny Cota is fashion designer behind Skingraft, a company that he co-owns with his brother.

Making the Cut is an Amazon Prime show that airs new episodes on Fridays.

What did you think of Jonny’s looks shown this season? Do you embrace the combination of soft and edge in your fashion choices?