Making the Cut winner Jonny Cota steps into his own spotlight

As the first Making the Cut winner, Jonny Cota understood that this opportunity was the chance to step into his spotlight and own his designs while embracing his vulnerability.

Beyond winning a $1 million prize, Making the Cut winner Jonny Cota found this fashion competition a unique opportunity. Instead of gaining notoriety for his established brand, Skingraft, this Amazon Prime competition launched Jonny Cota Studio. As Cota looked back on the experience and the opportunity, he found that peeling back those layers offered a freedom that he didn’t know existed.

Recently, Cota spoke with Culturess about becoming the first Making the Cut winner, launching his namesake lifestyle brand, and navigating the business of fashion.

As the first Making the Cut winner, Cota found the Amazon Prime fashion competition was more than just a substantial monetary award. It was an opportunity to launch a global lifestyle brand. Looking back at what the competition afforded him and where he stands today, Cota appreciated the need to evolve.

Looking at his Making the Cut finale collection, the title, Metamorphosis, was more than just a theme for a fashion show. It was his opportunity to peel back the layers. From taking away the hard edges to embracing the balance, the collection was his opportunity to bring his vision to the forefront. He was no longer standing behind Skingraft; he was standing in front of Johnny Cota designs.

While he was willing to tap into his vulnerability throughout Making the Cut, Cota understood that this competition meant that he had to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit. He found that it was more than just stunning clothes on a runway. He needed to showcase his vision in both fashion and business.

From his use of business practices in Bali to his boundary-pushing designs on the runway, Cota excited people. It wasn’t about putting a label on a particular look or making comparison. It was about adopting what is possible through fashion.

One of the reasons Cota was a compelling candidate for Making the Cut is that he understands the balance between the consumer and business. It isn’t that he is reacting to the clothes on the rack today. He embraces what consumers want yet pivots toward the next trend. It is a careful balance of now and the future of fashion.

Since the consumer is becoming more educated, responsible fashion has become an important issue. As seen in the finale, Cota had a business model in place that embraced sustainability, smart business practices, and environmentally conscious choices. While he doesn’t categorize his decisions under a certain label or phrase, he understands that his brand has a responsibility within the fashion world.

During our recent interview, Cota mentioned that consumers want more than to just wear a T-shirt. People want to know how it is made and how it is doing good in the world. That connection draws people in and keeps them coming back to a brand.

In many ways, those ideas are why Jonny Cota Studio, as a lifestyle brand, is exciting. Cota has created a world that gives the consumer a connection. It’s more than the iconic leather jacket that people knew from Skingraft. It is the candle that offers a welcoming aroma to a home. It is a great bag that adds flare to an outfit. It is that sweater, which makes you feel part of a community. From beginning to end, it is a full circle moment that continues again and again.

While this new opportunity has opened many doors for Jonny, he grows from each and every experience. Were it not for the judges’ feedback along the way, his desire to evolve, and his fashion experience, this new lifestyle brand would not be possible.

Even though Cota appreciates the guidance, he continues to push the conversation forward. For example, his favorite Making the Cut look was the prairie-style dress he showed in episode eight. While it was not a judges’ favorite, it sparked a conversation. It wasn’t about calling it gender neutral or causing a reaction, but it implored people to embrace what is being shown for what it is. The descriptive label is not the point; the willingness to accept and explore the possible is the real message at hand.

Looking ahead for Cota, this namesake brand has a world of possibilities. Beyond the Amazon store and the mentorship, he is always looking at the world through curious eyes. From what might be a new trend to making a connection with others, his brand will continue to evolve as each layer continues to be revealed.

Jonny Cota Studio exclusive winner’s collection is available on the Amazon Fashion’s store. The collection has pieces in sizes XS-XXL. Prices range from $40-$365.

The line includes men’s and women’s pieces. Options include dresses, tops, bottoms, and outerwear.

What was your favorite Jonny Cota design from Making the Cut? What pieces are you excited to add to your closet?