August, 2023: Taking the next steps

Since making the #BodyPositive Measurement Forms available for download and offering them as customizable templates for companies to adapt for their own needs, the feedback I’ve received has been amazing yet bittersweet; With the huge amount of appreciation and praise, has come the overwhelming reinforcement of how truly systemic a crisis this is, and how very badly changes in attitude and approach are needed in organizations and companies both amateur and professional— all over the world.

So far, over 35 performance companies globally have enthusiastically adopted these forms as their companies’ official measurement documents, and without doubt, the response from performers has proven that their decision to join this #BodyPositive approach was not only the right one, but one for those in their networks and communities, was exceptionally meaningful, important and long overdue.

There is more to come soon in this update. I’m very excited to share a few things that are coming, and the developments in store!

Stay tuned, and thanks for being you.

#changingface: designing A STRONGER future and supporting those will wear the work that bear our names…

originally published august, 2020; updated november, 2022 -

There is nothing easy about contemplating the next steps of our industry; In just a few short (but seemingly endless) hours, the entirety of our work, the use or need for it — its very existence, use and function ceased. And it has yet to show any sign of recovery, sustaining hope or proof of existence. I feel like I can say this has been an emotional, mental, financial and creative Black Out. Where once we have always been able to lead with imagination, and then move bravely onward towards the goal, navigating various levels of furthering and lessening hope - relying on determination, group suffering, renewed perseverance, and then one more helping of hope - (often emboldened by a late nightcap and perhaps mis-proportioned prayer - #measuretwicepouronce!) right now the only hope and result that can be wished are the ones we promise to fulfill once this is over. There is time now to think, to question, to remark and to discuss. But most importantly: to change what we have suffered through, what our work has caused others to suffer from as a result, and when the time is right— hold ourselves and each other accountable for the past, and responsible for taking charge of that new beginning and rebuilding what we can in ways that are better, stronger, more human, less hurtful, less complicit and more honorable.

CUSTOM CREATIVEs: COMMISSIONED DESIGNS AND STYLING SERVICES

May, 2019 -

As a designer in theatre one of the greatest privileges of my job is the time spent with each actor, developing a trusting relationship, and the resulting process of working collaboratively and communicating openly with them in order to design and build a wardrobe that fits not only their character, but offers them the respect, support, confidence and inspired imagination to command and enjoy their time onstage. It is not an actor's job to be prescribed static mannequins that simply model our creations or fit to a mold that does not embrace them fully as individuals and people. It is our responsibility to dress them with exacting care and superb pomp and circumstance, with no compromise or lapse of quality or finesse based on one’s gender, size, shape, ability, presentation, or stature.

Recently, after hearing from several actors and learning some of the truly horrific and demoralizing experiences they have suffered while working with other designers, it became abundantly clear that my innate inclusive philosophy and strong belief in the human aspect of the design and creation process is not universally applied or implemented.

The thought that individuals courageous enough to risk everything onstage while performing for hundreds of strangers, were made to feel so ashamed backstage by those entrusted to support and encourage, and subjected to both abject and passive-agrressive body shaming, inappropriate commentary or suggestions regarding how they might alter their weight, size or shape to better fit the “design vision”, or had simply been offered sub-quality or ill-fitting garments that did not offer comfort, confidence or any degree of creative support truly angers and embarrasses me. In my design studios and any workrooms I inhabit or command, the mantra is simply defined, strongly enforced and very well-known: “Body Positive Attitudes and Self Love Comments Only.” I believe that mantra needs and should be shared beyond the green rooms and community of actors, artists and idealists with whom I am grateful to work.

Therefore, I am so excited to announce that as of May 2019, I began accepting requests for custom design and commission projects for those celebrating a special event or occasion, for those celebrating others, but mostly I am thrilled to share the thrill of individualizing the design process and work with those who are celebrating themselves and the wonders and magic of which they are capable.

RECENT WORK • RECENT WORK • RECENT WORK • RECENT WORK

MOni Grace, singer/recording artist: “Marilyn Monroe”

This past spring, Jake was honored with the task of reimagining a classically famous and historically known dress worn by another Ms. “M” in a new, more relevant and culturally vibrant vision for singer and recording artist Moni Grace to wear in her recent music video track “Marilyn Monroe”.

Known for sharing her truth and experiences with honesty, integrity and spirited vocal lines and instrumentals, Moni Grace came to Jake Egan with the same focus on her wardrobe for the music video. She was interested in telling a new side of the Marilyn story— one that could be reminiscent of the incredible “original”, key to a woman so many recognized but few knew fully; her struggles, her perseverence, her brains, her full beauty— while telling two stories— Marilyn’s and Moni’s.

In a short several weeks, Jake created a garment both classic and contemporary — one who’s visually conceived but invisible monogrammed “M” was visible to both fans of Monroe and Moni. Check out sneak preview of the results below! I couldn’t be more honored and grateful to have been part of this creating this new perspective of an iconic, powerful and enchantingly human story!

-Jake

Check out the official music video for “marilyn monroe” by moni grace here!

In short…

I look forward to what dreams may come, building upon this collaborative partnership with Breck, and through compassionate and inclusive, creative, and complete imaginings, helping clients imagine their best and give them that reality as they manifest themselves proudly, confidently, and with high fashion distinction and achieving their ultimate impact. Let’s create together; the destination will only be the sparkling eclipse of an incredible journey.

- Jake Egan O’Hara