Draft:Gordon Henderson (fashion designer)

Gordon Henderson (born 1957) is an American fashion designer for Calvin Klein. Henderson has exclusive collections with Saks Fifth Avenue. Henderson was also a Creative Director on the Katie Brown Show.

Early Life

Gordon Henderson born March 19, 1957, in San Joaquin Valley, California. He is the son of Gordon Henderson Sr and Yvonne Simmons Henderson's father left him and his mother at a young age. Despite this, Henderson motivation never gave up. Henderson's mother said that he showed an interest in fashion at a young age. He learned to sew by watching his mother create dresses for herself from Vogue patterns. By the time he reached high school, Henderson was stitching his own jackets, pants, and shirts.

After high school, Henderson considered becoming a doctor at UC Davis but ultimately went into fashion and transferred to New York City’s Parsons School of Design. Henderson graduated in 1984 and became an assistant to Calvin Klein, where he learned the importance of precision and consistency in design.

Career

Drawing inspiration from Klein's approach, Henderson developed his own unique style, focusing on creating versatile and accessible clothing for women. In 1990, Henderson gained widespread recognition when he received the Perry Ellis Award for best new fashion design talent. His success continued with the launch of his own fashion line, "But Gordon," which offered affordable yet stylish clothing options. Henderson's commitment to providing fashionable, yet practical garments resonated with consumers, leading to significant sales and industry acclaim.

In 1992, Henderson secured an exclusive partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue. This collaboration allowed Henderson to expand his reach and further establish himself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry making his products available in stores. His focus on affordability and versatility has made him a favorite among consumers seeking fashionable yet practical clothing options. One of his less know lines is his bespoke line which launched when he designed John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s wedding suit for his marriage to Carolyn Bessette.

Between 1997 and 1998, Henderson was Creative Director for the Katie Brown Show. The program ran thirteen episodes. He designed the wardrobe for Katie Brown. He also appeared as a guest on the show.

Between 2008 and 2011, Henderson branched out into interior design in Bainbridge Island, Washington and New York.