Henry Nathaniel Jackson has been sketching since he was 5 years old and started sewing when he was 13. Apprenticed with Charles Suppon, Chester Weinburg, and Perry Ellis and attended Harvard University’s Pre-law and business school and then graduated from Parsons School of design.

Perry Ellis is a mentor for Henry and provided him with guidance during times in his career when it was most needed. Working for Oscar de la Renta and Valentino also hired Henry for his skill at designing high end women’s wear. At the age of 21 Henry ventured to NYC to start his own line. Naming it simply Henry N. Jackson for HNJ he designed primarily high end women’s designer lines primarily to Henry Bendel & Neimen Marcus among others. When he launched Henry Jackson Inc. he designed and managed design teams for companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Bally of Switzerland for women’s and men’s wear. After his stint as an executive for Legends and Heroes, and Stall & Dean Inc. in Boston, Henry again, went solo as a design and merchandising consultant in NYC.

Henry’s mission: “Will be to create exciting, innovative styles, to maintain consistently high standard of workmanship, and to apply a modern fashion sensibility to express the diversity of our customers.” Henry is most adamant about including sizes left out by companies such as Gucci and Prada. His couture operation is based in Paris.

I have had the pleasure of not only meeting Mr. Jackson but also to work with him on more than one occasion as make up artist for his fashion/runway shows. A more genuine man you will not find. Henry is a warm and generous person, his smile and laughter speaks volumes as to just how beautiful his soul really is.

Inspired by his mother, he creates works of art to grace the bodies of real women all around the world. Every attention to detail is essential. He takes great pride in providing beautiful women, beautiful couture helping them lift their spirits and self confidence.

Henry took some time to answer some questions for me in order to share them with you.

CR: How much resistance do you feel the fashion world is putting up these days against the “real women’s” movement?

HNJ: Unfortunately the worldwide push for the movement has caused it to become a trend which may end up disappearing as trends do.....the powers that be love this prospect

CR: How big of an impact do you think your work in particular is making?

HNJ: My part of the "movement" has been taken seriously and is ongoing with my retail buyers as a serious way to get more customers into designer wear not as an announcement but a buy option in stores

CR: I know that you design for “real women’s bodies” but, can you please explain to our readers what exactly that means?

HNJ: This means most designer lines stop sizing at size 10, I offer sizes up to size 16 which means this is not plus sized clothing, but sizes that cover the majority figure in the USA which is size 14, I also cut the clothes for the best fit...bigger in the bust, bigger waist area and in the hips even on my smaller sizes

CR: When someone sees your designs and is interested in purchasing a gown, where can they find your line?

HNJ: Unfortunately 80% of my retail store buyers are outside the USA due to cutbacks of buys with high end priced lines in America.......so to ease this problem I have just worked out a deal with new manufacturers for a new line offering for Fall 2010 with more approachable prices. Saks (Saudi Arabia) and Barneys, (limited stores)along with Neiman Marcus (limited) chains were my buyers for spring and going forward into bigger programs with new line

CR: Where do you derive your inspiration? Is it women, colors, ethnicities??

HNJ: Definitely women inspire my collections ultimately and then different cultural influences come in second to drive design seasonally

CR: There are many aspiring designers who are just aching to make it in this difficult industry. Do you have any tangible suggestions for them?

HNJ: Learn your craft in all aspects, production, business, marketing and of course sales processes....don't call yourself a designer until you know how the industry operates

CR: Does HNJ offer an internship program? If so, what does that entail?

HNJ: The interns I use are from a long waiting list generated from top design schools here in NY primarily my college Parsons, or from personal introductions. This is due to my intensive experience based training, and Spartan methods, you cant fake your way through an internship with me, and after it is either a job with me or a leading fashion company

CR: You’ve designed for greats such as Janet Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson and I know there’s one great lady who is also an admirer of your clothes. What can you tell our readers of the new venture you’re embarking on?

HNJ: Well here is a scoop very few know as of yet.....I just signed contracts to be the creative director for Jonano an eco-sustainable fabric (that they make in-house) clothing lines that come in at Liz Claiborne pricing that I am designing and producing out of China, so sweaters, tops, dresses, and separates which will be made of eko-cashmere, organic cotton, bamboo, and even corn will be for sale by February 2010. This will be in addition to my HNJ collection with some products crossing over like sweaters. I have big plans with new PR associates and the White House PR department to promote the usage of collection pieces purchased by Michelle Obama from my Spring 2010 collection (5 outfits) I am working on a special deal with one of the ladies above that I will announce as it solidifies.

As you can see Mr. Jackson has his plate full and is still somehow able to excel at everything he takes on. He never ceases to amaze me and I consider myself lucky to be able to work with him. I consider it an honor to be able to bring his talent and voice to your attention.

To find out more on Henry N. Jackson please visit www.HenryNJackson.com or contact me here at “On the Avenue” Magazine via email: crivera@otamagazine.com .