Three Fashion Design Graduates Selected for Exclusive Portfolio Review with Carolina Herrera’s Wes Gordon
Three recent Stephens College Fashion Design graduates—Claire Johnson ’25, Hannah Kleman ’25 and Julia League ’25—were among a select group of emerging designers chosen to present their collections to Wes Gordon, Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, during his visit to St. Louis on Nov. 18.
The rare opportunity came through the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, which hosted Gordon as the headliner of its nationally recognized Speaking of Fashion series, presented in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and Caleres. The series has previously featured industry icons such as Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and the late André Leon Talley.
A Transformative Moment for Young Designers
The three Stephens alumni were invited to a private luncheon and portfolio review with Gordon. Throughout the afternoon, Gordon met individually with fashion students from across Missouri, offering detailed critiques and encouragement.
For the Stephens graduates, the experience was energizing—and deeply personal.
“It was so inspiring to receive advice from such an icon in the industry and someone who has been through it and came out on the other side,” Kleman said. “Receiving advice from someone who’s been where I am is awesome. Wes is so down to earth, and it’s nice to realize that the people you look up to are just regular people at the end of the day.”
League added, “Not only did Wes give thoughtful and genuine advice and feedback about our work and careers, he was a truly kind individual interested in learning about our journeys and aspirations as well as sharing his own experiences.”
Johnson, Kleman and League joined Gordon and attendees in celebrating local flavors from Katie’s Pizza and Bissinger’s chocolates before heading to Washington University’s Graham Chapel, where Gordon later took the stage.
A Day that Elevated St. Louis Fashion
More than 800 guests attended the Speaking of Fashion program, A Conversation with Wes Gordon, moderated by St. Louis native and fashion journalist Derek Blasberg. Gordon shared stories from his career path, insights into his creative process, and thoughtful guidance for emerging designers—messages that resonated strongly with the Stephens cohort.
Supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, a St. Louis native, made a surprise appearance.
Fashion Fund Executive Director Becky Domyan presented Gordon with the organization’s highest honor, the Saint Louis Fashion Fund Award, joining past recipients Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Talley and Kloss.
Celebrating Stephens Alumni Excellence
For the three Stephens designers, the experience will serve as a foundational milestone early in their careers.
“Monica (McMurry) gave us this amazing chance through the St. Louis Fashion Fund to apply to show our senior collections to Wes Gordon, and honestly the whole thing still feels a little unreal,” said Claire Johnson. “Showing him my work was incredible. He was so kind and genuinely interested in what we were doing, which made me feel a lot less nervous.”
Johnson said one moment in particular will stay with her.
“My favorite moment, hands down, was when we sat down to eat lunch and he asked if he could sit at our table. Just the three of us Stephens girls, and Wes Gordon pulling up a chair like it was the most normal thing in the world,” she said. “We got to casually talk with him about Stephens College, him designing six collections a year at Carolina Herrera and how he manages it all, movies he loves, and even his kids. It was so relaxed and human and thrilling.”
During the luncheon’s Q&A, Johnson said Gordon shared advice that deeply resonated with her as a young professional entering the industry.
“One thing he said that really stuck with me was that ‘the fashion world is a community,’ and that you don’t have to live in a major fashion capital to build the people and support around you,” she said. “As someone just starting out in my career, that felt really comforting.”
She added that Gordon’s practical advice on launching a brand felt equally empowering.
“He talked about how you don’t need to create an entire line to begin—that starting with one product and doing it really well is a perfectly valid (and smart) way to enter the industry,” Johnson said. “Hearing that from someone designing six collections a year at Carolina Herrera made it feel even more meaningful, and honestly a lot less overwhelming.”
Their time with Gordon, one of today’s most influential American designers, reinforced the strong, hands-on preparation they received at Stephens and affirmed their confidence as they step into the fashion industry.
Photos from the Event
