About the Designer
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By age 17, Jon was living in Bethany, Oklahoma. He graduated high school there, followed by a few years studying English, Journalism, and History at Southern Nazarene University. While he appreciated his education, the school’s strict conservative atmosphere was not a good fit for Jon’s embracing world view and open-minded approach to life.
In 1992, Jon was accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. Attending there, in the decaying charm of that beautiful city, he began to thrive. In short order, Jon came out as a proud Gay man, and enjoyed the creative freedom that came with a community of like-minded creators.
Though interested in Historic Preservation, Jon quickly acknowledged his passion for Fashion Design and Art History. At SCAD, Jon met professors that became friends and mentors, giving support, advice, compassion, and direction. After attending SCAD for two and a half years, circumstances brought the designer back to Oklahoma. After a few restless years, Jon left for Kansas City, Missouri - never expecting it would become his home base.
It was in Kansas City that Jon married his best friend - producer and playwright Ron Megee. After working years in Luxury Retail, and designing costumes for the theater, striking developments occurred - including the incorporation of his company, Queen’s Rocket llc (named after a favorite Victorian-era flower), the purchase of the couple’s beloved Gothic home (Chestnut House 1884), and the creation of his eponymous brand.
Community activists, focused on LGBTQ+ rights and HIV-related causes, the couple are featured often in the media, and notably included in Tom Atwood’s ambitious 2017 book, Kings & Queens in Their Castle - a collection of photos celebrating current Gay icons and influencers.
Avid travelers, the duo make frequent trips to Europe and tropical coasts, always happily returning to the comfort of their Midwest home. On these adventures, Jon absorbs the art, culture, and aesthetics of each locale, bringing back inspiration as a souvenir. Appreciating great design, no matter the genre, era, or pedigree, he adds this inspiration to his ‘mix’.
During the recent Pandemic, Jon found himself with time to return to SCAD, virtually, three decades after he left. He is graduating from the school’s Fashion Marketing Program in 2022 and immediately beginning his Masters Studies in Luxury Branding. Focused on Immersive Retail, E-tailing and the Omnichannel, his studies are informing his brand’s adaptation.
Currently involved in an extensive rebranding, the label’s improved website is going live in 2023.
JFA - his roots are Midwestern - but his reach is boundless.
