Designer, Printmaker, early Alexander McQueen team.
Step into the world of Simon Ungless and his business partner Jody Niederkohr at this exclusive pop-up event, showcasing the When Simon Met Ralph Holiday 2024 collection. Discover Ungless and Niederkohr’s distinctive creations, including the bold ‘Road Kill’, ‘and ‘Dripping Daddies’ pieces, part of their ‘Worn, Wear, Rehab’ collection, each is a one-of-a-kind expression of artistry. Expect striking leopard prints, metallic inks, fading and rust effects, and intricate threads that define the collection’s unique aesthetic. A refined blend of innovation and artisanship, this event offers an insider look at Ungless and Niederkohr’s latest vision for the season.
ABOUT SIMON:
Simon Ungless graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in 1992 and was awarded the prestigious MA Degree in Fashion with Distinction. Upon graduation Ungless embarked on a collaboration with his best friend, Lee Alexander McQueen. From their South London home, the pair created Taxi Driver, the collection that founded Alexander McQueen and was shown during London Fashion Week as the first recipient of the New Generation sponsorship. Ungless continued to collaborate with McQueen on the collections shown in London and in New York, including Nihilism, Banshee, The Birds, The Highland Rape, The Hunger and Dante. In 1996 Ungless introduced Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, to the late designer.
Also in 1996, Ungless made the move to California to consult in education and built the Fashion School at Academy of Art University. His other educational collaborations include Arizona State University, Polimoda, Auckland University of Technology, College of Creative Studies, Savannah College of Design and West Valley College.
In 2002, Ungless was named Creative Director of Member Holiday, a Korean-based contemporary brand, launching both men’s and women’s collections with 37 freestanding stores.
In 2020 Ungless rejoined Alexander McQueen under the direction of Sarah Burton for McQueen Creatives also producing print direction for women’s pre- spring 2021 and Men’s summer 22 collections.
In Fall of 2022 Ungless became consultant for Rebel Fashion-30 Years of London Fashion. An exhibition highlighting British fashion supported by New Generation. Ungless has created concept, inspiration and exhibition pieces for the Taxi Driver, Alexander McQueen Collection.
For Spring 2024, Ungless has given print direction for the Alexander McQueen Men’s ready to ear collection.
With 35 years being in the fashion industry, Ungless’ work experience spans fashion design, textile design, forecasting, brand development, marketing, show production and publishing for such clients as Tory Burch, Givenchy, Paul Smith, Versace, The Burton Group, Nigel French, Selfridges, Nike, Levis and Calvin Klein.
Currently, Ungless along with his partner Jody Niederkohr operate two artisanal and sustainably centered design companies under the UN-Production banner: When Simon Met Ralph, which focuses on apparel and textiles, and Blackened which centers on accessories and home. Their collections are carried at Atelier Jolie in New York and 7×7 Social Club in San Francisco.
ABOUT JODY:
Jody Niederkohr, the artisan and visionary behind some of the most sought-after pieces in the When Simon Met Ralph collection, has made a name for himself in both the culinary and design worlds. His intricate felting and dye techniques have captivated fashion’s elite, with pieces gracing the wardrobes of industry icons like Angelina Jolie and New York Times fashion authority Cathy Horyn. Niederkohr’s journey from the world of fine dining—where he crafted exquisite culinary experiences—to the realms of art and fashion, highlights his boundless creative energy. Now, in collaboration with his partner, Simon Ungless, he continues to push the boundaries of textile design at Marinship Studios in Sausalito, blending artistry and craftsmanship in ways that transcend convention.