Fashion Week Chicago 2024 Designer Spotlight: Justin Dougan-LeBlanc
Justin Dougan-LeBlanc, the creative force behind Justin LeBlanc Design, is known for pushing the boundaries of fashion through technology and storytelling. With his background in architecture and his pioneering use of 3D printing on the runway, Dougan-LeBlanc has carved a unique niche in the fashion world. As a deaf designer, inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of his work, bringing a fresh perspective to both the fashion and tech industries.
A Long-Awaited Hometown Debut
Although Dougan-LeBlanc has shown his collections on prestigious runways around the world, his debut at Chicago Fashion Week 2024 is particularly meaningful. “It’s been a long time coming,” he shared, excited to showcase his work in his hometown. With his family, friends, and students in the audience, this runway collection marks a significant milestone in his career. The collection, deeply personal, reflects his journey as a new parent and introduces elements of storytelling inspired by his experiences as a father to twins.
Chicago Fashion Week, as Dougan-LeBlanc sees it, offers something unique compared to other fashion weeks around the country. “We are a city of storytellers,” he said, explaining how the diverse backgrounds of the designers are expressed in their collections. Through his work, he hopes to highlight Chicago’s rich fashion culture and bring the city’s various fashion communities together under one banner.
Controlled Chaos: The Design Process
Dougan-LeBlanc describes his design process as “controlled chaos,” with a constant flow of ideas that are documented in his sketchbook. When developing a collection, he searches for common themes that connect the various ideas, building a cohesive narrative. His signature use of 3D technology, including 3D printing and laser cutting, is just one facet of his innovative approach. “I’ve always been excited about the merging of technology and fashion,” he says, a trend that he believes is only going to grow in the future.
His collection for Chicago Fashion Week 2024 will incorporate his signature 3D work and textile manipulations, while also emphasizing gender and size inclusivity—one of the key elements he prioritizes in all of his designs. As a small business owner, Dougan-LeBlanc is hands-on throughout the entire process, from prototyping to production, ensuring that his garments are accessible to all body types.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Dougan-LeBlanc faces in the fashion industry is making his voice heard. “When people can whisper and climb in the industry, I need to scream to be heard,” he explained. As a deaf designer, he brings a unique perspective to the table, often questioning whether products are truly designed for everyone or just for a select demographic. He uses this challenge as a source of strength, pushing the industry to think more inclusively.
Despite these challenges, Dougan-LeBlanc has achieved several notable successes in his career. His groundbreaking work with 3D printing and fashion has earned him spots in major museum exhibitions, including Schwules Museum Berlin, Design Museum Chicago, and Dyer Art Center NY. This pivot to museum exhibits has been an unexpected but thrilling development in his career, allowing him to revisit his past works and showcase them to new audiences.
Looking Forward: Inclusivity and Technology
Dougan-LeBlanc is committed to continuing his exploration of inclusivity and accessibility in fashion. “It’s time for the fashion industry to open and allow access to every single person,” he said, emphasizing the need for more inclusive designs that cater to diverse body types and abilities. His upcoming projects include a solo museum exhibition in New York, showcasing the collection seen at Chicago Fashion Week along with works from his ongoing series, Background Noise.
For aspiring designers, Dougan-LeBlanc offers practical advice: do the research and find your niche. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the local community first, urging young designers to see who they can design for in Chicago before seeking celebrity clientele.
Chicago: A City of Inspiration
For Dougan-LeBlanc, Chicago’s diversity is a constant source of inspiration. Whether taking the train or driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods, he is continually amazed by the city’s rich tapestry of cultures and communities. His love for Chicago is deeply personal, and his work reflects the city’s unique ability to foster creativity and freedom. In a city where he feels unrestricted, Dougan-LeBlanc has been able to develop his aesthetic in ways that would not have been possible elsewhere.
As Chicago Fashion Week approaches, Dougan-LeBlanc is excited to see the city’s various fashion communities come together. “Shop local,” he urges, encouraging Chicagoans to support their local fashion industry and help it thrive.
With his innovative use of technology, commitment to inclusivity, and passion for storytelling, Justin Dougan-LeBlanc is set to make a lasting impact on both Chicago’s fashion scene and the industry at large.
LeBlanc will present his collection during “A Celebration of Chicago Style,” the opening runway show of Chicago Fashion Week, on October 9, 2024 at 6p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. For more information visit The Curio.
