Jonathan M. Square

Asst. Prof. of Black Visual Culture @parsonsdesign | PhD @nyuhistory | Founder of @FashioningSelf | Double pisces ♓️

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

Meet the newest Assistant Professor of Black Visual Culture at @parsonsdesign. During my first year at Parsons, I will hold a joint appointment as a Fellow in History of Art and Visual Culture at the Costume Institute at the @metmuseum.

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

When I sent Arti Sandhu a shirt I designed, I imagined it would be styled, photographed, and shared as a reflection of our shared interest in fashion as a form of storytelling. What I didn’t anticipate, but deeply value, was the conversation that followed.https://t.co/vhR6KkvEdX

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

Relembrando o sol do Brasil do ano passado ☀️

[Fashioning the Self in Slavery and Freedom @FashioningSelf]

🚨 New headshots alert 🚨

A few weeks ago, Jonny Echevarría and I wandered around my Brooklyn neighborhood in the rain. Between dodging puddles, we shared our anxieties about the impending election, bonded over our experiences as queer men of color navigating the arts, and swapped stories of hilariously awkward professional moments. Somewhere between the laughter and what felt like impromptu therapy sessions, he managed to capture these incredible shots of me.

I asked Jonathan to photograph me because I’m diving into a new project, @northstar_nyc, and envisioning the next phase of my career—with two exhibitions opening next year. Let’s be honest: the pandemic selfie that I’ve been using since 2020 was no longer servicing me.

Huge thanks to Jonathan for braving the rain, finding my light, and proving that it really does take a Jonathan to truly understand a Jonathan.

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

From the third @northstar_nyc collection 💫

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

Obsessed with this photograph of model Shamah Levy, captured by the talented Franck H. Godefroy. Shamah elegantly embodies the essence of North Star’s third collection, which explores black people's relationship with white garments—particularly button-up shirts.

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

ev delafose x Malachi Smythe

[Rendering Revolution @rannrevolisyon]

.@naomyhgp, the Haitian Olympic swim coach, pays tribute to her 2016 Opening Ceremony outfit designed by Maëlle Figaro David. She stands with fellow Haitian Olympic swimmers, Mayah Chouloutte and Alex Grand'Pierre who don their 2024 Olympic uniforms designed by Stella Jean.

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

On this Juneteenth, please follow my sister project @northstar_nyc. Like my other work, North Star is inspired by Afro-Diasporic and African American art, fashion, and visual culture. North Star, however, has with a greater emphasis on making and embodied practices.

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

This photo of Michael Jordan was taken by Walter Iooss in Chicago in 1998. Titled “Red Green & Black,” Jordan’s black body is posed against a red and green wall, referencing the pan-African flag. Iooss donated it to @NMAAHC, where it is now in their permanent collection.

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

I spoke @RaBergstein of the @washingtonpost about the enduring legacy of Ann Hollander's "Sex and Suits," and my own relationship with suiting.

[Rachelle Bergstein @RaBergstein]

It's hard for me to express the pride I feel getting to share Anne Hollander's story in @washingtonpost for the 30th anniversary of "Sex and Suits." Thank you to editor @CarSparNYC and @dieworkwear @museumatFIT @TheTailoryNYC @stylesquared https://t.co/wkHWFltxlg

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

@DominiqueJL15 @NYHistory @MNHistoryCenter Was this really 7 years ago?! Wow. Times flies. It's an exhibtion that I still think about. You raised some important questions!

[Rendering Revolution @rannrevolisyon]

.@stylesquared, a Rendering Revolution co-founder, contributed to “Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects,” in which he explores a portrait of Romaine-la-Prophétesse by artist Manuel Mathieu. Romaine, a Haitian revolutionary, was possessed by a female spirit and identified as a prophétesse

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

Scrolling through my camera roll for a birthday selfie, I stumbled upon this baby photo. Mom's choice of dressing me in this patriotic tee brings back memories. It resonates with the work I'm doing alongside @northstar_nyc, reclaiming American iconography through a black and queer perspective. Here's to another trip around the sun for me, and exciting new projects on the horizon!

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

For my "History of Fashion" class, we were graced with a visit from the dear Natalie Nudell. She shared insights into her scholarly practice, particularly the Fashion Calendar Research Database. Follow the project on IG: https://t.co/ODOoyOAIIj

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

@lingerie_addict I'm thrilled to have met you and visit your class! 🙌🏿 Sharing syllabi and readings online is just one small way of making education more accessible. I'm passionate about fostering a love for learning in every student inside and outside academia. Thank you for the shoutout! 📚💙

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

This young girl, shot by @JamelShabazz in 1980 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, is forever on my mood board. It’s not only what she is wearing, but how she is wearing it. With her hands jauntily thrown into her pockets, she effortlessly brings the vibrant red dress to life.

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

Brooks Brothers' sheep logo is embedded in American consciousness in the mid-19th century. My research explores its ties to slavery, evolving from an emporium to a symbol of American elite fashion. Merging the logo with North Star branding riffs off these intertwined histories.

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

I’m excited to share the launch of the North Star website, skillfully designed by @Com_Art. The site includes a long brand statement as well as lookbook images from Collections 01 and 02. Check it out now: https://t.co/crwC2YMGyC

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

Renowned textile designer Althea McNish left a lasting impact on London's art scene until her 2020 passing. After seeing her 2022 retrospective, I was inspired to incorporate her "Grenada bloom" textile into my designs, seen in Collection 02's durag and cropped button-up shirt.

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

Embracing the start of the new spring semester with a heart full of memories from our whirlwind month-long trip through Brazil 🇧🇷 Brasil é [sempre] uma boa idéia!

[North Star @northstar_nyc]

On October 8, 2022, I organized the first North Star photo shoot. The phenomenal Malachi Smythe served as the photographer.

Models: Kai Toussaint Marcel + Gabriel Wadford
Makeup: @livelifemelissa
Lighting: Edolia Stroud
Design and styling: @stylesquared 🙋🏿‍

[Jonathan M. Square @stylesquared]

O Rio de Janeiro continua sendo #bomanonovo 🌴🌅🚠🎆