As the sun rises over the iconic skyline of Los Angeles, fashion’s avant-garde is already in full swing. Meet our trailblazing interviewee, the visionary force behind the phenomenon Fashion Icons, Jenny Q Ta. By the time the city of lights awakens, Jenny has navigated a whirlwind of creative energy. From dawn yoga sessions to strategy meetings, she sets the tone for a day that promises innovation and style. Is it the perfect antidote to the demands of a fast-paced fashion empire? According to Jenny, ‘This is just the rhythm of the extraordinary.’
Jenny Q Ta—the dynamic visionary leading Fashion Icons—has a presence that commands attention. Seated in the opulent surroundings of a Beverly Hills hotspot, she exudes a quiet confidence. A declaration that defines her essence, Jenny replies, ‘Born to Be Original, Destined to Break Molds,’ embracing a low-key yet impeccably stylish attire that showcases a blend of sophistication and individuality. A subtle nod to her industry influence is evident in the collaboration between Venture Capital and the cutting-edge tech landscape, reflected in her choice of a sequined blazer. Intriguingly delving into her transformative leadership, this dynamic visionary seamlessly navigates not only the world of fashion but also transcends into the forefront of digital fashion, shaping the landscape of Virtual Fashion and the innovative intersection of design and technology.
In this exclusive conversation, Jenny unveils her forward-thinking vision for the future. Notably, she shares insights into her impact on digital fashion, highlighting a significant moment in the world of style.
What pivotal moments led to the inception of Fashion Icons, and how has its evolution since then shaped its unique identity, redefining the fashion landscape?
In 2021, after exiting my third venture through an acquisition, I was prepared to wind down and launch a small private syndicated fund, allocating around $25 million for investments in the revolutionary realms of blockchain, cutting-edge Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and the boundless possibilities of decentralized technologies. Fate intervened when I reconnected with an old friend, Stephen M. Meade. During our conversation, Stephen introduced the intriguing concept of digital fashion, laying the foundation for what would later become Fashion Icons—a name I had coined. Soon after, we welcomed Annah Bach, a talented fashionista, filmmaker, and actress, to the fold. The three of us met, discussed, and in 2023, Fashion Icons was born. We swiftly secured a pre-seed round and locked in a seven-figure investment. As co-founders with skin in the game, deeply committed to the venture, Stephen and Annah, both seasoned serial entrepreneurs with prior commitments to their own ventures, assumed advisory board roles—focused on strategic guidance rather than daily operations. It was then that I was asked to take the helm as CEO.
What defines your leadership philosophy, and how do you plan to utilize your commitment to excellence in navigating challenges and fostering success for Fashion Icons?
In the aftermath of the tumult at OpenAI, marked by one of the most significant board missteps in tech history—where CEO Sam Altman was fired, rehired, and then fired and rehired again within four days, from Friday to Tuesday night—numerous seasoned founders have openly shared invaluable lessons. Personally, I stand unwavering in my belief in the all-in approach. Founders must consistently push their limits, elevating excellence to an unyielding standard. While luck has played a role in our success, our resolute commitment to excellence positions founders as unmatched leaders in their respective fields. As one of the three co-founders, I, along with a powerhouse team behind me, am absolutely certain that we are not just ready, but destined to conquer the opportunities ahead.
Moreover, with the latest regulations tightening surrounding the crypto space in the U.S., of the three co-founders, I bring the strongest knowledge in legal matters concerning the SEC, CFTC, and other regulatory bodies, leveraging my background on Wall Street where I founded two investment banks. This expertise positions me to navigate the evolving landscape of the crypto industry, ensuring Fashion Icons remains at the forefront of compliance and innovation. My commitment to staying abreast of legal developments underscores our dedication to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices within the dynamic realm of digital assets and blockchain technology. As one of the three co-founders, I am certain that, with our powerhouse team, we are not just ready but destined to conquer the opportunities that lie ahead.
Why embark on the journey of being a founder again, subjecting yourself to the challenges, after achieving pure financial freedom?
Embarking on the journey of being a founder again, even after achieving pure financial freedom, is akin to having mastered a recipe for success. Much like cooking, once you’ve successfully created a dish a few times, you understand the ingredients and steps. Similarly, having tasted success as a founder, the path to conquer new ventures becomes simpler and more familiar. It’s about applying the knowledge and experience gained, making the journey not only manageable but also exciting, knowing you have the recipe for success in your hands. Moreover, my previous successes building platforms and collaborating with full-stack engineers have instilled confidence in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Technologies never move backward; they always advance, and embracing this entrepreneurial spirit is crucial in the ever-accelerating world of innovation. Today, with the adoption of AI, intelligent people believe in AI and its future. We simply cannot stop technology, and it serves as a powerful force that has consistently enhanced our everyday lives.
Is VC funding part of the plan?
As a GP/VC myself, recognizing VC funding as a dynamic choice in the entrepreneurial journey, involving a give-and-take relationship, I understand that while some founders opt to bootstrap, steering clear of venture capital, others find the strategic advantages and financial support invaluable. The decision to bring in VC funding is multifaceted—one moment, you’re in, and the next, you’re navigating the dynamics of working closely with the board of directors, making choices that align with the company’s growth trajectory. In the case of Fashion Icons, I carefully weigh the pros and cons, acknowledging that each funding option shapes the trajectory and dynamics of the venture. The evolving landscape of fashion-tech, coupled with the strategic goals of the venture and the transformative potential of AI, will ultimately influence whether VC funding becomes part of the plan. I strongly believe in the unstoppable trajectory of technology and its impact on various industries, including fashion.
What is the core essence and mission of Fashion Icons in the ever-evolving fashion scene?
Much like Uber disrupted the taxi industry and Airbnb revolutionized hospitality, Fashion Icons, with our innovative technologies and robust IP portfolio, including Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), is poised to disrupt the fashion industry. Our approach involves connecting fashion creators and designers directly with consumers, ushering in a new era of accessibility, collaboration, and individual expression in the world of fashion. Through cutting-edge solutions, we aim to reshape the traditional fashion landscape and redefine how people interact with and consume fashion in the digital age.
In your perspective, what does fashion mean to you? How do you define a fashion icon? Can you also share who your fashion icon is and why?
Fashion, for me, serves as a means of self-expression and storytelling. It goes beyond mere clothing; it’s a dynamic language that allows individuals to convey their personality, values, and mood to the world in either its physical or digital form. A Fashion Icon, in my view, is someone who not only embraces their unique style but also influences and inspires others, shaping trends and challenging conventional norms.
Drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Coco Chanel, for her timeless elegance and bold individuality, have left an indelible mark on the industry. Vogue Magazine editor, Anna Wintour, the inspiration behind ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ and model Gigi Hadid, a Gen Z, with everyday wardrobe foundation begins with a great pair of jeans and a T-shirt and then she builds from there. I appreciate their roles in giving talented new designers a chance to compete with luxury brands. These icons embody the transformative power of fashion, not only as a personal statement but also as a force for inclusivity and innovation in the industry.
How is Fashion Icons disrupting traditional norms in the fashion industry, and what impact do you expect these changes to have?
Fashion Icons, under my leadership as a serial executive dedicated to empowering women, seeks to redefine fashion by emphasizing intelligence over appearance, as it is more imperative than ever in the evolving landscape of the AI era, where intelligence, whether in human or digital form, drives innovation and progress. Our approach aligns with the belief that fashion should gear towards showcasing the brilliance of the mind rather than focusing solely on physical attributes.
In the words of the old saying, ‘Beauty and Brains,’ we draw inspiration from iconic figures like Jacklyn Kennedy and modern trailblazers like Rihanna. Our vision for fashion extends beyond traditional norms, acknowledging that beauty lies not just in physical appearance but also in intellectual prowess. In a world where the rich stay rich by pretending to be poor, and the poor stay poor by pretending to be rich—illustrated by billionaires like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos who wear themselves, not couture brands, while many social media influencers don thousand-dollar couture brands but lack depth in mind, soul, and finances—we strive to redefine the narrative, celebrating intelligence as the true essence of beauty in fashion. Your mind, your intellect, carries through what you wear, connecting you to self-expression. Through Fashion Icons, we’re forging a direct link between your mind, your intellect that carries you through being self-embodied fashion creators and designers, directly connecting with your consumers, your communities, fostering sustainability, and ushering in a new era of accessibility, collaboration, and individual expression in the world of phygital fashion.
In the digital era, how does Fashion Icons align with the trends and preferences of Gen Z?
In the realm of Gen Z, marked by global connectivity through digital devices and social media, Fashion Icons recognizes their unique attributes. This generation is characterized by immersion in online activities such as work, shopping, dating, and socializing, spending considerable time on their phones—six hours or more per day. With a penchant for gathering information online, Gen Z is on track to become the most educated generation, boasting higher high school graduation rates and lower dropout rates than their predecessors. A recent survey by Business of Fashion, involving nearly 1,000 US Gen-Zers, revealed that 89 percent of the participants’ rate fashion as important for boosting their confidence, while 82 percent say fashion is crucial for establishing their identities. In the US, Gen Z holds significant purchasing power, amounting to about $360 billion. Fashion Icons aligns with this forward-thinking generation, championing a narrative that celebrates intelligence, resilience, and societal contributions as defining elements of individuals’ identity in fashion, incorporating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into our innovative approach.
What’s your stance on the rising trend of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated models taking over the role of human models in the fashion industry?
The rise of AI-generated models in fashion signals a transformative shift toward the future of digital and physical fashion. This innovation offers customizability beyond borders, presenting a cost-effective alternative to traditional photoshoots. It promotes diversity and inclusivity, resonates with a broader audience, and enhances the online shopping experience. Leveraging AI models contributes to sustainability by reducing environmental impact. The ease of use empowers individuals without modeling expertise, unlocking new possibilities for businesses. Incorporating AI-generated pictures from personal photos adds personalization and authenticity, blending the familiarity of a human face with innovative AI capabilities. Fashion Icons challenges stereotypes, advocating for a paradigm shift in appreciating individuals’ intellect and capabilities. Our vision extends into digital fashion, creating a dynamic and inclusive landscape through phygital fashion, merging the physical and digital realms for empowerment.
You’ve been recognized as an innovator throughout your career. What keeps you inspired?
My unwavering inspiration emanates from the philosophy that comfort undermines ambition while discomfort fuels determination. I firmly believe that knowledge is potential, but true power lies in taking decisive action. I lead with vision and creativity, unapologetically pushing the boundaries of conventional norms in the pursuit of transformative goals. For me, the ultimate objective isn’t merely financial success; it’s the freedom of time. Drawing from Sam Altman’s leadership skills, I embrace ambition unabashedly, navigating challenges with disciplined determination and unwavering conviction. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who share a passion for ambitious pursuits, I believe in the synergy of collective ambition to achieve unparalleled success.
How do you define success within the realm of Fashion Icons?
For Fashion Icons, achieving unicorn status is the benchmark of success.
How does morality guide your life?
For me, life’s true value isn’t in possessions but in the depth of connections we hold in our hearts. As go-getters like me strive for unicorn statuses, I firmly believe that love, not wealth, illuminates the soul. The richest heart is filled with love, not gold. Sometimes, not getting what you wanted leads to getting what you needed. Money plays an important role in life, but it can’t be the only filter for how you decide to spend your time. You can buy luxury, but you can’t buy style; a $30 dress can make you feel as beautiful as a $300 or $3000 one.
Any advice for young founders?
Take your time to discover your true calling; being a founder for the sake of being a founder can result in unnecessary challenges and wasted time. Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Knowledge is potential; action is power. Lead with vision and creativity, unapologetically. Be greedy for your ambition, and surround yourself with those who make you more ambitious. Remember, the goal isn’t just money; it’s freedom of time. Stay disciplined, determined, and full of conviction on your path to success.
