Young Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer Jonathan Tinkle Introduces Jonathan Blake Bella Donna Spring/Summer 2013 Couture Collection in Houston

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jonathan Tinkle, a 21-year-old entrepreneur and fashion designer, is debuting his Jonathan Blake Bella Donna Spring/Summer 2013 Couture Collection later today at a private reception and runway fashion show in Houston.

“I also will introduce a men’s line, accessories, shoes, and fragrances in future years.”

Established earlier in 2012, Jonathan Blake LLC is a privately held company with solid financial backing. Tinkle, who is the founder and chief fashion designer, hails from a successful, entrepreneurial family with ventures involving trucking, logistics and imports/exports. A Houston native, Tinkle began sketching designs for women’s dresses at the age of 14 and briefly pursued a career in modeling and acting. He completed The Tenney High School in 2009 and enrolled in The Art Institute of Houston at age 18. It was there that Tinkle brought one of his sketches to life in the form of a custom-made, black cocktail dress fitted for and modeled by his younger sister. Shortly thereafter, Tinkle left The Art Institute and devoted all of his time and energy to planning the launch of Jonathan Blake as a full-fledged fashion design company.

Inspired by Chanel, Valentino and Versace, Jonathan Blake's designs are timelessly “wearable,” classic, and elegant for women of all ages and varying sizes. All of Jonathan Blake’s pieces in the Spring/Summer 2013 collection are made of jewel-toned, natural fabrics sourced from New York City, Europe and Asia. Pieces in the collection originated from pencil sketches by Tinkle and were completed with the help of Houston-based pattern makers and seamstresses. Most of the skirts and dresses in the collection are designed for cocktail and evening wear. Some business blouses and skirts are also included. Sizes range from 0 to 12, and prices range from $275 for blouses up $14,000 for evening dresses.

Houston First

“Launching a line of beautiful clothing for beautiful women in Houston was a wise and natural choice for me,” commented Tinkle, founder and chief fashion designer for Jonathan Blake LLC. “Houston is known for being an entrepreneurial city with a solid economic climate. Besides, Houston is my hometown, and it is also home to thousands of smart, stylish women who are engaged in business, the community and society. I know many of these women personally, and I know they are serious about looking their best and projecting a confident, positive image. Those who are my target clients expect superior quality and stunning designs.”

Tinkle added: “My vision for Jonathan Blake is to become the 'go to' fashion designer in Houston. My approach is to build a strong foundation and reputation in Houston and other major Texas cities like Dallas and Austin this year and in 2013. I will continuously assess response to and demand for my designs so that I can be well-positioned to ramp up and branch out. Without a doubt, expanding my reach to fashion centers like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Atlanta is a priority for the future.”

Tinkle expects Jonathan Blake designs to be available in specialty boutiques and Jonathan Blake-branded retail shops within the next two years -- if not sooner.

“Twenty years from now, I want to be known as the fashion designer who was willing to take some big risks, start early and do the hard work that it takes to become successful. I want to be known as the fashion designer who delivers classic 'statement' pieces for women of all ages as well as unique, show-stopping creations for celebrities walking the Red Carpet,” Tinkle offered. “I also will introduce a men’s line, accessories, shoes, and fragrances in future years.”

How to Order

Jonathan Blake offers complimentary consultations with regard to ordering items in the Spring/Summer 2013 collection. For photos and additional information, please visit www.jonathanblake.net. Consultations can be scheduled with Tinkle and members of his staff by emailing [e-mail].

PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST