IN CONVERSATION WITH JESSICA CARTER ALTMAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jessica Carter Altman is making waves as a dynamic force in both music and fashion worlds. Her latest album ‘Aftermath’ has received critical acclaim for its raw emotional depth, while her stylish appearances at New York and London Fashion Weeks have cemented her as a fashion icon to watch. Known for effortlessly blending classic elegance with modern flair, Jessica's passion for music and fashion reflects her ability to tell stories through both her lyrics and her style. 

photographer YASMIN GROSS & VINCENT VERDUREAU

You recently made a strong impact in both music and fashion industries. Your album ‘Aftermath’ has been widely praised, and you’ve been seen in front rows at New York and London Fashion Weeks. How do your passions for music and fashion complement each other?

I think that there has always been a synergy between music and fashion. They really just elevate each other. I've always appreciated the creativity it takes to design and create a piece of clothing. Whether you are the designer, the stylist or the model, fashion does what all art does. It makes you feel something. 

Attending fashion week is an experience I truly cherish because it’s not just about the shows, but the entire atmosphere created by the designs, the music, the models, and the atmosphere they create. Similarly, you see artists that collaborate with different designers to create an aesthetic that will elevate their music. I think it's really cool when you can have these seemingly different forms of art work together and elevate each other. 

‘Aftermath’ dives deep into personal and heartfelt themes. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the album? In what ways have your experiences and artistic style shaped the music and storytelling within this project?

‘Aftermath’ was written during a difficult time for me. I had lost my dad and was dealing with all of the emotions that come with grief. Also during that time, I was experiencing some of life’s happiest moments. I had gotten engaged and I was finally pursuing my dream of being an artist. I was simultaneously experiencing some of the happiest and saddest moments. It may seem obvious, but during that time I realized that in the wake of any profound change or tragedy, when you feel the world should stop, life continues. I realized I needed to keep moving forward, enjoy all the happy moments that were coming, and honor all of the sadness that I was experiencing. 

Making this album was a healing experience for me. I didn’t limit myself in any way. I wasn’t focused on a specific genre or making something go viral. I just went song by song and tried to be as honest as I could in telling each of these stories. And that kind of freedom in making music is really exciting and fun. 

You seamlessly merge classic elegance with a contemporary twist in your fashion choices. How do you feel your evolving sense of style influences your music? Does your approach to fashion shift depending on the themes of your songs?

Yes and no. I know what I like and I know what I feel good in, and that always drives what I'm wearing. I like to think I have a very clear sense of my personal style, and I always try to stay true to that. This approach also applies to the music I like to make. 

When coming up with concepts for photoshoots or music videos, I try to make choices that will elevate the music. Sometimes that might bring out an edgier side to me and sometimes it brings out a softer more ethereal side. 

As someone with a strong presence in both music and fashion, how do you decide which outfits best represent you at high-profile events like fashion week? Do you find similarities between putting together a look and creating a song?

For me, fashion week is the perfect time to experiment and play. It’s meant to be fun. A chance to get creative with hair, makeup and fashion choices. I still want to be relatively comfortable and feel good in what I’m wearing, but I see fashion week as an opportunity to push the boundaries of my own personal style. 

One of my fashion week highlights this year was being invited to the Jean Paul Gaultier Couture show this past June. I wore a gorgeous pink JPG x Simone Rocha dress. It was definitely something that was a little out of my comfort zone, but I felt amazing in it and had so much fun wearing it. It definitely empowered me to want to push the boundaries more often. 

photographer MAX BOTTICELLI

You've participated in some of this year's most prestigious fashion weeks. What was your most memorable moment from the shows in New York and London? Were there any designers whose work resonated with your personal or stage style?

I really loved all the shows this September and can’t wait to see how these collections will be styled out in the world.  A highlight this season was attending the Grace Ling show in New York. The show was gorgeous and the energy from the models and the designer was incredible. Grace Ling also had my favorite designer walks. Her excitement was contagious. She does an amazing job of taking something glass if and adding her own edge to it that makes it fresh and modern.  

Many performers view fashion as an extension of their artistry, similar to music. How does fashion set the tone or help convey the message you want to express during performances or photoshoots?

I hate to say it, but my top priority is always comfort. I want to feel amazing in what I am wearing and want to be able to move freely. I have made the mistake of tying a rigid corset too tight and it made breathing much more challenging. I’ve had so much fun planning my outfits for my tour in November. But at the end of the day, I don’t think that it matters what you’re wearing. As long as you have the confidence to back it up, it will look amazing.

Both fashion and music have the power to tell a story. How do you use your style choices to share your personal narrative, especially when promoting a project as intimate as ‘Aftermath’?

‘Aftermath’ was my first album and I think my fashion choices reflected that. I kept most of the style very close to what I would usually wear. Before pursuing music full time, I was working at a law firm where I would wear a suit every day. During my ‘Aftermath’ era, I decided to play around with different kinds of suits and blazers that were a different take on business attire. It felt like an appropriate nod to my past. 

You draw inspiration from many sources. Who are some of the key influences that have shaped your music and fashion sense? Are there particular artists or designers whose work has had a lasting impact on you?

I think it is an amazing time for women in music. We are all getting to experience new music from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Griff, Fletcher and so many more. They are all just absolutely killing it. They all have such a unique style and voice that is a testament to their artistry. They all do a beautiful job creating a world for their fans to experience. It is so inspiring. They all also have such individuality in their fashion choices. 

I love to draw inspiration from what other artists are doing, but at the end of the day, I like focusing on what makes me unique. 

If you could collaborate with any designer, who would it be? Is there a particular fashion house or creative whose aesthetic aligns with your vision and style?

I love Jean Paul Gaultier. What they do is truly exceptional. And the culture they have created at the atelier is really special. I love how they have a different visiting designer each season. Each season we get to see the core of what makes Jean Paul Gaultier so remarkable, but through the lens of a different young designer. 

Another designer that comes to mind would be Vivienne Westwood. Both Vivienne and her brand are so iconic. It is pretty amazing how it has evolved over time while staying true to their punk rock, forget all the rules vibe. It is incredible. 

photographer MAX BOTTICELLI

You're not just making waves in the US, but your reach extends internationally. As you continue performing across different countries, how do you anticipate your style will evolve? Are there specific cultural influences you're eager to incorporate into your fashion?

I’ve always loved traveling. Before law school, I was fortunate to take time and go backpacking around the world. One thing I noticed while traveling was the difference in beauty ideals. There are so many influences that determine the standard of beauty and how people dress.

We live in a more globalized world now than ever before. Everyone is so interconnected. I love seeing how different cultures interpret different trends. Whenever I travel, I love taking inspiration from all the places I visit.

Juggling successful careers in both music and fashion requires a unique balance. How do you navigate these two creative worlds? Are there any plans to expand your involvement in fashion, such as collaborating with designers or launching a line?

The balance has made my schedule a litte hectic, but we all know that old annoying saying: “If you do something you love, you never work a day in your life.” I have always wanted to be a singer. It has been my greatest dream for as long as I can remember. And I have always loved fashion and appreciate all the opportunities that have come my way, so I really have no complaints.

With both music and fashion playing prominent roles in 2024, there’s much to look forward to. Can you share what’s next for you, particularly regarding upcoming projects or collaborations?

Actually, I am working on an acoustic EP of ‘Aftermath’, which will hopefully come out early next year. I’ve been doing a lot of acoustic performances lately and have really enjoyed reimagining these songs. It is something that I am really excited to share. 

I am also writing again and working on my next album. Release date is still TBD, but I am really excited about what’s coming next. Stay tuned.