The Christopher John Rogers Spring 2021 ad campaign honors the artists, craftspeople and supporters who help bring his brand to life. A series of images, shot at Rogers’ studio, places models alongside the designer’s creative team.

The direction Rogers settled on focuses on joy and simplicity. Color and embellishment were used to elevate closet staples into something that feels fantastical. A button-down shirt was upgraded with rainbow crystals, while white suiting received vibrant topstitching on cuffs and lapels.

Away from the studio and unable to do some of the draping he’s become known for, Rogers took things old school and pulled out the Crayolas. “I was away for four months and couldn’t do anything physical with my hands, so I just bought crayons and color pencils and started scribbling like I was a kid,” says Rogers, who has a background in fine arts. “I wasn’t trying to create anything specific; I just wanted to have fun and express myself. It’s about getting back to the way children see the world through very simple shapes. They put energy on the page when they draw, so this was about simplifying and translating that energy into the clothes.”

A standout piece from the new season, a back-baring, striped dress reveals the entirety of the wearer’s rear torso. Tailored cargo pants arrive in bright yellow and blue, while a sculptural gown is printed with blue roses. An ’80s-style mini dress is constructed with spiral-stitched padding on the bust, reminiscent of Madonna’s famous cone bra.