August 30, 2022

Jasper Johnson-Weinberg | Oh, That? That's the Power Within You

by Nate Rynaski

Talent’s own sweater and shoes, **LOUIS VUITTON MEN’S** skirt, **MARSHALL COLUMBIA** sleeves (worn as leggings,) **IAN CHARMS** necklace, and **KEANE** necklace, bracelet, and ring.

Many of us recall our youth as a period of wistful awkwardness, trying to curb the relentless perilousness of being a teen. Putting yourself out there felt on par with the pressure to save the world. However, some youngsters are braver than others, and Jasper Johnson-Weinberg is just that: brave. From designing clothing to acting in his debut TV series, to advocating for equality and self-expression, Johnson-Weinberg is making his mark, and the 14-year-old is just getting started.

“‘Overt’ means to be out there, pushing forth your opinions—you’re not subtle about it,” says Johnson-Weinberg when I ask him about his gender-neutral clothing brand, Overt, which he co-founded with Bryce Lorenzo. First selling in clothing store Blue&Cream, Johnson-Weinberg’s brand is the result of receiving an iPad for his birthday one year, watching the fashion industry documentary The True Cost, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains to me, “During COVID, it was hard for me to be artistic at times because it felt like I was in a hole and couldn’t get out until the pandemic ended.”

**DESIGUAL** top, **MARSHALL COLUMBIA** pants, and **IAN CHARMS** necklace.

A Parsons School of Design course, a visit to Blue&Cream, and two collections later, Johnson-Weinberg has recently debuted Overt’s third collection, in collaboration with Alice and Olivia. “It took a little bit of convincing, but I said I am not going to make women’s clothes,” says Johnson-Weinberg about the collection with Alice and Olivia, continuing, “Whether it is a dress or a skirt, or whether it is something inherently masculine, I still want it to be labeled as gender neutral, just so it feels inclusive and makes people feel more comfortable in their clothing.”

**LOUIS VUITTON MEN’S** jacket, talent’s own sweater, **IAN CHARMS** necklace, and **KEANE** rings.

**LOUIS VUITTON MEN’S** coat and skirt, talent’s own sweater and shoes, **MARSHALL COLUMBIA** sleeves (worn as leggings,) **IAN CHARMS** necklace, and **KEANE** necklace and rings.

Not only is Johnson-Weinberg gearing up to release another fashion collection, he’s balancing a recent graduation from middle school and filming his first pilot for sci-fi series, Dissocia, alongside Lukas Hassel and Maria Dizzia. While it’s still in early stages and little information is known about the project, Johnson-Weinberg is ecstatic to be embarking on this journey. “I’ve always been super artsy,” he shares of the acting foray. “That’s kind of been my thing, because I have a twin brother who is the exact opposite.” After taking a few acting classes, attending acting camp, and acting in a community theater show, Johnson-Weinberg made his entrance to the screen with a short called Good Grief in 2020—which gave him a taste for the multilayered worlds of film and TV.

Jasper Johnson-Weinberg is just at the beginning, but what is next? “I hope to be still acting and still creating fashion,” he concludes. “I hope to be more known for my craft and working with people who I respect and who I admire. I hope that I am making a difference… and I hope I can use the power that I have been given.”