Making the Invisible Visible: The Event Architect
In a world where recognition is often reserved for the loudest voices, Making the Invisible Visible exists for those who feel unseen. This series isn’t just about highlighting niche creatives in fashion, art, music, tech, and culture—it’s about all of us. At some point, everyone has felt overlooked, underestimated, or unheard. By telling the stories of those working behind the scenes, we’re not just celebrating their contributions; we’re holding up a mirror to anyone who has ever questioned their impact. These stories remind us that brilliance isn’t measured by visibility and that the most powerful forces shaping culture often exist in the shadows. Making the Invisible Visible restores value to what the world has ignored because everyone deserves to be seen, no matter how hidden.
Hunter Abrams: Jessie Nichols
“It is a moment to not only give them their flowers but also glimpse the juxtaposition between their untiring commitment to their craft and why they’re often invisible despite their contributions.”
When people think of Vogue, names like Anna Wintour or events like the Met Gala often come to mind. But rarely do we consider the individuals working behind the scenes to bring these iconic moments to life. Jessie Nichols exemplifies why I created the Making the Invisible Visible series. As Vogue’s former Special Events Director, she spent over four years orchestrating some of the most unforgettable moments in fashion history, including the Met Gala. Her meticulous attention to detail and visionary approach elevate event production into an art form, shaping the cultural landscape in ways most never see.
What I admire most about Jessie is her quiet confidence and love for her craft. Despite her remarkable success, she continues to approach her work with the curiosity and discipline of a student. Jessie embodies the idea that mastery is a lifelong pursuit. She consistently refines her skills and seeks innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her systematic approach allows her to see the bigger picture while executing every detail with precision and ingenuity.
Jessie’s career is a testament to her commitment to mastery, a quality often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world. Her time as Special Events Coordinator at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts unknowingly prepared her for the meticulous demands of Vogue and beyond. Whether ensuring Met Gala plants wouldn’t attract insects or safeguarding priceless artwork through sound management, Jessie demonstrates thoughtful, detail-driven excellence. Her work reflects a rare combination of foresight and adaptability, elevating every project she touches.
One of my favorite memories with Jessie dates back to 2019, when we formally met at my HatsOnly NYFW party, introduced by our mutual friend Deborah Ababio. It was a surreal moment — joking about their parallel careers: Jessie as Anna Wintour’s EA before leading events at Vogue, and Deborah as Edward Enninful’s EA before doing the same for British Vogue. It felt like a scene from The Parent Trap — two lives mirroring each other on opposite sides of the Atlantic, bonded by an exceptional work ethic and an unmatched standard of excellence. Their ability to navigate high-pressure environments while creating extraordinary experiences left a lasting impression on me.
Now entering a new chapter as Cartier’s Senior Manager of High-End Experiences, Jessie’s legacy continues to inspire. She has built a personal brand defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence, setting a benchmark within the luxury fashion and entertainment industries that few can match. Her visionary leadership and flawless execution have disrupted the standard for event production and elevated the importance of the unseen hands that shape the world of fashion.
Jessie Nichols proves that excellence doesn’t always need a spotlight. It often lies in the quiet, consistent work of those behind the scenes. Her journey reminds us to celebrate the invisible forces driving the cultural moments we cherish — and to recognize the brilliance of individuals like her who redefine what it means to lead with integrity and vision.
