Haiti-born designer Jovana Louis – with her husband and business partner J. Lesly Benoit – is the creator behind the Jovana Louis brand. The passionate and self-proclaimed “unique” designer is not for the faint at heart and has truly found her niche in the world of fashion. Inspired by family and a love of French, Haitian and Asian culture, Louis boldly and bravely opened her first boutique in Vietnam and graced the catwalk of Vietnam’s 2018 Fashion Week. Soon after, in 2019, she made her New York Fashion Week debut. She is living a dream come true.  The statuesque designer’s pieces have graced reputable fashion zine covers and celebrities from Garcelle Beauvais to Janet Jackson. The Fall2020 Jovana collection proudly displays her JL Premium Leather Masks with an offering of Couture Chic –  to keep stylish while keeping safe. Très bien!

To whom or what do you owe your inspiration for becoming a fashion designer?

My Aunt in Haiti is my first source for inspiration. She was a tailor and made my clothes during my childhood. As a child growing up in Haiti, I attended a nun school, and the uniform way of dressing was very conservative. Because I am very tall, it was extremely difficult for me to find exactly what I wanted to wear. Attending a private school, you could wear something elegant, but nothing revealing and sexy. Sometimes it would be an issue of finding the appropriate color or maybe I just did not like the style. At that point in my life, I contemplated designing my own clothes. I love fashion and that is how I started! 

What has been your greatest challenges in becoming a fashion designer?

Constructing my designs and working with industry professionals have become my greatest challenges. Trying to get my point across has been very difficult. I am unique and different. My designs and style speaks for itself.  Unfortunately, there are those that want me to follow their design route. I am hard to define at times. I consider myself a trailblazer.

What words of wisdom or advice would you give to an emerging designer like yourself that wants to stand out in the crowd and not follow?

You must be unique! Believe in yourself, make up your mind that anything is possible. Be persistent and have an immeasurable amount of discipline!

IG: @jovanalouis

WEB: www.jovanalouis.com