Haute Style

Inspired by exotic destinations and those jetsetters looking to make a splash in any locale, Jae Jolly is still genuinely Jamaican. “Most of my customers are from the U. S. right now, but I’d like to broaden my online sales across the world. Eventually I

Inspired by exotic destinations and those jetsetters looking to make a splash in any locale, Jae Jolly is still genuinely Jamaican.

Striking. Vivid. Sensual. Those are just some of the words one could use to describe Jamaican resortwear and swimwear designer Janel Jolly’s body of work. One look and you’ll be struck by the dramatic yet easy-towear kaleidoscope of maxi dresses, swimsuits, jumpsuits, and cover-ups — some of which can do double- duty as cruiseworthy evening wear. We caught up with the Kingstonbased creative to find out what’s happening now with her and what’s happening next for her decade- old Jamaican brand, Jae Jolly. My Story

“My design career started out as a hobby. I made pieces for myself, and when I’d wear them out, they always attracted attention. Eventually I started making clothes for friends, and that was when I realized that fashion design was my calling. So I enrolled at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica to learn my craft. I debuted at Caribbean Fashion Week in 2010, and in 2014, I had one of my proudest moments: spotting Grace Jones on the beach at Frenchman’s Cove, wearing the Urchin bikini from my Ocean Floor collection!” My Inspiration

“I’m inspired by colors and exotic destinations all over the world. My Fez Medina collection was inspired by a trip to Morocco. And my latest line, San Basilio, has its roots in Afro- Caribbean- ism, in particular the colorfully dressed women you see in Cartagena, Colombia. My designs are vibrant, so I always advise my clients to choose the colors that complement their complexion.”

Palenquera My Creative Process

“First I decide on a color scheme, identify the textures I want to work with, and source the fabrics. I put these on a mood board, which inspires my sketches and designs. Once I’ve come up with an idea, the sample always takes much longer to make than the actual garment; I’ll resew and tweak it constantly until I’m satisfied with the final design. Then, once the sample is finalized, it can take anywhere from four hours to two days to make the finished garment. Currently, all my designs are made in Jamaica by a production team of three seamstresses.” My Customer

“My target customer is a jetsetter, a woman who’s not afraid to stand out in a unique piece. And when she wears my clothes, no matter what size or shape she is, I want her to feel confident, sexy, empowered, and elated. Nothing makes me happier than when customers tell me how much they love wearing my designs!” My Strengths

“I love to mix colors and textures. I’m meticulous about detail and I’m really proud of the clean finish on my clothing. High- quality fabric, unique designs, great fit, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of my brand.” My Goals