Cocktails With Janel Jolly
It’s been an exhilarating early afternoon for a few members of the design industry. There’s been laughter, tears, reflection, knowledge sharing and an inextricable bond that has been formed. Fashion designer Janel Jolly, who’s in the mix, takes another sip of her Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc before spilling deets on spotting Grace Jones in her swimsuit, and the new collection she’s working on…
What kind of year have you been having?
It’s been a pretty good year for me. I’ve had great opportunities arising for Jae Jolly to look out for, and the reaction to my current “Paraíso Tropical” collection has been overwhelmingly great.
Your focus is now on swimsuits. Why did you take that decision and where can your swimsuits be purchased?
After unveiling my first swimwear collection in 2012, I realised there was a higher demand in this category for my brand because this is when it began to grow immensely.
My designs are available at the Golden Eye boutique in Oracabessa, in Trinidad at Anya Ayoung Chee’s boutique Exhibit A and Bikini Cabana.
Tell us about spotting the legendary Grace Jones in your swimsuit…
I was at the beach at Frenchmen’s Cove when I spotted a Jae Jolly swimsuit. It was from a distance and I didn’t even recognise who the person was. The day went on and I was catching up with a friend about business. Then I pointed and said to her, “A lady over there is wearing one of my designs.” She replied, saying, “Janel! That’s Grace Jones!!” I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.
I was upset at myself for a moment for not taking a photo of her, then thought to myself, photo or no photo, Grace Jones herself went and purchased something I designed at the Golden Eye boutique, which was such an amazing feeling for me.
Sometime later a friend of mine sent me a photo from the book I’ll Never Write My Memoirs by Grace Jones with Jones wearing my swimsuit!
Describe the swimsuit.
It’s the “Urchin” bikini from the 2014 collection “Ocean Floor”. A vibrant triangular top with tassel details paired with a very sexy banded bikini bottom.
What are the hallmarks of a good swimsuit?
High-quality fabric and construction, great fit and uniquely designed.
How does one select a Jae Jolly swimsuit?
Most of my designs are usually vibrantly coloured, so I always tell my customers to choose the tones that complement their complexion.
Who else would you like to spot on the beach in a Jae Jolly swimsuit?
Kendall Jenner and Rihanna… they are both very popular in the fashion and music industries and they both have amazing bodies.
When did you know that there was no turning your back on design?
I’ve always been a lover of art and creating new things but wasn’t quite sure what field I’d take to express that. Once I started getting such great feedback everything just clicked and I fell in love and became very passionate about fashion design.
What’s next for Jae Jolly?
My focus is now on exporting and getting my brand into the international market. I’ll also be releasing my 2016 collection at The Collection Moda next month.
What bad habit would you like to put in the rear-view mirror?
My addiction to chocolate! I honestly cannot control myself.
Which five words best describe you?
Ambitious, graceful, responsible, humble and stubborn.
The SS 2016 shows are behind us. Which designers impressed you and why?
I haven’t been able to catch up on all the SS 2016 shows, but from what I’ve seen so far I’m loving Balmain’s earthy tones and intricate fishnet details which screamed fierce sex appeal.
What’s your favourite trend from the SS 2016 shows?
Shoulder cut-outs and off-the-shoulder. I’ve always thought this is the sexiest part a woman could show on her body while still keeping it classy and elegant.
If you could throw a dinner party for five fashion designers, living or dead, who would they be and why?
Coco Chanel: loved her story and how she began. Mara Hoffman and DVF: in love with their prints. Catalina Àlvarez and Mariana Hinestroza of Agua Bendita swimwear: their details and beaded work are phenomenal. And lastly, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain because he is currently slaying the fashion industry.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
I enjoy quiet getaways, so either dinner in the hills at Eits Café, a drive-out to Toscanini in Ocho Rios or a day at Winifred’s beach in Port Antonio.
LBD or jeans?
Neither. I’m a sucker for a jumpsuit. It’s the easiest and most comfortable thing I can throw on!
Heels or flats?
Heels! I love that they automatically give you a better posture and that you can dress up the simplest of outfits with them.
Whose music are you currently obsessed about?
Alina Baraz & Galimatias Urban Flora; she has such a beautiful voice.
If given the opportunity and the resources to reposition our local fashion industry, what would be your immediate focus and why?
To open a factory/factories facilitating emerging designers and allowing them to focus more on designing, marketing and distributing their brands targeted for the export market.
Finally, what’s your philosophy?
Let go of what’s gone, appreciate what still remains and look forward to what’s coming next.