Beyoncé recently released the “Already” video from her Black is King filmon Disney+ which places a garment by the Dallas-based designer Venny Etienne and his brand Levenity in a starring role.
Conventual wisdom places many budding fashion designers on the path to New York, Los Angeles, Paris or Milan, however, the Haitian-American designer Venny Etienne made the move from his hometown of Brooklyn to Dallas and hasn’t looked back. Etienne began his career in Dallas after transferring to Wade College from the Fashion Institute of Technology at the age of 20. Since he graduated salutatorian of his class, receiving a BA in merchandising and design and the Founders Award in 2018, Venny won the 2018 Fashion Group International Rising Star award. FGI also granted Venny a full scholarship to attend the Paris American Academy in Paris. He made it to the top seven on Project Runway and to date, Venny has dressed some of today’s biggest celebrities, including Cardi B and Michelle Williams.
The goal to style a look for Beyoncé was spoken into existence by Etienne in a Facebook post as part of his five-year goal in 2015 and with the release of Black is King earlier this month, the dream came true. We had the pleasure of speaking with Venny about growing up in Brooklyn, his move to Dallas, Project Runway, and working with Beyoncé.
PATRON Magazine: Growing up in New York, what was one of the first styles or garments you saw that made you stop and really think about the process of fashion?
Venny Etienne: Well growing up in New York, Brooklyn specifically, the only fashion I was really around until I graduated high school was what I saw in church! As a people we were told we had to bring our “Sunday’s Best,” and that is what we did every time we linked up―whether it was for Sunday service, choir rehearsal, or bible study on Tuesday. We always looked at what each other wore. I remember, for me, wide leg slacks with our suits were MAJOR!!! And the big broad shoulders, the suits that were oversized because our parents wanted us to “grow” into them (to avoid buying us new suits every year.)
P: You’ve mentioned that you spent a large part of your upbringing in church, does “Sunday best” still find itself in your designs?
VE: That was my introduction to fashion and what I like to always incorporate somehow. It’s hard to not be inspired by what I was exposed to as a youngin’ in Brooklyn. So, I’m sure you will always see an 80’s-90’s element somewhere in my garments.
P: With your silhouettes, especially the pieces with strong shoulders, I can’t help conjuring images by Jamel Shabazz-and alike from 80–90’s Brooklyn; however, your choice of fabric and styling places your silhouettes very much in the present.
VE: Yes, it is part of my DNA. I can only design what I know or be inspired by what I know. Looking back the shapes were so much fun. It played with proportions in ways that were innovative without being intentional about it.
P: How was your experience on Project Runway?
VE: Amazing. I am so glad that I did it. I learned about myself as a designer on that show. (I) learned refinement, speed, and how to take constructive criticism. It was a surreal moment receiving advice from industry leaders that I know that I would not be able to receive if I tried on my own. Also, I’m still friends with several of the other designers who competed on the show. We’re like a family.
P: What is the biggest takeaway from being on the show?
VE: I would have to say the biggest thing was learning refinement. I always felt I needed to throw everything into a garment so that you can see my skill and talent. But sometimes that is not the best approach to design. Message can get lost in translation.
P: How has relocating to Dallas shaped your clothing?
VE: I’ve learned to lean more towards the feminine side of design when thinking of Dallas. The edgy part of my aesthetic stems from growing up in New York. And seeing the way the women of Dallas dress inspires the lighter fabrics and colors that I use. So, I get a great balance of hard and soft, which I like.
P: What are some inspirations that you’ve found here?
VE: The weather! Using lighter fabrication is important for Dallas and living here helps me to focus on key fabrics that goes well with the climate. Organza’s, silks and lightweight knits. But also, the flirty femininity that I see here inspires me. Women in Dallas love to dress up. Like my girl Sai Sankoh, she is inspiring, and her wardrobe is A-1!
P: Tell us about the jacket you designed specifically for Beyoncé’s Black in King which can be spotted in the song “Already.” The jacket features a strong shoulder and a floral print, what was it like knowing you were designing for Beyoncé and what was the drafting process like?
VE: I have always wanted this moment. To dress the lady who embodies every single box. Mom, strong, businesswoman, wife, friend, sister…and amazingly beautiful at that. So, when the opportunity finally approached, I was ready to deliver. The process took a total of five days. Most of the time was drafting the pattern for those shoulders, the design concept was a new one for me to construct, so I had to take the textbook out and call on a good designer friend of mine who is an expert on such design element Garo Sparo from Project Runway. He helped me figure out the understructure.
P: Beyoncé is pretty high on the list of powerful women to design for, who else is on your list?
VE: Hi, Issa Rae
P: Your clothing seems to be for a confident woman, is there a role model/inspiration for your designs, someone you think about with each design?
VE: It has to be my mom and my sisters. They are my source of inspiration; they embody the strength and grace I aim to display in my collection every season.
P: What’s next for you?
VE: I just released Collection 003, available on my website now (www.levenity.com), and new face masks! It’s inspired by my upbringing in Brooklyn and my Haitian roots.