DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: JOHANA HERNANDEZ

JOHANA HERNANDEZ: FASHION STAR

By Teryl Warren

Fans of the NBC reality show “Fashion Star” with Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie will recognize Johana Hernandez as one of the aspiring designers from the hit series’ season two.  Born in Compton, California, Hernandez literally learned the fashion business from the bottom up – first, at the feet of her hardworking parents, and later, as a student at the prestigious Fashion Institute for Design & Merchandising (FIDM). As we take our month-long celebration of the independent spirit to the world of fashion, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on a woman whose brand is as substantive as it is stylish.

To say that Johana Hernandez was born and bred to be a fashion star is a bit of an understatement. As a child, she went to work with her parents and watched them and their co-workers sewing clothes the likes of Calvin Klein, GAP, Levi Strauss and more.  At just under 19, she enrolled at FIDM and during her first quarter there, she was hired as the head designer for two national brands: Bebina Jeans and Cappuccino Jeans.  

By 22, she had designed for major celebrity brands, including Hanna Montana, Bon Jovi, Isaac Mizrahi and many, many more.Taking Hollywood by storm as a cast member of the NBC hit reality series “Fashion Star” was an obvious and natural next step for the young designer. 

“Taking my brand to major retailers like Express, Macy’s and Saks was a dream come true,” she said. “My experience on the show definitely made me see myself and my talent.”

The show, which is broadcast in 150 countries all over the world, opened the door for global recognition of Johana’s bubbly personality and chic, wearable designs. And, as she told us, her experience on the show proved to be eye-opening for her, as well.

“I’m very hard on myself as a designer and I always strive to be better and better,” she shared. “Seeing myself sell [designs] every week and win all of the challenges I won was amazing. But the best part of the experience was getting to know that so many fans were inspired by my work.”

At 24, Johana Hernandez launched her Glaudi collection to raise funds for children suffering from poverty in Central America.  In just two years, the avant-garde brand has garnered a solid celebrity following. An elegant and modern brand that boasts a unique and seamless blend of metallics and bright colors, Glaudi is designed for, as Johana says, “women in the spotlight!”

 “The Glaudi woman is a leader.  She’s confident and independent and she expresses her personality through her wardrobe. Women admire her and men love her.”

Johana hopes to soon open Glaudi boutiques that will carry everything from evening and bridal to ready to wear collections – including shoes and handbags.  But in the meantime, fans of the brand can shop the current and future collections by visiting http://www.glaudicollection.com/.

Leave A Comment