From left: Hicks, Agnes Bradbury, Caroline Kowalczyk and Jessica Majorino.
J. Fitzgerald-Hicks, who by day welcomes visitors to the 360 State Street downtown apartment tower, keeps busy after hours — developing a hot new line of upscale women’s evening wear.
During a fashion show at Salon LuLu in the English Building on Chapel Street, Hicks unveiled a line of stylish clothes that awed and inspired an audience of about 150 people. Susan Schildback from West Haven was one of them, and she summed up her reaction to the clothes with one word: “Stunning!” April Hedge of New Haven, an independent television producer, said that the show may have actually changed her mind about moving back to New York. She described it as “hip, sexy, fun and refreshing for the New Haven scene.”
Eight professional models showcased the “Evoli’ collection (“I Love” spelled backwards), which included more than two dozen unique pieces ranging from daytime casual attire to fabulous evening wear and sophisticated ball gowns. Click on the play arrow below to watch the show.
Hicks began his career in fashion design back in 1996 after a friend and coworker caught a glimpse of the sketches in his portfolio. She asked if he would design and produce something special for her, and that set him into motion.
Barbara Osahon in an Olive Green silk/jersey halter dress with a floral camouflage microsuede wrap.
“At the time I had no idea how to sew,” admitted Hicks, “so I completed the outfit by hiring someone to produce my design.” He later received formal training at Chicago’s Illinois Institute of Art, and by 2006 he had an impressive set of original designs transformed into wearable fashion. That experience gave Hicks the confidence he needed to pursue his dream of competing within the world of women’s fashion.
Meanwhile he has spent 20 years in the residential hospitality industry, and last spring he became the concierge at 360 State Street. His day job provides a steady income; designing clothing satisfies a passion that he has nurtured since childhood. In fact, the inspiration for the Evoli’ line came to Hicks from the stylishly elegant way his mother and sisters dressed, plus the Hollywood wardrobes of memorable 1940s films.
“I am just happy to be doing what I’ve obviously always wanted to do,” said Hicks. “My time in the hospitality field has allowed me the opportunity to come in contact with some of the world’s most beautiful and stylish women.” He said feels grateful and would like to soon produce clothing that will be worn by those same women.
That’s why he has launched his own business, Jahi’ Designs, where he is hard at work launching a commercial line he hopes will attract the attention of stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Jessica Majorino in a Pewter Silk Taffeta Gown one shoulder dress with a matching bottom piece.
“Breaking into this business is nothing short of having the right combination of luck, skill, and talent,” said Hicks. “I’m praying for that one break, that one studio that needs a designer for a new actress or that one celebrity who wants a new stylist for their team – one very well dressed lady who can appreciate my passion for design.”
The Jahi line should have broad market appeal to highly visible professional women 25 years of age and up. The next step is to set up the company website and put together a dynamic team, and the search is on for financial resources to make it all a reality. Hicks also wants to produce a large fashion event in his sister’s memory, to support the Cancer Foundation.
The successful introductory event happened after Salon LuLu owner Tom Angelini was approached by Hicks back in April about using the new urban-edgy salon facility to make his fashion début. Salon LuLu was an ideal venue because it has 40 feet of long mahogany floor space – ideal for a makeshift runway.
“There was no question in my mind that I wanted this event to happen here,” says. Angelini “I was honored to make the salon available, especially after I saw his line of clothing. My business is all about looking good and we make both men and women look and feel beautiful with our hair designs and skin treatments. So having this opportunity to include women’s fashions completes a circle of beauty and fashion.”
For more information on the Evoli clothing line .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Great Article.
Loved the photos. Now hopefully this line will really take off and the clothes can be manufactured right here in the city.