JustRaymona™ for the past 20 years has been making first Patterns and Samples for Designers as well as up and coming new designers. JustRaymona™ is still one of the few old world with a younger/fresh take on pattern making; that drape from sketches, make the first pattern and can stitch the sample. Quite a few have been produced for The Seventh on Six Designer for the Bryant Park Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Many Patterns and Samples have been made for Fashion Stylist that couldn’t find what they wanted for their Artists. So they come to JustRaymona and she gets the job done!
JustRaymona is a native of Richmond, Virginia. It’s very easy to see where the quiet, understated elegance and inspiration derives from in her clothing. Since the age of 12, JustRaymona has been designing and making her own clothes. She started professionally doing alterations and tailoring in various upscale men’s shops in Richmond, Virginia. At fourteen years of age, the first bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses were created for her first private client.
While completing studies at the American College of London and Atlanta, JustRaymona started modeling on the runway and studio work in various fashions in Paris, London, Milan, New York, etc. At the same time earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising she worked as a house mannequin for London’s foremost royal designer Emilio Pucci in addition to picking up notes, techniques and teachings from William “Bill” Travilla.
Upon coming to New York to live fulltime in 1986, JustRaymona became the admiral at the helm of Fahrenheit New York, a women’s accessory company that was 3 months old at the time. She designed, produced and sold for the company before taking over as Production Manager. After leaving Fahrenheit, JustRaymona took on the daily operations of Debra Moises, Ltd. on Seventh Avenue. Handling the hectic pace of all phases of production, hiring & firing employees, dealing with the various contractors, shipping and receiving, JustRaymona also handled all New York Specialty accounts! Debra Moises was both clothing and accessories. Even though the hours were grueling, the experience in the 2 1/2 years were great and would prove to be serve her well, later as she embarked in this business on her own!
While at Debra Moises, JustRaymona in the evenings and on the weekends started blocking and designing millinery. JustRaymona was the only apprentice ever trained by Mr. Horace Weeks of Peter and Irving in Mr. Weeks 55 years of existence as a prominent force in the millinery industry. The millinery experience served well in landing freelance positions with David Inc., Eric Javits & Flipped Lids. Inc., all leading millinery companies in New York City.
In 1995 JustRaymona Inc. was born. While selling millinery to the likes of Bergdorf Goodman, Bonwit Teller, etc. JustRaymona took the custom bridal industry by storm! JustRaymona became known best for her one of a kind, elegant but functional “bridal gowns”; beading, laces, silks or satin at below major designer prices. In 1996 and 1997, JustRaymona. Bridal gowns could be purchased exclusively at Brava Boutique in Forest Hills. Her bridal line was also introduced to the Japanese Apparel Market. JustRaymona’s first love (if asked) is leather and suede garments. Her one of kind creations in leather and suede leaves one breathless and wondering ….”Is that silk or jersey or …. Oh my its leather!!!!” Her leather skills were perfected about 15 years ago. Four years were spent working with Sea Dream Leather and traveling three years for the North Beach Leather Stores. As Head Designer, she over-saw the production of their designer line and one of a kind pieces for their VIP clientele.
On November 8,1997 at the Sculpture Gallery in the heart of the East Village, the public was officially introduced to JustRaymona NY. She debuted her first custom showing to the likes of Vibe Magazine editor, the New York Times, the Daily News, Latina Magazine, a host of entertainment personalities and recording industry. The night proved a wonderful success. So well received in fact that JustRaymona NY’s next showing was promoted and sponsored by an entertainment group. The showing on November 8, 1998, exactly one year later, was hosted at the swank Spy Bar in Soho. This showing showcased more of JustRaymona NY new younger, fresher clothing line to a far greater urban audience hence the introduction of en.v! 1998 JustRaymona started patternmaking for the garment industry and up and coming designers. Now designers that need patternmaking services and samples made have a place to come to see there sketches come to life for their showrooms and the major shows. This year also issued in the Fashion Stylist division of the corporation. She has been sought after for video wardrobes, personal artist imaging and even costumes for Broadway. Now entertainers can have a full look developed for work as well as play and even bridal when the play is just the beginning! JustRaymona is truly a tireless energetic spirited sister that is still on the move! But this is not quite the middle of her Journey! So keep an eye open, an ear to the word because JustRaymona is only half the way there. Her journey still has many roads to go down and turns to make… And you can bet YOU WILL BE HEARING and SEEING HER.
