“When you find your calling, give it your all.”
Nova Lorraine is a fashion designer and creative storyteller. She is the founder of Raine Magazine, a publication that gives a voice to tomorrow’s stars in fashion, culture, and technology. Born in Jamaica, her family migrated to the States when she was seven years old. They settled in Connecticut. Nova always had a thing for fashion. She would sit in school and sketch designs but didn’t realize she could make a career out of it. As she saw her brother studying to become a doctor, Nova decided that a similar career path was right for her. She was on the pre-med track in undergrad but decided against going to medical school, feeling psychology better suited her. She went on to receive her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut (UCONN). However, she still had a feeling she wanted to pursue her dream as a fashion designer, so Nova enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to study fashion design.
With capital support from family and friends, Nova was able to launch her first fashion line, which earned her the Haute Couture Designer of the Year award and two rising star nominations from Fashion Group International. Today, Nova is an avid storyteller, expressing herself through a wide range of formats. “I tell stories through fabric as it relates to my fashion,” she explains. “I use the written word, in terms of my books, screenplays, and poetry; and for performance art, dance, hosting and acting are my tools.”
Nova is currently working on the launch of her new book and fashion collection. “The fashion collection is a quality first clothing and accessory line that embodies the essence of coastal living,” she says. “The book is called Unleash Your Supernova. The book will be published by Skyhorse Publishing and distributed through Simon & Schuster.” She describes the book as a guide to increasing creativity and overcoming burnout. “It is a useful toolbox full of goodies to assist anyone on the journey of creative entrepreneurship,” she says.
You will be able to see Nova Lorraine discuss the ways you can be the architect of the life you want in her upcoming TED Talk on March 2021. Penn State University will be hosting the event. Nova Lorraine’s story is far from finished. As she expands her creative output to novels and screenplays, Nova is inspiring others to pursue their creative passions.
Credits:
Photography: Vital Agibalow for Hensel
Wardrobe: Grand Showroom NYC, Amnesia, LEO & LIN, Barbara Bela, JVLAURNT, Manuela De La Cruz, and Alex Stone
Stylist: Janet Igah
Asst. Stylist: Emmanuela Blanc
Makeup: Elisa Bailon
Hair: Ashia Richardson
To learn more about Nova Lorraine, visit novalorraine.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
