Dallas-based designer Venny Etienne has joined the royal ranks.
Venny Etienne
Hot off the heels of designing a custom piece for none other than Queen Bey herself, Texas-based Venny Etienne is in high demand. From the frenzied workroom of Bravo’s Project Runway to dressing celebs including Niecy Nash, Cardi B and Michelle Williams, the Haitian American designer seems to tailor-make his success at every turn, including launching a brand-new collection this fall with his contemporary line Levenity.
His name is certainly one to know in the fashion realm right now. After all, it’s not every day Beyoncé’s team enlists emerging designers for a groundbreaking project—which is precisely what happened to Etienne. “It started with a text message from Zerina Akers (Beyoncé’s stylist),” shares Etienne. “I dropped everything… I sketched six or seven variations for her and ended up nailing down a strong extended-shoulder silhouette.” Beyoncé donned the custom jacket in her visual album, Black is King, which was released over the summer and is now streaming globally on Disney+ as part of the singer’s new Black Parade initiative benefiting BeyGOOD’s Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. 
The Megan blazer and Tanya flared skirt from Levenity’s Collection #003
Following his instant success on the screen and stage, Etienne is here to share his story and shine a light on his Haitian culture. He dubs his newly debuted RTW collection as somewhat of an ode to Beyoncé. “Collection #003 ties in well with the jacket I created for Beyoncé’s video,” says the designer. “To me, it’s a reminder to search for our roots and celebrate how powerful we are as a culture.” Mixing bold looks, rich hues and soft silhouettes, the new collection from Etienne’s Levenity line is just like the designer himself: fresh and unabashedly fierce.
Photography by: portrait by nikon icon; product photo by nathan paul
