The story of two sisters is one of the true success stories in Saint Barth. Those sisters are Faby and Nanou, who decided to create their own brand of clothing. They started with next to nothing, except the spark of creativity and the determination of those who believe in their lucky star and their talent. Today, ten years after the launch of its signature kimono, Lolita Jaca is a major label on the fashion scene in Saint Barth. ACCESS chats with Faby Jaca, the stylist/designer for the brand.
Please tell us about the launch of Lolita Jaca.
« We started out humbly. Before becoming a designer, I had a small boutique that carried multiple brands. I often adapted the styles we carried. I cut, resized, and redesigned based on my inspiration and what my clients requested. In fact, I didn’t know it yet, but I was learning my future profession. And then, one day, ten years ago, I took the plunge on the advice of my sister Nanou. I created my first design, a kimono, working with a seamstress here in Saint Barth. The fabric was burlap, and not very comfortable, but it was the best I could find. We put it in the window, and fifteen minutes later, it was sold. My new life as a designer had just started! »
What are your sources of inspiration?
« There are many, even if there is a sense of continuity in the Lolita Jaca style. My references are the 1920s-30s and 60s-70s. The 20s were the beginning of creativity and freedom in design. They were the Roaring Twenties with lots of fun, but also a lot of class and ultra feminine styles that are perpetually updated. The 60s saw Swinging London and the advent of short skirts that fit so nicely with the lifestyle in Saint Barth. I like 70s decade for its bohemian spirit, its arty side, and the beginning of a trend of traveling to
Can you describe the Lolita Jaca style in just a few words?
« That’s hard, as I don’t like to be labeled. I am not limited to a single style. Compartmentalized, no thanks! On one side, there is the “Belle de Jour” style, almost proper, with dresses in white lace with clean lines. Then on the other side—and one goes well with the other— the bohemian look with its Slavic and Indian influences, from long dresses to silk tops. Today, the trademark of Lolita Jaca is quality and exclusivity, with the creation of limited series and extraordinary one-of-a-kind pieces. We also do permanent research on how to improve the quality of the fabrics. »
Lolita Jaca and Saint Barth, it’s a beautiful story…
« I love Saint Barth. I need to travel in order to create. I need Saint Barth to recharge my energy. Here, I am inspired by nature, the colors of the sand, the minerals, the flowers, and of course, by the sea. The Dubai blue, one of the pieces from my last collection, is inspired by the blue of the sea in the bay of Saint Jean. »
Tell us about your new collection?
« First, there are the classics, the fabrics I have used since the beginning—silk, cotton, and crochet. I reinvent them every year. And then there are the colors, warm and cool tones, such as a magnificent beige print inspired by art deco to wear in Saint Barth or elsewhere. This year, I spent two marvelous months Ibiza. While there, I had a desire to design longer cuts, dresses that are both bohemian and sumptuously chic. That’s the signature of the Lolita Jaca woman, elegant and sophisticated, while at the same time simple, flowing, and relaxed. »
LOLITA JACA
Les Hauts du Carré d’Or, Gustavia et
Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia
97133 St Barthélémy
