She may have just graduated from Lebanon’s ESMOD, École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode, or Higher School for Fashion Arts and Techniques for those of us who dozed off during Middle School French. But Jana, in her early twenties, is ready to take on the fashion world.

Jana grew up in Kuwait, left for Lebanon for her education but she’s back. As a child she was never really the bookish type, and preferred art and doodling to math and physics. All of that extra practice led her to a career in the fashion world. She’s also a certified visual merchandiser, creating a theme in a shop window to entice customers to come in. Which mirrors her fashion design, using her garments as a collection to tell a story.

Jana’s education and training has given her the tools and skills to create beautiful garments, but her imagination and passion have given her the vehicle to transform them into a beautifully spun tale.

Her debut collection is about cancer, specifically metastasis, a secondary malignant growth. Undoubtedly, a morbid topic that most would shy away from. Nevertheless, it is something that is relatable to many of us. We have all lost someone or seen someone suffer from a disease that plagues mankind. Her mentor thought it was too depressing and clearly told her not to talk about it.

Undeterred, Jana was set on pursuing the topic. Instead of outright mentioning cancer, she translated it into volume, beautiful deformations and transparencies, and titled the collection “Metamorphosis”. Using sheer and opaque fabrics, boning and smart construction, she created twelve different pieces that come together as four full outfits.

The color palette is pale and neutral. With crisp whites, muted golds and greys that one would assume end up looking subdued. But it is anything but dull. Billowing chiffons, voluminous sleeves, fitted bodices are all carefully juxtaposed to give structure to an otherwise drape-y material. The message is powerful and striking.

She describes her eponymous brand as “exposing the form of an abstract idea from a philosophical point of view and translating it into a tangible product. [Simply put] developing fictional visualizations from a young thought into a speculative end”.

It doesn’t matter if you understand fashion or philosophy but looking at this young designer’s work you understand that there is an underlying significance to it. And while she knows that her aesthetic is not set in stone and will mature, grow and evolve over time, we are sure that she has the drive and passion to surprise and fascinate us in the future.

Courtesy of Jana Yatim

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Passionate. 

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Missed.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

Imagine a day without clocks. What problems would you face without clocks?

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Got a nose piercing.

What is your theme song?

“Comptine d’un autre été” – Yann Tiersen.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Liberalism.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

I would love to go back to my home country Lebanon one day and retire there.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

Tiger.

Courtesy of Jana Yatim

What do you miss about your childhood?

The thing I miss the most about my childhood is going to cheap stores with my mother and collecting/buying stickers and antiques that I still have until now since I was 9-years-old.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Jana is a short-form of Jannah in both the Islamic and Christian concept of paradise, since I like the meaning of my name, I never thought of another name to change it to.

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

Firm.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I am a very impatient person and I have realized not having patience is the cause of most of my problems in life.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Vincent Van Gogh.

What in the world do you least desire?

The fake lives on social media.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

I think what is lacking in the world is women rights, I believe that there should be equality between women and men rights to make the world a better place.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I am a very realistic and honest person.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

Contentment.

Stay up to date with this young designer and follow Jana on Instagram @janayatim for her latest updates and collections.