76 VUENJ.COM
RUNWAY
TO REINVENTION
JANET HOWARD'S RETURN TO FASHION
BY JULIAN STERLING
Janet Howard is all about trusting your
instincts, building a lasting brand, and
creating clothes that leave women feeling
con!dent, sexy, and strong. Her newest
line, Janet Howard New York, embraces
modern femininity while retaining the
classic sophistication Janet Howard is
known and loved for.
THE JOURNEY
VUE: You've had an incredibly full career
in fashion, from launching your own
collection in the '90s to working with a
major global brand and now returning
with Janet Howard New York. When you
look back, what moments most shaped the
woman and business leader you are today?
Starting my own business at such a young
age, in my early 20s, gave me an incredible
education in what it really takes to build
and run a company. Even on a small
scale, I learned every aspect of the fashion
business hands-on, from the !rst sketch to
the !nished garment. I was also incredibly
lucky to have wonderful mentors and
partners along the way, including my team.
My pattern maker had started at Mugler,
and I had an extraordinary tailoring sta".
We worked so well together. We really did
make magic. Around that time, I began
showing during New York Fashion Week at
Bryant Park. I remember being absolutely
terri!ed to walk out at the end of the show!
#ose experiences taught me so much—
not only about fashion, but about trusting
