BIO
New York City dweller Johanna Cabrera began her career as a self–taught designer using her inherited artisanal skills, sensible aesthetic and fine arts background to create custom designs for independent clients. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Johanna worked alongside renowned New York handbag designers where she mastered handbag construction techniques and materi
al technology. A Puerto Rico native, Johanna combines her nostalgia for the beauty and ease of the tropics with an urban feel in her designs. Also inspired by vintage finds, her objective is to create intricate yet functional designs focused on detailed construction that will be worn by generations. Her style is thoughtfully playful always with an element of surprise; it can be described as whimsical-functionality. Today the designer’s vision has taken shape in the label iloveYOJITA that includes handbags and small accessories. Her hope is that customers will veer away from mass-produced labels in the quest to find individuality and in doing so will wear accessories that identify their style in a unique way. Johanna advocates the support of community sourcing her raw materials with local vendors exclusively. Her product is constructed with a combination of new and reused materials to consciously minimize her carbon footprint. Each collection is designed and produced according to material availability creating limited edition items. From conception to fabrication her product is handcrafted proudly at her home studio in Woodside, New York. The YOJITA icon is the designer herself with wings, which signifies self-love and an ever-evolving freedom of expression.
