Juan The Designer
True Love|November 2019
Meet the creative brains behind Anele’s stunning dress at the 2018 Oscars!
Tsakane Ndlovu
Juan The Designer

Who is Juan William Aria?

After completing my BA degree at LISOF in 2009, I established Juan William Aria in 2010 and specialise in bridal, evening and special occasion wear. Our studio is in Little Falls, Roodepoort, and I'm 31 years old!

How did you decide on fashion designing as a career?

My uncle, Gideon, is a fashion designer and he was my biggest inspiration. I remember attending his fashion shows from the age of nine and knowing that I would one day follow in his footsteps.

How would you describe your personal style?

Modern, lux, contemporary and romantic are a few words I love using to describe my personal style.

When did you get your first big break?

When I started dressing the Queen of SA radio, Anele Mdoda.

If designing was not in the books, what would you be?

Definitely a lawyer. When I was 17, I applied for two bursaries – one in fashion and the other in law – and promised myself that I'd study the one that I got a bursary for. That's how I landed in fashion.

What are you most proud of in your career?

This story is from the November 2019 edition of True Love.

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This story is from the November 2019 edition of True Love.

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