Joanna C. de'Shay
Owner/Designer, Black Russian Label

Born on the Western coast of Africa to a Nigerian Father and Russian  Mother, this international designer could not think of a more representative name for her new clothing line.  Thus, Black Russian Label was born and is a clothing line dedicated to showcasing the many wonderful Cultures, Religions and Ethnicities from around the world. 

Joanna de’Shay owner of Black Russian Label took a less direct path to achieving her design dream and first earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing, followed by obtaining her Master’s degree in Organizational Management.  With a strong business background, she felt like she could then move on and acquire her second Master’s degree, a Fine Arts degree in Fashion design. 

Currently enrolled at the prestigious Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Joanna is in her second year of their 3 year Masters of Fine Arts Program in Fashion Design.  Upon graduation from the MFA in Fashion Design program, Joanna and other seniors in her graduating class will have the opportunity to be selected to present a collection at New York Fashion week in Bryant Park. 

This Global designer of the world feels Fashion pulsating through her blood and is on a journey to metamorphosize the impact that Fashion can bring to cultural understanding and harmony among the races. 

In addition to her enrollment in the MFA program in Fashion Design, Joanna is the newest Adjunct Faculty member at Estrella Mountain Community College.  She has taught History of Fashion and Fashion Design.

Joanna believes that "Fashion is in you and something that you are; it has to be organic and be birthed by your truth from an authentic place." Armed with a strong business background and a love for Fashion, Black Russian Label will soar to new heights and become the premiere clothing line for women that is representative of all women collectively from all corners of the world.

2009 WINNER!