Dayna
Johnson has attained a commendable level of success by establishing
herself as an innovative entrepreneur. Johnson has acquired an inspiring
collection of one-of-a-kind antique and vintage textiles. Her collection
has helped her build connections with designers such as Michael Kors,
Trina Turk and Nicole Miller and with companies such as Juicy Couture and
Lucky Brand. Prints and patterns chosen from her collection have been seen
on everything from bed sheets, bathing suits and shower curtains to men’s,
women’s and children’s clothing and accessories.
Johnson graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2003 with a degree in Fashion and a minor in Art History. Post graduation, Johnson was first given the opportunity to work with vintage textiles when she accepted the position of Design Specialist for Andrea Aranow Textile Documents in New York City. For two years, as Design Specialist, Johnson sold vintage patterns and prints to designers in the United States, London and Paris. While working side by side with Aranow, Johnson accumulated detailed knowledge of vintage textiles as well as working with foreign markets.
After two years, Johnson, taking with her all that she had learned from working with Aranow, was hired as Textile Director for the vintage dealer "What Comes Around Goes Around." Not too soon after, Johnson’s education, travel experiences and job opportunities all served as the catalyst behind launching Dayna Holli Textiles. Today she still has an active relationship with WCAGA doing freelance work.
Since establishing her company Johnson has been expanding her clientele with great success. As an entrepreneur Johnson recognizes the value of innovation within a company. She travels the world in search of interesting pieces with which she can expand her collection. Johnson attends multiple textile shows a year, such as Printsource and Surtex in New York City as well as the Indigo show in Paris. Johnson also avidly scours flea markets in search of exquisite antique and/or vintage textile swatches, clothing, jewelry and rare handmade items. Johnson states, "Clients will tell you what they are looking for. I keep in mind their tastes and present to them what I think will work beautifully from my collection." She recognizes trends but also has the strength and artistic eye to provide customers with what they want.
Ralph Lauren, Jill Stuart and Anna Sui are a few designers who were the first to buy vintage decades ago. Now more designers are looking for vintage and antique textiles. With Johnson’s passion behind running Dayna Holli Textiles she has found an innovative approach to providing designers with what they want. By seeking out versatile items to build a collection, Johnson has made antique and vintage textile prints, patterns, and clothing and jewelry ideas more readily accessible to designers.
Originality and uniqueness are two intrinsic components that attribute to innovation. With this Johnson believes, "fashion is about change, but recognizing core values and ideals that always remain the same within you and/or your company." Change is good especially when it comes to Fashion and with the help of loyal innovators such as Dayna Johnson the industry continues to stay current and exciting.