Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaion Henderson.
Hi Jaion, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never planned to become a fashion designer. Growing up, I was a math enthusiast, drawn to precision, structure, and logic. But I’ve always had a strong sense of justice and empathy, and those instincts unexpectedly guided me toward design.
In high school, I joined the theatre department to overcome my shyness and quickly noticed how poorly the costume designer treated others. When I voiced my concerns, my teacher explained there was no one to replace him, so I volunteered. What started as a stand against unkindness became the spark that ignited my passion for fashion.
Teaching myself to sew and design from scratch, I rose to become the lead costume designer, managing the wardrobe for three musicals and four plays. Through every late-night fitting and improvised stitch, I discovered the balance between artistry and structure, the same harmony that had always fascinated me in math. That realization led me to pursue fashion design in college, where I found my niche in technical design, the perfect intersection of creativity and calculation.
Since then, I’ve collaborated with fashion leaders and innovators, from Ms. Georgia and Swarovski to luxury leather manufacturers across the South and Victoria’s Secret. Most recently, I’ll be joining Alvin Ailey in New York City for their upcoming winter productions, continuing to merge precision with artistry on a larger stage. For me, fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about integrity, innovation, and the courage to step forward when no one else will.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At a pivotal moment in my upbringing, I lost my mother to Lupus. She was my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person who taught me to see beauty in everything. After her passing, I had to leave my home in Virginia, where my family, friends, and sense of belonging resided, and move to Georgia to live with my uncles. Overnight, everything familiar was gone. The people, the places, the rhythm of my life, it all changed. In that transition, I became reserved and introspective, retreating into my own world because I wasn’t ready for the one unfolding around me.
What began as isolation slowly evolved into introspection and creativity. I turned to things I could control, numbers, patterns, details. Math gave me structure when life felt uncertain. Yet, it wasn’t until high school that I rediscovered expression through a new medium: theatre. I joined the program to push myself out of my comfort zone, but what I found was a new form of belonging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a fashion designer with a versatile skill set that bridges costume construction and technical design. My work specializes in leather craftsmanship and corsetry. I’m best known for my expertise with specialty leathers and the intricate detail of my corset designs, which have become a signature element of my work.
One of my proudest accomplishments is my senior collection, where I showcased my ability to merge real and faux leather techniques across both menswear and womenswear. That collection allowed me to define my aesthetic and highlight my technical mastery within my niche.
What truly sets me apart is my fluency across three distinct designs: fashion, costume, and technical. Each has its own language, and I speak all three with confidence.
What are your plans for the future?
I am moving to NYC in 3 weeks to work with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater for their winter productions. Which is extremely exciting. I look forward to working with the company after the winter productions are finished and honing my costume skills alongside them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaionmhenderson.wixsite.com/mauricious/projects
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maurihcious/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaionhenderson/
Image Credits
Photographer: Princess Windsor
Hair: Indya Simoney
Makeup: Ken
Styling: Spencer
Models: Kamya Clifton
Uriel Newman
Pauline Akua
Amirr
Alexandria
