Evan Elkowitz x SSBYLM

a fashion adventure and interview

It has been so exciting getting to know Evan Elkowitz through our shared passion for fashion and wanderlust. Evan grew up in the fashion world, and in the last 15 years has taken her knowledge, flair and interests in style and travel and combined it all creating her own business.

@stylebyevan was her first venture working as a personal stylist, fashion writer and magazine contributor. Her love for travel took her to Cuba and the inspiration, beauty, creative people and unique culture she found there has blossomed into a career where she works with a native artisan and design community, now known as @cubabyevan. Drawn to Cuba’s colorfulness in both its fashion and traditions, Evan has become captivated by everything Cuba has to offer and began fashion focused cultural tours for the country’s new visitors.  

Below are pictures we teamed up to style together highlighting treasured pieces she has brought back from her trips as well as photos she has taken in Cuba these last few years. I asked Evan all about her experiences and passions and even included links if you would like to learn more about her tours and business. When we can safely travel, I know for sure I’ll be joining her for a fashion journey!

Scroll to skip to our interview at the bottom of page!

▼

Q + A with Evan Elkowitz:

*The interview has been condensed and edited.

L: You are involved In many aspects of fashion — what area of the business is the most rewarding?

E: “Tough question! There’s several rewarding parts of being in my business… I love making my clients feel great and more confident about themselves. That’s always extremely rewarding. Since I began my work in Cuba, I have gotten involved with the most incredible people, and through these relationships, I’ve really been able to make a difference. From representing and giving a voice to the underground Cuban design community to helping improve the lives of Cuban children undergoing cancer treatment, I’ve definitely left my mark. All of this hard work and hustle have proved to be very rewarding.” 

L: How would you describe your style?

E: “I’d describe my style as “classic with an edge.” I love classic pieces like great blazers, white button down shirts, and leather pants, but I also appreciate funky and edgy fashion as well. Some of my favorite designers are Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Rick Owens. I love mixing high and low priced items. I’ll shop anywhere— I have a gift for finding interesting pieces and mixing them in an unconventional yet tasteful way.” 

L: What was your introduction to the fashion of Cuba and the designers emerging from that market?

E: “On my first trip to Cuba, I was asked to style a photoshoot for a Cuban jewelry designer, Rox950. I gladly agreed and went to Havana with a suitcase full of clothes for the models and spent my entire first day there working on set. From there, I became very curious… How were Cubans so fashionable? Where were they shopping? How were they aware of global fashion trends while being insulated from the world? I began my research, which led to my curiosity becoming a permanent fixture in the Cuban fashion scene.” 

L: What are some style characteristics that are quintessential to traditional Cuban culture?

E: “Well, everything made in Cuba is made by hand with artisans. Many things can be created from remnants of other things like fabrics, leather, and even vintage coins. They are know for up-cycling, which was probably first created in Cuba! Much of Cuban fashion has a vintage feel and look. That’s what originally attracted me to meet with their designers. They design everything— from acrylic necklaces, clothes, sterling silver jewelry, and leather bags, plus much more. Sourcing materials is their biggest challenge but their creativity truly comes alive due to this barrier.”

One of my favorite jewelry designers is: Katy Ocaña. These designs are all from her Instagram here.

L: Are there any Cuban-based designers that SSBYLM readers can shop for in the US who sells internationally?

E: “The only fashion label that people can currently shop for in Cuba and globally is Clandestina. It’s Cuba’s first sustainable, independent, and female-founded fashion brand by two women: Idania del Río and Leira Fernández. I am honored to know both Idania & Leira, who are the lead designers and owners. They are known for their funky and trendy upcycled fashion. Clandestina was the first privately owned Cuban fashion brand that was legally sold outside of the country. They had pop ups in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and in Washington DC last year, where their were able to introduce, showcase, and internationally sell their interesting collection. 

L: Which emerging designer(s) who you have worked with are the most exciting or on verge of becoming well recognized outside of Cuba?

E: I am extremely fortunate to be working with so many talented designers in Cuba. Every time I go to Cuba, I try to meet with a new emerging designer and add them to my repertoire. One designer that I see great potential in is Textura, which is a line of fabulous handbags and accessories that are designed by Liset Hernández Vázquez. Textura’s sustainable fashion accessories are made by hand from natural plant-based textile fibers and are also 100% biodegradable, all consciously designed in mind of the planet. It’s been an honor for me to have models walk the runways in several of my fashion shows wearing pieces by Textura. I adore Liset— she is definitely someone to keep on your radar.

L: Tell us about your business @cubabyevan and your trips to Havana! (see example itinerary)

E: “After taking several trips to Havana, I realized that no one outside of Cuba was aware of the emerging fashion scene there and wanted to help spread the word of their beautiful talent. I had become friends with many interesting native Cuban-based fashion designers— I knew I had to do something.

I created a curated Fashion & Arts tour to introduce people to the world I had discovered there. (I called it a “Fashion & Arts tour,” but in truth, it really encompasses so much more. Through my tours, I have been able to produce well-attended fashion shows, fashion events, help support to the local synagogues, assist the Carmen & Ray project for children with cancer, and much much more. My tour is under @cubabyevan, where I research and personalize an educational, fun group experience in Cuba. Since my first day of work with the photoshoot, I’ve fallen in love with the culture and the people. I’ll continue to make it a huge priority of my life, where I can support their industrious design community in all the ways I can.”