Where Some See Disabilities, Alivia Sees Art for Fashion

Jovana Mullins, a School of Design graduate and alumnus of brands such as Alice + Olivia, Coach and Sam Edelman, felt the need to feed her soul, and left the latter after three years to do more nonprofit work. Teaching art therapy to developmentally disabled youths and young adults at New York’s Center for All Abilities, she was amazed by the raw talent and untapped potential of the autistic participants. “I was blown away by their art and their talent,” she said. “You see these kids, some of whom can’t speak, and the way they express themselves through art blew my mind. I’ve been an embroidery designer throughout my whole career. I immediately envisioned their art on a ready-to-wear collection. It’s a no-brainer. As a print designer trying to create as much inclusion as possible, this is an exciting challenge.” Mullins teamed with her husband, Brandon, who leveraged his business background to develop the brand. Alivia is 100 percent self-funded by the Mullins’ savings. A look from Alivia’s spring 2020 collection featuring Alan Li’s art.  “We’re working on raising a seed round,” Brandon Mullins said. “As far as commercial viability, this could be a long-term commitment. There are fashion brands that do a collaboration

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