During the pandemic—a time when everyone was turning to sweatpants and messy buns—Sarasota’s Yara Shoemaker, founder of Fovari, had something else in mind. She saw the need for a new line of sleek, elegant fashion pieces that would embrace the female form instead of hide it. After many Zoom meetings and phone calls, Fovari was born. The sustainable couture brand elevates everyday styles into glamorous, runway-ready fashion.
Fashion has always been in Shoemaker’s blood. She grew up in Syria, where she fell in love with fashion through her mother’s closet. After immigrating to the U.S. at the age of 24, Shoemaker went on to become editor in chief of the female lifestyle and fashion magazine Femme Rouge and in 2006 launched a Sarasota-based private fashion label and boutique.
Following Fovari’s debut at February’s New York Fashion Week, we spoke with Shoemaker about the brand, the inspiration behind her designs and a whole lot more. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
