Saul Maslavi
Saul Maslavi | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 14, 1964 Tehran, Imperial State of Persia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Known for | CEO of Jovani Fashion |
Saul Maslavi (born October 14, 1964) is an American entrepreneur of Iranian origin, recognized primarily for his role as CEO of Jovani Fashion.
Biography
Maslavi's early years were spent in Tehran, Imperial State of Persia, until he was eleven years old. He then moved to England, where he attended Shiplake College. Subsequently, he emigrated to the United States, finishing high school at John L. Miller Great Neck North High School and pursuing higher education at Baruch College in Manhattan. His father, Jacob Maslavi, established the Jovani brand, and Saul contributed to the company while enrolled in evening classes.
In 1993, he married optometrist Orly Maslavi, and together they have four children.
Jovani Fashion
Jovani Fashion was launched in 1983 by Jacob Maslavi along with his sons Abraham and Saul. The enterprise started with a small team of ten individuals creating fifteen dress designs intended for specialty boutiques. Initially concentrating on evening gowns, the brand broadened its scope to include prom and cocktail attire by 1990. As demand increased by 1992, manufacturing operations were moved to China, while design activities remained based in the US. In 1996, Jovani brought on American designer Sherri Hill to enhance its prom and pageant collections; she remained with the company for twelve years. Following Jacob Maslavi’s death in 2006, Saul assumed ownership and inaugurated a second showroom in Atlanta in 2007, which underwent renovation in 2015.
The brand’s creations have been showcased by celebrities such as Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Jewel during red carpet appearances and social occasions. Notably, in 2014, Miranda Lambert’s Jovani gowns were displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Remaining a family-owned business, Jovani has evolved into a firm employing approximately fifty people and supplying over 2,000 retailers worldwide, including prestigious outlets like Neiman Marcus.
Under Saul Maslavi’s direction, Jovani diversified its product lines with offerings such as JVN by Jovani—a more affordable prom collection—Maslavi contemporary ready-to-wear apparel, and Jovani Bridal featuring wedding gowns.
In 2014, Saul Maslavi was appointed President and CEO of Jovani Fashion.
Charity
In 2013, Saul Maslavi partnered with Jovani Fashion and the charity Operation PROM to donate prom dresses to economically disadvantaged high school students.