Stella Novarino (known professionally as Stella Jean) is an Italian-Haitian fashion designer internationally celebrated for using fashion as a bridge between cultures, craftsmanship, and social impact. Born in Rome to an Italian father and a Haitian mother, she has built her fashion label co-owned with Steven Torres and Gan Suebsarakham around the belief that cultural exchange and artisanal excellence can redefine contemporary luxury while celebrating the richness of diverse identities.

After beginning her career as a model, Stella transitioned into fashion design, combining the precision of Italian tailoring with the vibrant textiles and traditional craftsmanship of artisan communities across Africa, Haiti, and other parts of the world. Her collections are distinguished by bold prints, elegant silhouettes, and meaningful collaborations that honour heritage while embracing modern sophistication.

A trailblazer in the Italian fashion industry, Stella became one of the first Black designers to join the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Her collections have been showcased at Milan Fashion Week, earning international acclaim for championing ethical fashion, cultural inclusivity, and cross-cultural collaboration. Through her longstanding partnership with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative, she has also helped create sustainable economic opportunities for artisan communities while demonstrating fashion's power to drive meaningful social change.

For Stella Jean, fashion is far more than creating beautiful garments, it is a celebration of identity, heritage, and human connection. Through every collection, she continues to champion cultural diversity, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and prove that the most compelling fashion is created when different cultures come together with mutual respect and shared creativity.