Jeauni Cassanova is a fashion and lifestyle creator known for her vast collection of vintage fashion and as the co-founder of the contemporary jewelry brand Isshï. She also has a prominent social media presence, using her platform to explore themes of personal expression and empowerment through unwavering boldness.
HOW DID YOU INITIALLY GET INTRODUCED TO JONATHAN COHEN?
I was welcomed into the Jonathan Cohen family through my darling friend Angelo, who invited me to be part of the FW25 campaign.
TELL US ABOUT THE LOOK YOU WERE PHOTOGRAPHED IN FOR FW25.
There’s something absolutely divine about a canary yellow gown—it will always sing to me. Paired with a black-and-white embroidered jacket, boxer boot heels, and shades, the look felt like stepping into my full goddess energy, ready for anything. It truly captured the essence of who I am, reflecting the many ways I exist in this world and in life.
AS A CHILD, YOU EXPLORED A WIDE RANGE OF CREATIVE ACTIVITIES, FROM ACTING, DANCING, AND SINGING TO MAKING MUSIC AND WRITING POETRY AND STORIES. WHAT INSPIRED YOUR CURIOSITY TO EXPLORE SO MANY DIFFERENT CREATIVE AVENUES?
Above all, I am a romantic. Because of that, every medium has been a vessel for expressing a deep love that longs to find its way to the surface. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an unwavering desire for self-expression, even in the face of self-doubt. My need to be surrounded by romance has always surpassed everything else.
YOU’VE DESCRIBED YOURSELF AS A “PERMANENT DREAMER” — WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DOES THAT PHILOSOPHY COME TO LIFE IN YOUR CREATIVE WORK?
It all comes back to being a lover, a romantic. I’ve always been drawn to beauty that extends beyond what’s in front of me—it was never enough to simply witness the world as it was. I’ve always asked: What could it be if I dreamed it bigger, richer, deeper, more colorful, more romantic, more poetic? Because of that, I’ve taken every medium of my creative work and stretched it beyond recognition. Whether it’s styling, self-portraits, or poetry, it has never been about making sense—it has always been about making me feel something.
YOUR LOVE ADVICE COLUMN, DEAR JEAUNI, IS SUCH A CREATIVE PROJECT. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE IT?
I feel closest to myself—closest to my soul—when I talk and think about love. I’ve always been a source of healing, transformation, and deep connection for the people in my life, and I wanted to carve out a space to explore that more frequently, beyond intimate conversations with friends and family. At the root of everything we do, at the core of our very existence, is love—and Dear Jeauni is simply an extension of that belief.
WE LOVE SEEING YOUR MANY CREATIVE OUTFITS ON TIKTOK AND THE WAY YOUR INFLUENCE HAS GROWN. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THIS INFLUENCER SIDE WITH YOUR PASSION FOR FASHION AND GLAMOUR? IN WHAT WAYS DO THESE CREATIVE AND SOCIAL MEDIA WORLDS OVERLAP FOR YOU?
The balance is something I’m still figuring out. I’m a deeply sensitive person, and fashion—style—is how I express my heart and my love to the world. But when that expression becomes monetized or used to promote products, it can feel complicated. The intersection of art and capitalism tests your values—it forces you to decide how much you’re willing to risk in order to stay true to your vision. But on the bright side, social media has opened doors I never could have imagined. It has led me to incredible creative opportunities and connections with talents like Jonathan and Angelo. I feel immensely lucky for that.
FASHION CAN BE SUCH A RESOURCE-INTENSIVE INDUSTRY. WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DO YOU THINK BRANDS AND CONSUMERS HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS? WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK INFLUENCERS PLAY IN PROMOTING MORE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMER HABITS?
It’s a symbiotic relationship. Every hand that touches this industry—brands, consumers, influencers—has a role to play. Not every brand will step up if consumers aren’t willing to demand better, and the same goes for influencers. The shift toward sustainability has to be a collective effort; it cannot rest on just one group. If we truly want change, we have to move together. It begins with community.
IN A 2023 PAPER MAGAZINE ARTICLE, YOU DESCRIBED YOUR LOVE FOR THE “OPERA STAR WHO FELL INTO A SWAMP” AESTHETIC. DOES THIS STILL DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? HOW HAS YOUR FASHION SENSE EVOLVED SINCE?
I think I’m in another evolution, but that’s always been the nature of my style—it never stays still. There’s still a piece of that opera star lost in the wild that lingers, but lately, I’ve been focusing more on my day-to-day style. My strength has always been in grand, romantic, stage-worthy looks—layered, constricted, poetic. But now, I’m exploring how to translate those elements into something more wearable, something that allows me to move through the world without always feeling bound by a larger-than-life presence. Who is the opera star without her gown and kimono? That’s the question I’m answering now.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO EXPLORE FASHION AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION ONLINE?
Tune out the noise. And honestly, I say this as a reminder to myself too. There is so much input—so many voices telling you who you should be, what you should create, how to shape yourself to fit the expectations of followers, brands, and algorithms. But your power lies in who you are. I know it’s a tired answer, but the pressure to conform only grows as more eyes are on you. Keep your gaze on yourself. Listen to your truth. The world doesn’t need another copy.