La Tanya Louis is a distinguished fashion education and design leader. She is a professor at Santa Monica College and excels in costume design, fashion production, and entrepreneurship. Her multifaceted career spans teaching, design, styling, and business management, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry. Drawing on her diverse experiences and accomplishments, she has established herself as a respected voice in academic and professional circles, seamlessly blending theoretical knowledge with practical application in fashion.
Ms. Louis earned a Master of Fine Arts in fashion from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, following a Master of Business Administration in international business and a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design from American InterContinental University in Los Angeles. Her educational journey began with coursework in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. This robust academic foundation equipped her with the theoretical and practical skills to succeed in design, production, business management, and education.
At Santa Monica College, Ms. Louis transitioned to a full-time professor role in the fashion department. She teaches classes with 18 to 35 students, develops engaging projects, and facilitates internship opportunities for aspiring fashion professionals. Her dedication extends beyond teaching, as she spearheaded the college’s affiliation with the Barbara Fields Internship Program and leads the SMC LA Mode Fashion Show as producer and director. These initiatives provide students with practical experience and industry exposure, helping bridge academic learning with professional practice.
In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Louis actively contributes to the fashion industry through her company, La Tanya Nicole Martine, where she works as a custom fashion designer, costume designer, and stylist. Her costume design expertise has enriched numerous stage, film, and television productions, including a memorable stage project highlighting her creative abilities. Her work blends functionality, historical accuracy, and artistic expression, bringing characters to life through meticulously crafted wardrobes.
Ms. Louis’s professional background includes prominent roles in fashion business management. She served as fashion director for Fella Magazine and held executive positions at Authentic Apparel Group and BCBG MAXAZRIA, as a business manager and executive assistant to the president of the Max Rave division. Her entrepreneurial ventures include founding Aristocrats, a specialty boutique and custom design service. These experiences gave her deep insights into retail operations, corporate management, and entrepreneurship, enhancing her ability to prepare students for real-world industry challenges.
Ms. Louis’s teaching portfolio includes roles at California State University in Long Beach, Woodbury University, Beverly Hills Design Institute, and American InterContinental University. She began teaching in an afterschool program for African American children, teaching sewing, modeling, and jewelry making. This early experience shaped her philosophy of integrating hands-on learning and practical skill development with theoretical knowledge.
As a member of the Black Design Collective, Ms. Louis actively advocates for diversity and representation within the fashion industry. She has developed a sustainable luxury women’s clothing line specializing in cashmere, underscoring her commitment to high-end fashion and environmental consciousness. Her involvement in professional organizations and sustainable initiatives reflects her dedication to advancing the industry while promoting ethical practices and inclusivity.
Looking to the future, Ms. Louis aims to advance her academic career and keep pace with technological developments in fashion education. She plans to author books sharing her industry insights and create an organization to mentor young people on conscious fashion choices in today’s media-driven world. Additionally, she continues to develop multiple clothing brands, merging entrepreneurial ambitions with design expertise. Her forward-thinking approach and passion for innovation ensure she remains a leader in fashion education and industry development.
Ms. Louis is passionate about educating society on the distinction between fashion trends and essential clothing needs. As an educator, designer, and mentor, she influences the next generation of fashion professionals while maintaining an active presence in the industry. Her holistic approach to fashion education, practical expertise, and entrepreneurial vision positions her as an invaluable resource for shaping the future of fashion through education, innovation, and sustainability.