Meet Julia Paley of Jury Apparel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Paley.

Julia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, but I forever dreamed of living in Los Angeles since I was young. I always felt like I didn’t “fit in” in Missouri, because of my outgoing personality and the clothes I wore. Fashion has been my life since I was a child, from playing dress up every single day and having runway fashion shows to cutting/ sewing everything I owned to transform it into something different.

In 2017 after graduating college with my Fashion and Business Degree- my dream officially came true and I moved to LA.

Finally, I was in a place surrounded by diversity. Somewhere I can truly feel comfortable to express myself in my clothes without being judged.

Now, I own a clothing line named Jury. Jury is catered to all races, shapes, and colors. A “jury” is a group of diverse people, who have to work together to come up with one final decision, whether your innocent or guilty. Jury’s has been in the works for many years. Its important to perfect the quality and design of each piece.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I came to Los Angeles with motivation to make myself successful in not only just the fashion industry, but in the movement of race and gender equality, and diversity. I must say -it’s been a beautiful ride. The transition from the Midwest to the Wild West opened my doors to so many now lifelong relationships, connections and ideas.

I’ve spent so many years curating designs and visions for my future projects. I want my clothes to make people feel good and LOOK good. I don’t care about being the next Dior or Off White. It would be nice, but not necessary. I’m more interested in building confidence in the people who wear my clothes, more than being known for the label.

I planned to launch my first collection this year 2020, but COVID had another plan for me. Ironically enough, this has given me tons of time to brainstorm and build a stronger deeper plan to give back to the community and have a better perspective of guiding Jury become a stronger statement than just clothes.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jury Apparel – what should we know?
Jury is based in Los Angeles, California but will be available online world wide. The name Jury, originated 5 years ago, while I was visiting my best friend Ryan in Miami. We both dreamed of being designers, but needed a name. I combined JU (the first two letters of Julia) and RY (first two letters of Ryan). Ever since then, it just clicked. Jury has grown into something so much more than our names combined.

Jury is targeted to every person who believes in changing the world. Each item that’s purchased, 3% of the costs will go to charity (every fashion season, donations will go to a different charity). All of our fabrics are natural, ethically sourced and naturally dyed.

In the courthouse the jury decides if your guilty or innocent – this has a big impact on the clothes designs, sexy but conservative, bold but soft. Jury will have unique signature detail to make each individual garment “different” from the next (because we as humans are all different and one of a kind).

I focus on quality over quantity. Each of my collections will be limited, most of my collections will be neutral skin tones of all ranges, adding different color pops to match the seasons trending color. My collections themes are influenced by the history of court cases that are unsolved. I love a good mystery and believe each collection will be intriguing to the world. Your closet will be filled with Jury one day.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being and staying humble because you never know what may happen along your journey to success. Remember that your family and true friends are your biggest best supporters. Always support other small start businesses because the love will come right back to you. Listen to advice- good or bad. Learn from your mistakes and try again.

Women (and men) of all colors, shapes, and sizes should support each other. This world needs love and peace, (especially right now).

My mission is to help positively change the world by giving confidence to all by wearing Jury.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @juryapparel

Image Credit:
Julia Paley

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