Paterson, NJ-based designer Lyjerria launched her label Mars NYC with a storm in January 2016 when she caused jaws to drop with a custom, high-cut Supreme bra and pantie set. Just 19 at the time, the Supreme name drop combined with a steamy photo set was widely covered by multiple streetwear sites.
Two years later, Lyjerria is still very much on her grind and continues to design street-infused items with the same steamy sex appeal as her famed Supreme set.
We recently caught up with Lyjerria and discussed her latest swimwear drop and plans to grow her brand. Check out our exchange below.
Snobette: Where does the name Mars come from?
Lyjerria: “I’m really into astrology, and my moon is in Aries; its ruling planet is Mars, which is the fourth planet. Mars has four letters and the number four has always been good to me. Mars NYC felt right.”
Snobette: How did the line transition from the Supreme suit into other items?
Lyjerria: “With the success of the Supreme suit, I was getting tons of requests and sold a lot. I realized expanding from bodywear to swimwear would be a smooth transition. The women who bought the Supreme suit mostly wore it as swimwear so the category was always on my mind to create. The swimwear I design is very sexy, I can’t seem to design things that are not dramatic with the colors black, white and grey at the core.”
Snobette: Now three years in the game how has Mars evolved?
Lyjerria: “It’s such a blessing to be able to do what I love. As of now the team is a one woman show with production in South Asia. I have no formal business training hence, I have been learning as I go. I read a lot! The business comes with ups and downs but overall it’s been great. The line is stocked on Mars NYC and it’s also carried by Dolls Kill, which has been awesome at supporting young black women designers like myself and Matte. The goal for me now is to produce locally, which will happen soon.”
