By: Isabella Mary
In the heart of New York City, where dreams are as tall as the skyscrapers, a unique fashion brand has been making waves in the industry with its commitment to empowering women. Donny’s Angel, founded by a former fitness professional turned fashion visionary, Donell Carter, is more than just a clothing line; it’s a tribute to strength, confidence, and the everlasting influence of a beloved mother. After eight years of sculpting bodies and minds through fitness, Donell transitioned to his creative passion for photography and quickly thereafter into fashion. This pivot was not just a career change but a profound personal journey that culminated in November 2023 with the passing of his mother. In her memory, he launched Donny’s Angel—a brand dedicated to helping every woman feel confident and empowered in their skin.
Donny’s Angel offers an exquisite selection of high-fashion dresses, party wear, and jackets designed not only to adorn the body but also to embolden the spirit. From daring cutout dresses that speak volumes without saying a word to elegant gowns that whisper tales of grace and resilience, each piece is crafted with intentionality. What sets this brand apart is its focus on creating clothing essentials that are both timeless and innovative, allowing every woman to define their look on their own terms.
Central to the success of Donny’s Angel is Jacqui de Jong—a New York-based model whose collaboration with the brand has become nothing short of iconic. De Jong has been instrumental in bringing Donell’s vision to life on runways and photoshoots alike. Her continuous work with Donny’s Angel at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week has not only showcased the brand’s distinctive designs but also its underlying mission.
“I loved walking for Donny’s Angel at the Runway 7 show at New York Fashion Week, which is a bit more structured,” Jacqui de Jong shared enthusiastically. “But when I work directly with the designer one-on-one for a separate brand shoot, there’s way more room for creativity and flexibility. I find that sometimes I can suggest ideas as well.” This collaboration between de Jong and Donell exemplifies how synergy between designer and muse can transcend traditional boundaries—fostering an environment where mutual creativity flourishes.
This partnership extends beyond runway shows into social media realms where Jacqui actively shares her experiences with Donny’s Angel through captivating posts on Instagram and engaging videos on TikTok. Furthermore, her personal website serves as an additional platform where she champions the ethos of confidence and empowerment—the very essence of what Donny’s Angel stands for.
At its core, Donny’s Angel embodies a philosophy that clothes are not just garments we wear but messages we send about who we are and what we stand for. The brand challenges conventional notions by insisting that fashion should be accessible yet luxurious—a means through which women can assert their identity without compromise.
The inception story of Donny’s Angel serves as an inspiring testament to how personal loss can transform into societal gain. By channeling his grief into something beautiful, Donell has created more than just a fashion label; he has birthed a movement towards self-love and empowerment that resonates deeply with women everywhere.
As we look towards the future, it becomes evident that brands like Donny’s Angel play an indispensable role in shaping not only market trends but cultural narratives around beauty standards and female agency. With each stitch sewn into their high-fashion creations lies hope—hope for greater acceptance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in beauty.
The intersection between artistry and advocacy found within this remarkable collaboration between Jacqui de Jong and Donell underlines an essential truth: when creativity meets purpose—and when designers listen closely to those they dress—real transformation happens both inside out.
In today’s fast-paced world where authenticity often takes a backseat to commercial appeal, stories like those woven by Donny’s Angel offer much-needed respite—a reminder that at its best; fashion transcends aesthetics—it communicates values; it narrates resilience; it inspires confidence.
Amidst fabric folds infused with dreams deferred now realized, Donell’s vision—manifested through meticulous craftsmanship—echoes far beyond catwalks or camera flashes. It whispers potent truths about identity reclaimed, about power reimagined, about femininity celebrated—in all its forms, across all walks life.
It continues: the legacy of a son’s love—a beacon guiding toward light unyielding, towards horizons boundless, toward futures bright, where every woman reigns supreme—cloaked in dignity, draped in strength, adorned in garments named after angels… But made exclusively for queens.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
