Born in Colombia, it’s no surprise that Jhoan Sebastian Grey is profoundly influenced by his Latin heritage. He developed an appreciation for detail and precision working alongside his father in the family’s home-based leather business, listening to what the customers wanted, and keeping up with pop-cultural trends.
At the age of seven, Sebastian decided to pursue formal ballet training after attending a performance with his parents. He paid close attention to intricate details of the dancer’s outfits being made, and how they beautifully came alive on the body. He would later study fashion design in Colombia and won a much-coveted scholarship to attend Instituto Marangoni in Miami, where he continued to develop and refine his unique vision and capabilities as a designer. As an immigrant he had little knowledge of English but possessed incredible determination and a very clear, creative perspective. Sebastian supported himself as a housekeeper until once again his talent shone through, earning him an incredible opportunity to participate as a contestant on Project Runway; this would ultimately lead to him being the Season 17 winner. He is now translating his signature details, a bold and elevated sense of colour, impeccable construction, and unique vision into his first Canadian namesake venture, Grey by Jhoan Sebastian Grey, launched on TSC on March 14th, 2024.