Although the label may be best known for its collection of prom dresses, Jovani considers itself a full-service dress designer, selling bridal and evening wear collections as well as their iconic signature prom styles.

The fashion house was founded in 1979 by then-19 year-old Saul Maslavi and his father Jacob. Saul’s goal was to offer high-end designer dresses that all women could wear, which is why they offer a wide range of sizes, from 0 to 24. Their first boutique opened in New York in 1980.

Saul’s fashions were inspired by his travels through Europe, where he studied haute couture. But instead of concentrating solely on typical special ocassion evening gowns and cocktail dresses, Jovani also offered an extensive line of stylish prom dresses and the label over the last 30 years has often become synonymous with younger fashion.

Yet Jovani appeals to more than just high school girls preparing for their first formal dance. Many Hollywood celebrities have been spotted on red carpets wearing designer dresses from Jovani collections including Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus. Maslavi’s fashions have also been featured in many television shows such as Make It or Break It, One Tree Hill, One Life to Live, Wheel of Fortune, and Deal or No Deal.

After Jacob retired from the company, Saul’s younger brother Abraham was named Jovani’s president so Jovani Fashions is now run by the Maslavi brothers, who handle all facets of the company—design, production, marketing, and sales—firmly keeping it a family business. Both brothers live in New York where Jovani has a main showroom in New York City’s garment district. The company also has showrooms in Atlanta and Dallas, and their designer dresses are available in more than 3,000 stores.

The Maslavi brothers have been honored with numerous awards including the National Prom Association’s Retailers Choice Awards for Best Manufacturer Quality, Best Prom Fashion Design, and Outstanding Internet Site. In 2007, the North American Bridal Association nominated Jovani in the Prom, Mother of the Bride, and Most Innovative Designer categories.

Jovani says its most recent line of designer separates, JVN, features embellished jackets, tops, pants, and skirts.