Faculty

Naika Colas is a New York–based Executive Design Strategist and founder of the eco-friendly fashion brand Jacques Louis, which creates trend-forward pieces using natural fibers, deadstock fabrics, and regenerative materials. She is also the founder of GAIA Collective, a sustainability design strategy consultancy that partners with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands on ESG reporting, regenerative supply chains, community-driven initiatives, and circular material innovation.

Her work seeks to shift how disadvantaged communities perceive environmental sustainability, encouraging lifestyles rooted in health, equity, and climate responsibility. With over 15 years of experience in fashion design, sustainability, and branding, Naika specializes in environmental sustainability, social impact, community development, and inclusive fashion design. Her practice explores the relationship between nature and human experience, with a focus on empathy-driven design and circular production systems.

Naika previously served as Head of Sustainability at Ovation In-Store, a global retail merchandising company, where she led ESG initiatives and advanced sustainable materials strategies. She earned her MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute and her B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry + Marine Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University - studying abroad in Dominican Republic.

Her teaching and research emphasize empathic modeling, environmentally conscious production, and inclusive design practices. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (initiated Fall 2007) and serves on the boards of Kay Tita and Impact Hub in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as well as the New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition.

Naika is a two-time recipient of Pratt Institute’s Graduate Student Engagement Fund, supporting design workshops she facilitated in Tanzania and Haiti. Her fashion design work has been featured in Essence Magazine’s 2019 Global Fashion Edition, and her thought leadership has been highlighted by NPR, Harvard University’s ReVista Magazine, and the Business of Fashion.

Currently, she is leading Sewing for Refuge, a social-impact initiative that connects refugee and immigrant women garment workers in New York City with living-wage opportunities through partnerships with small businesses and organizations committed to ethical labor practices.

Master of Professional Studies, Design Management - Pratt Institute

Bachelor of Science, Biology/Chemistry, Marine Biology Minor - Fairleigh Dickinson University 

Bridging Opportunities: Empowering Women in Tanzania's Coffee Sector Through Creative Enterprise Leadership Skills

https://www.catalystreview.net/research-in-action-2/

Little Haiti, Big Impact Solution to NYC’s Dying Garment District

https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/little-haiti-big-impact-solution-to-nycs-dying-garment-district/

How Trump tariffs will affect U.S. fashion

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5293434/how-trump-tariffs-will-affect-u-s-fashion

A New Challenge for New York Fashion https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/new-york-fashion-garment-district-manufacturing-rezoning/