zuri jones & Stacy
in conversaton
7:32pm
march 23
brooklyn, nyc
It’s a calm Sunday afternoon at the Studio Atelier studio in Brooklyn. The city outside is quiet, unusually still for a late winter day. Inside, the warmth feels familiar with sunlight spilling through tall windows, the faint scent of fabric glue and vanilla-something candles in the air.
Zuri and Stacy are sitting in his office, sunk into the deep green velvet couch that’s seen more mood boards, group chats, and late-night fittings than either of them will admit. Half-finished sketches are clipped to the walls, a dress form stands in the corner wearing something dramatic and pinned, and Zuri has one heel off already. She’s curled up, cross-legged, iced coffee in hand.
They don’t need introductions. They’ve known each other for over twenty years. Today, they’re just catching up on weddings, red carpets, the meaning of a good fit, and the beauty of finally being seen.
the interview.
STACY:
So... we’re officially doing this now.
ZURI:
Yes! Officially the first-ever Studio Atelier brand partner. Honestly, it was about time. [Laughs] You and I have been doing this since undergrad. Remember those dorm-room fittings?
STACY:
With pins everywhere. Those mirrors did wonders, though. Even then, I knew exactly who I was designing for.
ZURI:
And thank God you did. You always had this way of pushing me gently. I've grown into myself through your designs. Especially this past year, everything felt next-level. Being on The Bachelorette was a whirlwind, but your looks kept me grounded.
STACY:
What was your favorite look from the show?
ZURI:
It’s gotta be the red halter gown from the rose ceremony. Stacy, I felt unstoppable. That look was giving, "you don’t choose me, I choose myself."
STACY:
Exactly how we planned it. Every design was about making you feel fully yourself. You were always bigger than the show.
ZURI:
I appreciate you saying that because it felt empowering to step into those spaces looking like me—confident, playful, strong. Studio A lets me play all those roles authentically. And let's be clear—I also needed to be comfortable. [Laughs]
STACY:
We definitely lined everything with stretch silk at your request.
ZURI:
[Laughs] My number one rule! But seriously, what I love most is that I never feel boxed in. One day I want sleek and minimal, the next day full-on sculptural drama, and Studio A always meets me there.
STACY:
You always keep me on my toes. Now, speaking of big moments—can we talk about your engagement?
ZURI:
Yes! Julian caught me completely off guard. It was just us, in private—so sincere and genuine. Afterward, of course, I called my mom first, but let's be honest, I cried way more when I called you.
STACY:
You definitely did! [Laughs] The sobbing was real.
ZURI:
And loud! It was just so overwhelming, realizing what the moment meant. Celebrating that with you felt right because you've been dressing me through every major chapter. It’s only fitting that we step into this next era together—officially.
STACY:
Exactly. And this partnership is about more than beautiful clothes; it’s about celebrating the stories and growth behind them. Your story, specifically.
ZURI:
That’s why I’m proudest of this moment. We’re making the vision we’ve built together visible. Also, you better stock up on that silk lining because I’m just getting started.
STACY:
[Laughs] Silk lining forever—got it! How do you want to feel during your wedding week?
ZURI:
Honestly, I want to feel completely present. Calm but excited, joyful yet relaxed. And, of course, impeccably dressed. No pressure, though!
STACY:
No pressure at all! Speaking of next chapters...
ZURI:
Shhh! Don't say a word about the dress. Let’s keep the world guessing just a little bit longer.
STACY:
My lips are sealed!