Designer Christiana Lapetina Johnson (1961—2020) became internationally recognized for her high end, hand beaded garments and accessories. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she began her first job in the apparel industry as a sales associate for Merry Go Round from 1976 to 1978 while attending Oak Park High School. In 1983, she graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Clothing and Textiles. From 1989 to 1994, she worked for the successful ready to wear apparel manufacturing company Other Destination in India as Design Director and National Sales Manager, designing a variety of sportswear that included patchwork jackets featuring prints designed by Lapetina Johnson.