Meet the Makers

At Vivat Novum, every garment is a wearable expression of queer joy, self-exploration, and imaginative design. Founded by Creative Director Reilly Johnson (she/they), the brand brings a theatrical sensibility to everyday wear—balancing comfort with aesthetic edge and versatility, with bold self-expression.

“I got my start as a theatrical costume maker, where garments must be fantastical and wearable for a performance to come together,” says Reilly. That background lives on in Vivat Novum’s ready-to-wear pieces, which challenge binary fashion norms through expressive silhouettes and genderless fits. “My partner and I wear the same size but have very different body types. If a design works well on both of us, it’s a winner!”

Born out of a personal need for fashion-forward loungewear that could move with an artist’s busy life, Reilly began designing the clothes they wanted to wear but couldn’t find in stores. The result? A collection of pieces that feel as good as they look—practical, comfortable, and undeniably unique.

Favorite product? Their Grecian sweatervests, featuring classical-inspired graphics on approachable silhouettes: “SO fun,” they say. “These styles call back to classical art and mythology, which are topics I have a lot of personal interest in.”

For Reilly, being an LGBTQ+ business owner is about offering visibility and possibilities. “I think a lot of people still see clothes as very gender binary and it brings me a lot of joy to blur that line and to offer this means of expression to my audience.” In a world where queer communities often face setbacks, they hope their work encourages others to create freely. “I hope people see me making and sharing my art with the world and feel empowered to do the same.”

This year, Vivat Novum is evolving—Reilly is exploring sportswear and tailored garments as a bold next chapter. But the ethos remains the same: design with joy, experiment with identity, and dress like the main character in your own story.

Reilly’s advice to other queer creatives: “Don’t get overwhelmed by the scope of your dream. Just get to making some art and remember to be kind to yourself.”