Martiniquan MoAna Luu Is Shaping Luxury Caribbean Creole Style

MoAnA LUU is a Martinican entrepreneur, global creative leader, brand architect, media expert and philanthropist based in New York. She is the founder and creative director of ManLuu, an American fashion house that reimagines contemporary Creole luxury. 

A creative powerhouse, MoAnA is known for transforming iconic brands such as ESSENCE magazine, ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Trace Media Group, and Activilong Paris Cosmetics. In her work in media, MoAnA has created and launched TV channels, television programs, web applications, websites and magazines used and viewed by millions.

Hanna: Welcome, MoAnA. It's so great to have you here with us.

MoAnA: Thank you so much. It's exciting to do this interview from afar. We are in New York today, and it's sunny, but my heart is actually in the Caribbean, not far from here.

Hanna: So, MoAnA, you're from Martinique originally. Tell us a little bit about your journey and how you ended up in New York City.

MoAnA: I've always been a global citizen. I was born and raised in Martinique, and the richness of who I am today comes from being from this unique part of the world. When you're from this region, you realize we are French, we are Caribbean, and we resonate with the Latin community because of our connections to places like the Dominican Republic and Dominica. We’re a mix of cultures.

This global perspective allowed me to feel at home wherever I go. My career in design and leading large-scale media companies, like Essence magazine and Afropunk, exposed me to the richness of different cultures. Through my work at Trace Media, from South Africa to London, I deepened my understanding of the diversity and value of cultural fusion.

At some point, I realized the importance of bridging cultures to create something new; something I see as the essence of Creole culture. It’s about blending and creating something unique. That’s why I launched Manluu in 2021 during COVID. In times of hardship, it’s time to create.

Hanna: Tell us more about Manluu. What’s the inspiration behind the brand name?

MoAnA: Manluu means “Miss Luu” in Creole. Initially, my goal was to create a book about Creole jewelry, sharing the beauty and stories behind it. Creole jewelry holds deep significance. In the past, when slaves couldn’t own land, they owned jewelry instead, marking life’s milestones with beads and symbols. These pieces are rich in history and symbolism.

I discovered that many of these pieces, some over 100 years old, were being melted down. It felt like we were losing our history. That’s when I decided to design pieces that honor this heritage while reflecting my gender-neutral approach to design—bold, contemporary, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Hanna: It seems like Manluu quickly gained attention. Can you share some highlights?

MoAnA: Yes, the response was overwhelming. Just a week after our launch, I received an email from Gwyneth Paltrow’s team asking if they could feature our jewelry. I was so surprised; I even joked, “Are we on a first-name basis now?”

Three weeks later, Cardi B announced her pregnancy wearing nothing but our jewelry. That moment brought massive attention to our brand. But beyond the spotlight, what’s important is how the brand resonates with people like Cardi B, who saw it as a connection to her Caribbean and Afro-Latina heritage.

Hanna: How does Manluu fill a gap in the luxury market?

MoAnA: Many luxury brands enter our markets, and people buy into them, but what do we have that’s truly ours? Creole culture is a bouillon—a mix of influences that create something unique. Our brand embraces that heritage and reclaims it as a luxury experience. We aim to create something that represents us, our stories, and our identity.

Hanna: Creole culture is so rich and diverse. How does that influence your design?

MoAnA: Creole culture is limitless. It incorporates European, Indian, and African influences. For example, we just celebrated Diwali in the U.S. I wore a saree because Indian culture is deeply embedded in the Caribbean. You can see it in vintage postcards of Indian women in the region. This fusion inspires my designs.

Hanna: Starting a brand during COVID-19 must have been challenging. How did you find the strength to do it?

MoAnA: Honestly, Manluu wasn’t supposed to be a brand; it was a passion project. I’ve been in branding for large companies, but this was personal. “Manluu” started as a joke among friends because my husband’s nickname was “Mr. Luu.” When the brand took off, it felt like destiny.

We launched with sterling silver and vermeil, but now 95% of our business is fine jewelry—18-karat gold and diamonds. It’s evolved into a lifestyle brand representing French Creole luxury.

Hanna: Jewelry seems to be deeply rooted in your family history. How did that shape your vision?

MoAnA: My grandfather owned a jewelry store in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Growing up, I was surrounded by jewelry and its cultural significance. My family believed in the energy of stones—pink quartz for love, for instance. Jewelry was part of our art of living.

It wasn’t until COVID-19 that I realized how deeply this legacy was ingrained in me. Creating Manluu felt like honoring my roots and crafting pieces people would treasure for generations.

Hanna: Your designs are stunning, especially the Doudou Maxi Ring. What inspired it?

MoAnA: The Doudou collection draws inspiration from the fish traps used in the Caribbean. The architectural layers and intricate craftsmanship reflect our culture’s beauty. “Doudou” means “sweetheart” in Creole, a term we use daily to express love and care.

The ring’s bold yet intricate design symbolizes the richness of simple, everyday Caribbean life. It’s been our bestseller because it resonates with people on a personal and cultural level.

Hanna: What challenges have you faced on this journey?

MoAnA: People see the success and think it’s overnight, but it’s been a marathon. I’ve spent years building my knowledge and networks through various roles in design and leadership. Manluu is the culmination of all that experience.

Even now, entering the jewelry world feels new and unfamiliar. But I’ve learned to embrace the process, stay humble, and keep learning. Success comes when preparation meets opportunity.

Hanna: Your story is inspiring. What’s next for Manluu?

MoAnA: We’re building a legacy. Beyond jewelry, we’re creating a lifestyle brand that celebrates French Creole culture. Our goal is to share our stories with the world while innovating and preserving our heritage.

Hanna: Any advice for aspiring designers?

MoAnA: Dream big and lead with passion. Prepare yourself, never give up, and believe in your vision. Success takes time, but it’s worth it.

Hanna: Thank you, MoAnA. Your journey is a testament to the power of cultural pride and innovation. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Manluu.

MoAnA: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure.