Sully Bonnelly
{{Short description|Dominican fashion designer (born 1956)}}
{{multiple issues|{{autobiography|date=June 2012}}}}
{{Family name hatnote|Bonnelly|Canaán|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox person
| image = Sully Bonnelly copy.jpg
| caption =
| name = Sully Bonnelly
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1956|12|24}}
| birth_place = Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = American, Dominican
| education = Parson's School of Design, 1983
| occupation = Fashion designer
| label_name = Sully Bonnelly para Jumbo
| spouse = Robert R. Littman{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/fashion/weddings/sully-bonnelly-robert-littman-weddings.html | title=Sully Bonnelly and Robert Littman | newspaper=The New York Times | date=15 January 2012 }}
| relatives = Rafael F. Bonnelly (uncle)
Idelisa Bonnelly (third cousin-once removed)
| awards = {{ubl|Golden Coast Award (Chicago 1999)|
The Governor's(George Pataki) Award of Excellence 2004|
Dominicana Moda 2008|
Order of Citizen Merit 2008|
Dream Project 2013|
Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo 2015}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.sullybonnelly.com}}
| signature =
}}
Sully Osvaldo de Jesús Bonnelly Canaán (born December 24, 1956) is a Dominican-American fashion designer of women's ready-to-wear.{{Cite web |last=Castillo · |first=Monica |date=2020-10-28 |title=Frida Kahlo And Diego Rivera Exhibit At The Denver Art Museum Explores Mexican Modernism Movement |url=https://www.cpr.org/2020/10/28/frida-kahlo-and-diego-rivera-exhibit-at-the-denver-art-museum-explores-mexican-modernism-movement/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Colorado Public Radio |language=en}} He is the founder, owner, and creative director of Sully Bonnelly, the brand. He was trained under Oscar de la Renta. {{Cite web |title=c.1998 Sully Bonnelly Red & Gold Floral Strapless Trained Dress |url=https://www.shrimptoncouture.com/products/c1998-sully-bonnelly-red-gold-floral-strapless-trained-dress-1 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Shrimpton Couture |language=en}}
Early years
Bonnelly was born into a family of both Corsican{{cite web|title=Falleció el padre del diseñador Sully Bonelly|url=http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2008/12/7/83743/Fallecio-el-padre-del-disenador-Sully-Bonelly|publisher=Listín Diario|access-date=24 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424004243/http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2008/12/7/83743/Fallecio-el-padre-del-disenador-Sully-Bonelly|archive-date=24 April 2014|location=Santo Domingo|language=Spanish|date=7 December 2008|quote=Dedicó años investigando todo lo referente al apellido Bonnelly y sus orígenes históricos. Fue quien organizó exitosamente los dos encuentros de las distintas ramas de esta gran familia, realizados hace varios años. Viajó a Córcega tierra de origen del primer Bonnelly que se asentó en la República Dominicana, e hizo un levantamiento de sus ancestros. Interesado en la unidad familiar de los Bonnelly estaba escribiendo un libro para dejarlo como legado. Sus restos mortales serán traídos en los próximos días a la ciudad de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.}} and French descent.{{cite web|author=Ivonna Ginebra|title=Segundo Encuentro de la Familia Bonnelly|url=http://www.idg.org.do/ensayos/1995/bonnelly.pdf |access-date=24 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424003550/http://www.idg.org.do/ensayos/1995/bonnelly.pdf |archive-date=24 April 2014 |publisher=Instituto Dominicano de Genealogía |year=1995}} An uncle of him, Rafael Bonnelly-Fondeur, became president of the Dominican Republic from 1962 to 1963. The oldest of five children and the only boy, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Dominican parents, Carlos Sully Bonnelly Castellanos (father) and Esmira Josefina Canaán Díaz (mother), his sisters are Elizabeth Sikaffy, Sofia Durkee, Lilliam Bonnelly and Carolina Bonnelly, he also has a paternal half-brother: Carlos Sully Bonnelly Salazar. He graduated high school from Colegio Dominicano de la Salle{{cite web | url=https://www.lasalle.edu.do/portal/historia-del-colegio-dominicano-de-la-salle | title=Historia del Colegio Dominicano de la Salle | Colegio Dominicano de la Salle }}
He completed his high school education at Colegio Dominicano de la Salle. Bonnelly studied architecture at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, moved to New York in 1980 to study at Parsons School of Design where he graduated in 1983. Began his career in fashion as Oscar de la Renta's assistant. He also worked as a designer for the houses of Bill Blass, where he created a new category of clothing in the "Bridge market" "Evening Separates", and Eli Tahari before starting his first company Sully Bonnelly LTD in 1993{{Cite web |last=Friedman |first=Arthur |date=1994-01-18 |title=Sully, Bonnelly Form Firm, Plan to Offer Special Occasion, Evening Line for Fall |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/sully-bonnelly-form-firm-plan-to-offer-special-occasion-evening-line-for-fall-1155613/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}, later called Sully Bonnelly International, retailing at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and other stores around the globe. In 2006 he received a call from Oscar de la Renta and was named creative director for the Oscar Collection.{{Cite web |title=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/members/profile/sully-bonnelly |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=cfda.com}} He was also a designer for The He-Ro Group’s Bill Blass Group division. Bonnelly collaborated with Jumbo for 10 years, the longest of any other designer collaboration with the storehttps://wwd.com/feature/article-1121750-1777283/{{Cite web |last=Estilos |date=2021-03-17 |title=Así es la nueva colección de Sully Bonnelly para Jumbo, dirigida a toda la familia |url=https://www.diariolibre.com/estilos/moda/asi-es-la-nueva-coleccion-de-sully-bonnelly-para-jumbo-dirigida-a-toda-la-familia-GB25064471 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Diario Libre |language=es}}
Career
Bonnelly, a native of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, grew up with fashion being an intrinsic part of his identity. He studied architecture at UASD before moving to New York where he graduated from Parsons School of Design and began his career in fashion as Oscar de la Renta's assistant. He then worked as a designer for the houses of Bill Blass and Eli Tahari before starting his namesake collection in 1998, retailing at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and other better stores around the world. He later returned to Oscar de la Renta as creative director for the O Oscar Collection. In 2000 Sully Bonnelly Accents was launched, an exclusive collection for Home Shopping Network (HSN) and HSN en Espanol, making him the first Latin American designer featured on a shopping network. In 2001 Bonnelly served as Creative Director for Citrine, a contemporary sportswear collection. Two years later the Sully Bonnelly Bridal collection was launched. In 1999 he received the Golden Coast Award, a prestigious fashion award in Chicago. In 2001 was elected member to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) joining an important community of over 300 American fashion and accessory designers.{{Cite web |title=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/members/profile/sully-bonnelly |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=cfda.com}} Additionally, he has been honored by several Dominican organizations for his outstanding work in fashion. New York Governor George Pataki honored him in 2005 in celebration of Dominican Heritage Month. Most recently Bonnelly received the Orden al Merito Ciudadano{{Cite web |title=Sully Bonnelly - QueerBio.com |url=https://queerbio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Sully_Bonnelly |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=queerbio.com}}
= Other notable accomplishments =
In 2001, Bonnelly held the position as Creative Director for Citrine.{{cite web|title=Puerto Rico Moda |url=http://www.puertoricomoda.com/REVISTA_PR_MODA_Rev6%5B1%5D.pdf |publisher=Puerto Rica Moda |access-date=18 April 2012 }}{{dead link|date=September 2016|bot=medic}} In 2002, he designed{{cite web|title=Museo Celia Cruz|url=http://www.megalatina.fm/eventos/museo-celia-cruz/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130213091823/http://www.megalatina.fm/eventos/museo-celia-cruz/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 13, 2013|publisher=Mega Latina|access-date=20 April 2012}} Celia Cruz's dress for the Latin Grammy Awards. In 2003, the Bonnelly Bridal collection was launched.{{cite web|title=Sully Bonnelly- Spring 2005 Bridal Collection}}{{cite web|title=Spring 2005 Bridal Collection|url=http://secure.secure.runwaytalk.com/shopping/guides/weddings/brides/gowns/04/bridalweek/sullybonelly/index.htm|publisher=New York Magazine|access-date=17 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417044646/http://secure.secure.runwaytalk.com/shopping/guides/weddings/brides/gowns/04/bridalweek/sullybonelly/index.htm|archive-date=17 April 2015}} In 2008, Bonnelly became the Creative Director for Muse,{{cite news|last=Ramirez|first=Sonia|title=Sully Bonnelly: "Lo que más me atrae de los textiles en Latinoamérica es la riqueza en el trabajo manual"|url=http://iconos.aollatino.com/2011/10/03/sully-bonnelly-entrevista|access-date=19 April 2012|newspaper=AOL Latino|date=3 October 2011}} a contemporary women's clothing division of Maggy London in New York and Anthracite by Muse.
Recognitions and award
- 1998 VITRA FOUNDATION in appreciation for the support provided.
- 1999 44th ANNUAL GOLD COAST FASHION AWARD Designer of the Year.[http://foundation.luriechildrens.org/_wrappers/childrensserviceboard/2017/docs/gcfas_program_book.pdf]
- 1999 VITRA FOUNDATION or su Destacada labor en este siglo.[http://foundation.luriechildrens.org/_wrappers/childrensserviceboard/2017/docs/gcfas_program_book.pdf]
- 2001, Was elected member to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, an important community of over 300 American fashion and accessory designers.{{cite news|title=Council of Fashion Designers of America|url=http://www.cfda.com/members?member_id=562&tab=a#!sully-bonnelly|access-date=8 June 2012|date=8 June 2012}}
- 2001 HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE For Outstanding Personal Achievement and Contribution to the Dominican Community in the USA.
- 2002 QUISQUEYA LIFE In Appreciation for your Dedication to the Dominican Community.
- 2002 AYUDA FOR THE ARTS Guiding Star Award.{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.ayudaforthearts.org/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=www.ayudaforthearts.org}}
- 2004 CERTIFICATE OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION - CHARLES B RANGEL In Recognition of Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community.
- 2005 New York Governor George Pataki acknowledged Bonnelly as a distinguished fashion designer, during Dominican Heritage Month.
- 2006 DOMINICAN TIMES MAGAZINE DTM Latino Trendsetters AWARD.{{Cite web |last=Hprwire |first=editor |title=DTM presents the fifth annual Latino Trendsetter Award {{!}} Hispanic PR Wire |url=https://hispanicprwire.com/en/dtm-presenta-la-quinta-edicion-del-premio-latino-innovador/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |language=en-US}}
- 2008 DOMINICANA MODA 2008 DM08 For Outstanding International Career. {{Cite web |date=2008-10-14 |title=Dominicana Moda 2008Una noche llena de esplendor y glamour |url=https://hoy.com.do/dominicana-moda-2008una-noche-llena-de-esplendor-y-glamour/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Hoy Digital |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2008-10-14 |title=Dominicana Moda 2008Una noche llena de esplendor y glamour |url=https://hoy.com.do/dominicana-moda-2008una-noche-llena-de-esplendor-y-glamour/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Hoy Digital |language=es}}
- 2008 The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic of Citizen Merit, Orden al Merito Ciudadano,{{cite news |date=24 February 2009 |title=Consul Eduardo Selman destaca progreso de dominicanos en Estados Unidos |newspaper=Ayuda Total |url=http://www.ayudatotal.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=134 |access-date=18 April 2012}} an award given to Dominicans all over the world who have distinguished themselves through their careers and represented honor to their homeland.{{Citation |title=Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo |date=2022-04-14 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Universidad_Aut%C3%B3noma_de_Santo_Domingo&oldid=1082688860 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2022-10-01}}
- 2011 PRESIDENCY OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-Outstanding Dominican Who Honors the Dominican Republic Abroad
- 2013 DREAM PROJECT Outstanding Dominican.{{Cite web |title=The DREAM Project: Education and Mentoring in the DR. |url=https://www.dominicandream.org/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=The DREAM Project |language=en-US}}
- 2013 DOMINICAN BOARD FOR DANCE Thanks for your generous contribution to the "Las Noches" Gala ...{{Cite web |date=2013-04-02 |title=Presentarán Temporada de Primavera 2013 |url=https://elnacional.com.do/presentaran-temporada-de-primavera-2013/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=El Nacional |language=es}}
- 2013 NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL "City Council Citation".New York City Council
- 2013 DOMINICANA MODA 2013 DM13. Sully Bonnelly para Jumbo "Best Collection with Mass Distribution".{{Cite web |title=Sully Bonnelly – Orgullo de mi tierra |url=https://orgullodemitierra.com.do/tesoros-dominicanos/coleccion-de-moda/sully-bonnelly/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |language=es}}{{Cite web |title=Colección "Sully Bonnelly para Jumbo" Dominicana Moda 2013 - Palacalle.net |url=http://palacallenet.weebly.com/coleccioacuten-ldquosully-bonnelly-para-jumbordquo-dominicana-moda-2013.html |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=palacallenet.weebly.com}}
- 2015 UASD UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE SANTO DOMINGO Recognition for his significant contributions to the development of the Industrial Design and Fashion career.Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo
- 2019 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Award Mr. Oscar de la Renta" to the Dominican Emigrant ".{{Cite web |title=Inicio |url=https://mirex.gob.do/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MIREX {{!}} Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores |language=es}}
- 2020 NEW YORK DOMINICAN PARADE Leadership in the Fashion Industry.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-09 |title=Watch the 2020 National Dominican Day Parade Celebration |url=https://www.newyorklatinculture.com/new-yorks-dominican-day-parade-goes-virtual-and-national-for-2020/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=New York Latin Culture Magazine ™ |language=en-US}}
- 2021 QUISQUEYA ES MODA. In Recognition for his work in Fashion.{{Cite web |last=Estilos |title="Quisqueya Es Moda" en Nueva York reconocerá a Sully Bonnelly |url=https://www.diariolibre.com/estilos/moda/quisqueya-es-moda-en-nueva-york-reconocera-a-sully-bonnelly-IJ28658189 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Diario Libre |language=es}}
- 2022 Congress of the United States House of Representatives “In Celebration and Recognition of his Career in Fashion” presented by Adriano Espaillat.{{Citation |title=Adriano Espaillat |date=2022-09-08 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adriano_Espaillat&oldid=1109138831 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2022-10-01}}
Personal life
In January 2012, Sully Bonnelly married Robert Littman, president of the Vergel Foundation, which manages a collection of modern and contemporary Mexican Art in New York and Cuernavaca, Mexico.{{cite news|title=Sully Bonnelly and Robert Littman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/fashion/weddings/sully-bonnelly-robert-littman-weddings.html?_r=1|access-date=15 April 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=15 January 2012}}
Bonnelly's house was featured in Rima Suqi's book Fashion Designers At Home.{{cite web |title=Assouline |url=http://www.assouline.com/9782759404711.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427130211/http://www.assouline.com/9782759404711.html |archive-date=April 27, 2012 |access-date=20 April 2012}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.sullybonnelly.com/ Official Website]
- [http://moda.laverdad.es/pasarelas/primavera-verano/2010/semana-de-la-moda-de-la-republica-dominicana-2010/sully-bonnelly/foto3.html Collecion Primavera-Verano 2010]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120802030327/http://www.hola.com/moda/modistos/dominicanamoda-2010/bonnelly/1/ DominicanaModa-2010]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bonnelly, Sully}}
Category:Dominican Republic fashion designers
Category:Dominican Republic people of Corsican descent
Category:Dominican Republic people of French descent
Category:Dominican Republic people of Lebanese descent
Category:Dominican Republic people of Spanish descent
Category:Dominican Republic people of Puerto Rican descent
Category:Dominican Republic people of Virgin Islands descent
Category:Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo alumni
Category:LGBTQ fashion designers
Category:Dominican Republic gay men
Category:Dominican Republic LGBTQ artists
Category:People from Santo Domingo