Cookie Johnson, wife of Earvin “Magic” Johnson was recently in town to show off her denim line, which sells exclusively at Nordstrom on Michigan Ave. We caught up with the philanthropist and denim designer to find out how she got in the fashion industry, her must-have beauty products and where she and Magic go on vacation.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Tell us about your jean collection! Who is the woman that wears your denim?
COOKIE JOHNSON: CJ by Cookie Johnson is truly for all women of all shapes and sizes. Prior to our launch in 2009, I personally struggled finding a premium denim brand that fit my body type. I knew that I wasn’t the only woman faced with this problem and set out to fill this void in the denim marketplace. As a result, CJ by Cookie Johnson was created featuring innovative styles that celebrate femininity and deliver just as much style and comfort as they do fit.

FM: How did you get in the fashion industry?
CJ: I have always had a love for fashion. Not only did I go to school for fashion, majoring in design and merchandising, but I have always had a keen eye for what looks good. Knowing that I had such a hard time finding a premium denim brand that fit my body type, I knew that launching my own line of denim was the perfect opportunity to show off my passion for fashion.

FM: What should every woman have in her closet?
CJ: A pair of CJs, of course! My personal belief is, “The confidence that great-fitting jeans gives women is the most rewarding thing about creating CJ.” CJ by Cookie Johnson is an aspirational collection of premium denim that embraces the feminine sensibility while offering such great fashion-forward, sophisticated styles for ALL shapes and sizes.

FM: What is your favorite season to dress for and why?
CJ: I would have to say fall and winter. I absolutely love to layer!

FM: What are your must-have beauty products?
CJ: My absolute must haves are a fantastic face moisturizer and a great lip-gloss. I cannot live without my La Mer face moisturizer.

FM: What are people most surprised to know about you?
CJ: Most people are surprised to know that I have a burgeoning denim brand that is available for purchase at over 400 specialty retailers across the nation, as well as online. Sometimes, I even shock myself realizing how amazing CJ by Cookie Johnson has done over the last several years. Retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon and Zappos.com, just to name a few.

Additionally, many people are surprised to find out that I work with my husband’s foundation whose HIV and AIDS initiative is to raise awareness about the disease through education and prevention.

FM: Where do you and Magic like to travel?
CJ: When it comes to vacation time, Magic and I, along with the kids, love traveling to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Europe. We have so much fun as a family unit in the Bahamas, we try and go every year.

FM: Tell us about the launch of the TRUTH Charity Jean and Tee that benefits The Magic Johnson Foundation (in support of World AIDS Day).
CJ: In support of World AIDS Day, which is December 1st, I decided to create the Charity Jean and Charity Tee to raise money for the Magic Johnson Foundation. Launching in stores November 15th, $10 of every jean and $2 of every shirt sold will go to benefit the Foundation in support of World AIDS Day.

Our mission at the Magic Johnson Foundation is all about education, awareness and prevention. We believe that through educating oneself about the disease, being aware of how it is contracted, what it does and how it can be prevented is the way that we will be able to stop it from spreading.

The reason why I called both the jean and tee “TRUTH” is because it’s about knowing the truth – getting the facts about HIV/AIDS and getting tested regularly. Sharing the truth – sharing the knowledge and your status with your partner and loved ones and Acting on the truth – practicing prevention and getting involved in fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Charity Jean and Charity Tee retail for $158 and $39.99; and may be found at Nordstrom.com, Amazon.com and Zappos.com. Shop CJ by Cookie Johnson here.

Shop CJ by Cookie Johnson!

CJ by Cookie Johnson