Stephany Hollihan was known for bringing Ecuadorian craftsmanship into contemporary fashion through her label, Sensi Studio. The 42-year-old designer — who founded and led the brand — was killed alongside her husband Michele Sensi-Contugi in a helicopter crash in Kenya on 19 August. Seven people died when the aircraft went down near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County.
Hollihan's death marks the loss of a fashion entrepreneur whose work centred on Ecuadorian artisans and traditional handmade techniques. Her career included fashion studies in Milan before she founded Sensi Studio in 2010, developing the label into an international brand sold in more than 15 countries.
Stephany Hollihan: From Ecuador to Global Fashion Scene
Hollihan was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and studied Fashion Design at Milan's Istituto Marangoni. She later completed a master's degree in Brand Management, giving her a combination of creative training and business knowledge that would shape her career.
Before launching her own company, Hollihan worked with German designer Tomas Maier in Miami from 2006 to 2010. The experience gave her an insight into international fashion before she returned to Ecuador and began developing her own vision.
Her career eventually led to Sensi Studio, the Ecuadorian accessories label she founded and developed into an internationally recognised brand. Vogue reported in 2014 that the label's handmade products were stocked by retailers including Tomas Maier and Net-a-Porter.
The Story Behind Sensi Studio
The Sensi Studio was launched in 2010 as a design and production laboratory, initially focusing on handmade accessories including Panama hats, hand-woven handbags and other pieces. The brand expanded into ready-to-wear four years later, introducing items such as embroidered summer dresses.
What made the label stand out was its connection to Ecuadorian craftsmanship. Hollihan's designs incorporated traditional materials and techniques while giving them a contemporary look aimed at a global fashion audience.
The brand's products were made in Ecuador and developed in collaboration with artisans, including craftspeople in the Andean region. Sensi Studio eventually reached customers in more than 15 countries, giving its founder a platform far beyond her home country.
That combination of heritage and modern design became central to Hollihan's identity as a designer. Instead of treating traditional craftsmanship as something belonging only to the past, she made it part of a fashion business with international ambitions.
Inside the Tragic Helicopter Crash
Hollihan was travelling in Kenya with her husband when the helicopter crashed in Samburu County. The Eurocopter EC130 B4 was carrying six passengers and a pilot when it went down near Mount Ololokwe. All seven people aboard were killed.
The other victims included Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez, Miami businessman Roger Duarte, real estate executive Adam Hlavaty, aviation entrepreneur Henry Parra and pilot Josh Outram.
The cause of the crash has not been established. Kenya's Air Accident Investigation Department is leading the probe, while difficult terrain and an active fire at the crash site hampered search and recovery efforts.
Hollihan's husband Sensi-Contugi was Ecuador's intelligence chief and was also among those killed. Ecuador's government confirmed his death and paid tribute to the couple.
Stephany Hollihan's Fashion Legacy
Hollihan's influence can be seen in the way Sensi Studio connected Ecuador's handmade traditions with contemporary international fashion. Her collections helped bring materials such as toquilla straw, woven accessories and embroidered garments to customers around the world.
Her death at 42 has left Sensi Studio without the woman who built its creative identity from the ground up. But the label she created remains a lasting part of her contribution to Ecuadorian fashion.
