“I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason”. Melanie Mueller
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Melanie Mueller
Company/Designer Name: MEL BOTERI / Melanie Mueller
Designer Background Summary: Recognizing the advantage of having a strong business background in the fashion industry, I entered the highly competitive world of style and design by focusing my formal training in business while developing my design skills independently.
How did you get started? Mel Boteri actually originated strictly as a custom shoe business. It all started while I was in business school after a conversation I had with my Marketing Professor. He had extensive experience in the fashion industry as a consultant for luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada, and he saw an opportunity in the market for custom fashion. I honestly did not buy the idea right away, and it wasn’t until I lived in New York working in fashion myself that I too realized a potential demand for custom shoes and handbags. While I was still in school, I developed the idea into a business plan which I am now executing.
What inspires your designs? During a short stint living in New York City, I came to realize that most retailers have confused their huge inventory of product choices with giving us what we want when in fact these “choices” are dictated by retail buyers and pushy salespeople. I felt uninspired and frustrated in a sea of sameness, and by the overload of styles that did not meet my unique needs or sizing. The inspiration behind Mel Boteri and my first collection, therefore, is to renew the inherent power of fashion which allows you to express emotions based on your personal style and creativity. Each design was created to simply provide a basic silhouette, but each client becomes the true designer as they are empowered to create products and services precisely as they want them.
How would you describe your design style? I try to design classic, timeless pieces while staying true to Mel Boteri’s values of offering quality, fashion-forward, customizable products.
What designers inspire you? My favorite quote is from fashion icon Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”As a self-made, confident, successful business woman who achieved her goals despite large obstacles, Coco Chanel truly inspires me. Rather than follow trends, she maintained a modernist philosophy to express her personal style. Her confidence allowed her to stand true to herself, and her uniqueness is what ultimately led her to become one of the most influential people in fashion.
What obstacles did you have to overcome? Starting a fashion business during a down market has made it difficult in an already tough industry. Everyone is extremely cautious about spending their money, and as an emerging, up-and-coming designer without an established brand name I have found this to be especially true.
How did you overcome them? I set Mel Boteri apart from other accessories designers by offering an overall personalized experience, not just a product. Although I design the basic silhouettes, each client is empowered to create a unique handbag they will love and carry with confidence for years to come. For a truly one-on-one experience, we meet with clients by appointment only and private shows can be scheduled to take place either in our showroom or at the client’s choice of location.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? I recently participated in a unique benefit fashion show titled Doggies on the Catwalk. The show highlighted the talents of students enrolled in the acclaimed high school fashion program, UrbanCouture, with proceeds benefiting the Atlanta area organization Pets Are Loving Support. It was inspiring to work one-on-one with each student and create a custom handbag to complement their designs. I love that I can support such a great organization and give back to my community while doing what I am truly passionate about.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? Although I have made no major changes to my designs, I have added certain elements of functionality such as additional pockets, interior dividers for organization, and materials to protect the underside of the bags. Because each bag is made to order, I can easily adapt and make changes based on client feedback.
If money were no object what would you do right now? I would hire some full-time help, and then travel continuously introducing the world to Mel Boteri.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer? There are so many great things about being an independent designer, but the best include: doing what I love and am passionate about, working with amazing, confident, successful women who inspire me every day, and watching my designs come to life from a basic sketch to a finished product. The worst thing is that there is not nearly enough time in each day to do all that I want to accomplish, but I am slowly learning to be patient and focus on one thing at a time.
Describe your typical day? I do not have a typical day, which is why I love what I am doing!
What’s your philosophy of life? To be loyal to myself and others, to pursue all of my dreams, and to enjoy every moment of my life as if it were the last.
What’s your favorite meal time setting? For Christmas this past year, my sister gave me a fondue pot which has since created my favorite meal time setting. I love having friends and family over, all of us sitting around the fondue pot, slowing cooking our meal while laughing, eating, and drinking a nice bottle of wine.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. Therefore, I would not do anything differently in my personal or professional life. I try to live and learn from any “mistakes” I may make.
When will you know you have made it? I will know I have made it when the top buyers, stylists, and editors are contacting me (not vice versa) so that they can be the first to introduce their clients to the latest Mel Boteri custom designs.
