“Passion, Patience and Education are the keys to building a successful life”. Skylier Blanchard
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Skylier Blanchard
Company/Designer Name: Skylier Wear Collection| Skylier A. Blanchard
Designer Background: is the owner and designer for the Skylier Wear Collection, an Oakland California based fashion label. I have shown a passion for promoting the economic growth of Oakland for the past 20 years and have worked with many city officials and business developers to generate innovative ideas for the community.
As an employee at the Lilli Ann Corporation 1991-93, I made my decision to become a fashion designer and produced my first women’s collection and fashion show in 1992. Not knowing the work or responsibilities ahead of me, I began to pursue my career in the dynamic industry of fashion. I sharpened my merchandising and business skills while working with companies such as Blanc Noir, Macy’s at Union Square, Sears and other major retailers and refined my design skills in Europe.
How did you get started?
I started designing in 1991 as a hobby here in Oakland. “I really missed the arts, so I started sketching portraits of different people from the cover of Time and People magazines.
Then, I started to focus on fashion magazines, like Vogue, Bazaar and Elle.”I switched jobs after sending out some resumes, I got a call from the Lilli Ann Corporation. After the interview and tour of the building, I knew right then and there I was going to be a designer. After a short time with the company 1992 my first collection was followed by a fashion show 1992.
What inspires your designs?
Basically, staying within the basic conservative styles, focusing more on comfort. Elegant is the way I chose my fabrics…Clean and pure sensational every girls dream is to be a princess. My designs shape the mind of young girls and women.
How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your target customer?
The Skylier Wear Couture Collection specializes in special event dresses for juniors and women. A special dress should make you feel beautiful inside and out. Several original Skylier Wear Couture dresses are sustainably designed using vintage fabrics and all are produced locally in Oakland.
While each dress is classically designed, Skylier Wear enjoys paying special attention to the back of the dress by adding surprising elements of sophisticated design. Skylier Wear’s Urban Asian Collection explores the integration of Asian patterns with Western designs.
What designers inspire you?
Giorgio Armani, Tracey Reese, Michael Kor, Vivian Westwood, J. Crew, Gap and Banana Republic
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
I’ve experienced so many setbacks and disappointments through developing as a designer and life in general. I only view them as lessons learned and so I continued on my way to learn the next lesson. Not having a steady cash flow or any connection to financial resources, I kept my living expenses small.
How did you overcome them?
Seeing each phase developed into its final stage, the hardest part is the waiting time. The No Money time! This is always the number one challenge. But I try not to think about the M-word so much. I continued to work more on the skills that are needed to get there. The key to success is too keep going.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and how encouraging they are when the see the colors and styles of the SWC designs. Seeing, each task through to its finish. Also just riding the highs and the lows of the market.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Establishing more marketing solutions, also more financial resources. Now fI ocus more on product development and sells. My brand hs become more visible to the market.
If money were no object what would you do right now?
I would continue to produce my products. I would continue to developed good customer service, build strong client relationships and to keep working closely with manufacturing and distribution companies as well as specialty stores and retail stores. I would look for more long term relationships and long term opportunities.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
Is creating from a blank sheet of paper or a piece of fabric and making it any to whatever you like and it turn out beautiful. The worst is trying to sell it which can be very challenging for designers especially when you can’t afford a Sale Rep.
Describe your typical day?
It comes in many stages, designing many collections, confused and exciting some days because it is so much to do especially if you’re participating in fashion shows. Most days are just paper work, email marketing, or producing a new line. Every day is a busy day in Fashion. Creation never stops. That’s the beauty of being a fashion designer.
What’s your philosophy of life?
Passion, Patience and Education are the keys to building a successful life.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Have more funding available and keep everything else. I would want to be the same person (ME).
When will you know you have made it?
You make it when you have something to show for it and we do. (We’ve made it) The rewards are on its way.
photo credit: world fashion council
