“Nothing gives me more pride than designing a look that is well tailored”,Perchelle O’Boyle
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Perchelle O’Boyle
Company/Designer: Perchelle Menswear | Perchelle O’Boyle
How did you get started?I got started by a friend bugging me to make a shirt for his friend. At the time, I was strictly womenswear and focusing on my current position. I eventually to a stab at making a shirt for the gentleman and got it completely wrong! Lucky for me, he was understanding and patient so he gave me another chance. I made the same shirt for him again and NAILED IT! He loved it, wore it out to a BET event and people asked “who made your shirt?” From that moment on, I began to get a ton of referrals and repeats and my role as a menswear designer evolved.
What inspires your designs? Any and everything inspires my design, from architecture, to accessories, to womenswear.
How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer? My design style is detailed oriented. Nothing gives me more pride than designing a look that is well tailored and makes a man ask another man “where did he get his outfit” based upon the detailing. My signatures would be normally pointed out in the shape of the lapel, style of the sleeves, pattern of the lining, and button materials.
What designers inspire you?I have a range of designer’s lines that inspire me for different reasons. I admire Etro for their bold colors and patterns, DSquared and Cavalli for the innovative take on men’s fashion, and Yves Saint Laurent for their classic and timeless design to name a few.
What obstacles did you have to overcome? I am not your typical Men’s Tailor/Designer. There were some guys that were a bit skeptical because I was not a man and much older. I guess they figured that a young woman would not understand tailoring men’s custom clothing. When challenges come my way, I approach them dead on.
How did you overcome them? I made it my business to gain their confidence, exceed their expectations and keep them as a repeat client!
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? Meeting men in the fashion industry and introduce myself to them and they already know about my work.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? Trends change constantly, so I make sure that I stay current while always incorporating my signature style.
If money were no object what would you do right now? I would be launching my LIFESTYLE brand globally.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer? Best thing is the creative freedom. No “worst thing” so far!
Describe your typical day? I start of my morning with prayer, answer emails, run to the factories, meet with clients, fabric shop and everything else in between. My life is non-stop!
What’s your philosophy of life? LOVE GOD. Do what you love and try to make a career out of it, enjoy yourself, your family and friends, help your neighbor and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would have reallocated money a bit differently but other than that, nothing really. I believe I am on the right path so far because of my past experience and encounters.
When will you know you have made it? WHEN MY BRAND IS GLOBAL.
