Company/Designer Name: Meredith Marks

Designer Background

I grew up in Chicago and the fashion districts of Oak Street and Michigan Avenue, and come from a family that was always involved in fashion. I remember my mother coordinating charity fashion shows and as a former model, I have always been tied to the fashion industry, which combined with my passion for jewelry, was a natural transition into jewelry design.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I wanted to take advantage of the unique opportunity Noblivity offers designers to reach boutiques.  I would like to gain access and exposure to national and international boutiques.

How did you get started?

Well, it all stemmed from a trip to Asia. I was so inspired by the culture and the colors I saw that I began to explore the idea of creating my own pieces using the experience as inspiration. On that trip, I began to source and handpick stones to include in my own collection.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My jewelry reflects inspirations of my Asian travels and embodies the natural beauty and culture of the countries where I have traveled. I like to combine the practicality of multi-functional pieces with the raw beauty of natural stones and foreign motifs. I use gold, silver, precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds and semi- precious colored stones such as moonstone or amethyst, melding them into creative modern designs with a classic twist. My customer is a sophisticated, fashionable woman who enjoys the beauty of my pieces.

What inspires you?

Colors and patterns I see in nature inspire me, as well as my travels to India and Thailand. I am often intrigued and inspired by the motifs found in those cultures.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Selling to the first store is an obstacle that every new designer must overcome. I also spent time carefully thinking about who I wanted my manufacturer to be. I wanted to find someone that I am comfortable with and someone I am confident can provide a quality product in a timely fashion.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

Every day I feel I grow as a designer and learn more about my product and myself. Each moment that I gain access to a new clients and networks, I feel an immense sense of accomplishment.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

Initially I focused on traditional Indian designs, but as the company has grown, I have become more involved in a more modern style with a variety of inspirations.

What’s next for your brand?

Gaining access to and representation in more boutiques!

If money were no object, what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would plan and execute an extensive PR campaign to spread the word about my jewelry.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best and most gratifying part is seeing the product sell and seeing customers enjoy wearing my pieces. The worst part is gaining access to the boutiques I would like to see my jewelry in.

Describe your typical day?

Every day is different at Meredith Marks! From filling invoices to planning events to designing new pieces, I am always working on developing my brand.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I truly believe that each step was important in my development as a designer and businessperson. I would not change anything about my experiences; I only look to grow and continue to learn.

When will you know you have made it?

It is such a continual process; I don’t think I could pinpoint a specific moment that would mean “success” for me. I think every new day, new piece, and new customer is a success – I can only hope the list of accomplishments continues to grow!

Company/Designer Name: MUESLII NZ/Ludovico Annoni

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

We believed that the world of accessories presented a great opportunity to innovate in terms of design and trends. We wanted to prove that it was possible to create a new family of products and a new “ design language” from an initial concept bag.  As the project developed we realized that it was not only feasible, but that it also could be turned into a commercial success.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

We joined Noblivity because we believe it’s a valid marketplace to promote our emerging brand. 

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Contemporary, pop, coloured style. Our strength is a multicultural in-house design team based in Milan, continuously scouting the world for new materials, concepts and innovation. We focus on a cross segment customer base.

What inspires you?

We deliberately took the puff coat as inspiration, applying the same aesthetic concept to a product conventionally made with different materials and manufacturing techniques.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The goal we set out to achieve was to innovate a product conventionally made with certain materials and manufacturing techniques. We tried to develop a new way of interpreting bags, which kept the archetypal shape of the same product combined with the look and feel of a down jacket. It wasn’t an easy challenge, since it’s very difficult to introduce substantial innovations to such a well established and commercial product, and even more difficult to reach an equilibrium between design and price.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

We just got better and better along the way, learning from our mistakes and optimizing our design.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

When we realized we had set a new design language which has been followed by some of the major market competitors.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

We moved from the value of design to designing the value: dreams are back(packs).

What’s next for your brand?

We has set the goal to extend our family of products avoiding to become a total look brand.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

A super-bowl commercial is next on our wish list.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The thing we love the most is designing and launching new products. It means for us sailing the world to discover new ideas, mixing and matching different materials, designs, styles and concept.

On the other side, the worst thing is waiting for the products to reach the shelves.

Describe your typical day?

Work and fun, work and fun….at the same time.

What is your philosophy of life?

Work and fun, work and fun….at the same time.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

With the hindsight, we might have changed a few details to make it an even better marketable product, which is what we did with next releases.

When will you know you have made it?

See above…super-bowl commercial…

Company/Designer Name: Nucleus / Body, Nicole Rasmussen

Designer Background Summary:

After many years of learning lessons and growing my brand I started Body.   This is my casual-wear women’s label, it was inspired by not having anything to wear while working out and wanting to look good while doing the basic things in life, like grocery shopping.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I wanted access to International Boutiques without physically finding them.

How did you get started?

I Studied Fashion Design at the University of Johannesburg, in South Africa. After graduating I moved to Cape Town and started Nucleus with Machine Knitted Garments. From there I moved onto woven’s and other fabrics.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Comfortable, well-fitting, current classics with edge. My target customers are women 25 – 55 years, who are comfortable in their own skin, who want a garment that is current even in a few years and who are effortlessly stylish.

What inspires you? Nature – the idea what I’d envision wearing in a certain place. Seeing a great piece of fabric. I try and picture in an ideal world what I’d like to wear for a certain season, at a function or on holiday.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Being taken seriously as a professional and viable label. Creating the right ranges for my customers. Finding good partners in the industry. Marketing my label and of course cash-flow.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

A process of trial and error, perseverance and was lucky enough to have my families help. I also made good contacts which in-turn helped me find the right people to help me in various aspects of my business.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

Being asked by Poetry a big retail Boutique chain to do a range for them “Nucleus by Poetry” and still supplying them with new styles to this day.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

It’s been a natural progression; from season to season I believe my designs improve. I think it’s a process of learning from mistakes and triumphs and applying them.

What’s next for your brand?

I would like to export to other countries besides South Africa.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would show my ranges at Trade Shows like Magic or Bread and Butter.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

Timing is a big problem, from fabric arriving on time, to manufacturer’s ability to produce your garments on time to a good standard. And delivering to your customer’s on-time. But generally we get it right.

The reward however is great when you see someone wearing your garment, it’s published in a fashion editorial or you can’t keep up with production of that garment.

Describe your typical day?

I don’t really have a typical day. But my day always starts with looking after my daughter first. Then I go into my studio and start. Generally I’m very busy and don’t really have much free time. I take care of Designing, Pattern making, fabric sourcing, manufacture, seeing clients and all the ten million other little things. I have a brilliant and very well organized assistant who takes care of Admin, Stock Distribution, and Liaising with clients, designing a bit on the side and everything else I can’t do.

What is your philosophy of life?

I strive to be happy.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing

When will you know you have made it?

Not sure if you ever make it. I acknowledge my achievements as they happen but there is always something to strive for.

Company/Designer: Cloud Cucko/Helene Johansson

Designer Background Summary:

I always loved to draw as a kid and the art classes in elementary school were my favourites. Later on I developed a passion for clothes and the way one can express oneself through fashion. I got a sewing machine and started making my own designs. Later on I attended “Tillskärarakademin” for a course in construction and design in Stockholm, Sweden and the year after I attended “IED” for a course in accessories and shoe design in Rome, Italy. Besides studying I made my own jewellery that I sold in some smaller boutiques in Stockholm and 2010 I started my own fashion brand.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I found Noblivity by casually searching for online marketplaces for fashion designers. I love the B2B idea where retail buyers and vendors can connect, and I hope that Noblivity will be a steppingstone for my brand and that it will help me to grow my business. 

How did you get started?

I have always been very creative and have known for many years that I wanted to try the fashion designer profession. I always had so may ideas for designs that I couldn’t find in stores that I finally decided to give it a try and stated my own brand.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your target customer?

I would like to describe my brand as chic, sensual and minimalist but with a daring and edgy touch to it. I want my designs to be very wearable and expressive at the same time.

My pieces are influenced by vintage fashion mixed with modern trends. I try to mirror the big city chic and create timeless pieces, carefully put together to create an effortless, but yet sensual, chic and feminine appearance. Individual pieces can be dressed up or worn casually, by a wide range of women, all depending on how you combine the clothes.

My first collection includes some exclusive basic garments, easily combined with pieces from any woman’s wardrobe. But is also carries some real “one-of-a-kind” pieces such as a beautifully patterned silk set of blouse and skirt, and a pleated bolero with rhinestone embellished shoulders.

What inspires you?

I can find inspiration everywhere, which I think is important for a designer. One need to be able to channel the creativity and find inspiration from various fields beside the fashion industry. Mostly I get my inspiration from films, magazines, books, art exhibitions or simply by watching people on the street.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

As I practically had no working experience from the field before I started my brand and I had to crash and burn a couple of times before I learnt how the market works. The biggest problem for me was the financial part as all mistakes during the way tend to be rather costly experiences.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Learning by doing has been my motto along the way so far.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

I think it was during the photo shoot of the first collection. Of course I had already seen the samples of the finished products, but it was when I saw the designs on the models that I got the “wow feeling”, that something that once was only a sketch could look so good as a finished garment.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

There haven’t been many changes as this is my first collection, but I can feel that I care more and more for the little details, a beautiful zipper or a delicate high quality button can make a huge difference on the final result.

What’s next for your brand?

I would love to add shoes, handbags and other accessories to the line, and hope to be able to do so shortly.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would attend to every trade fair I could find. Buyers want to able to see and touch the designs before purchasing and trade fairs is the perfect meeting point for designs and buyers. And of course it would also be great to have the funds and assets to put ads in magazines.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a designer is seeing someone on the street wearing my designs. To know that someone liked your product so much that she actually put money down for it and feel comfortable wearing it makes it worth all the hard work.

Describe your typical day?

It depends a lot of where I am in the cycle of the season. Some days I can focus on the design part but mostly it is a mix of searching for fabrics, sketching down ideas attending phone calls and responding emails. As I work alone I am responsible for every aspect of the business. I have the role of a designer, assistant, salesperson, web developer, sample maker, production head etc. It can be very stressful and hard at times as I don’t have the natural personality for all parts. My strength is the design itself and my weakness is the sales of the finished products. At the same time as I feel very proud about the collection I feel it hard to go to the stores and try to sell it. I guess it’s a matter of ones personality.

What is your philosophy of life?

Find out what your true talent is, stick to it, develop it as far as you possibly can and nourish it. Once you find the way to combine your talent with your actual profession I believe you will find happiness, fulfillment and harmony in life.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I cannot say that I would do anything differently but I would encourage others to get some working experience before starting your own label. The more you know about the industry before you get started the better.

When will you know you have made it?

Such a hard question, but I guess I will feel that I have made it when I can live by doing what I love; designing. It would be great to be able to commit 100% to the business and not having to worry about the economical assets to make it float.

Company/Designer Name: Astellamelu/Desiree Melusine

Designer Background Summary:

I am a product designer with strong knowledge in developing new products. I have experience in managing the product lifecycle, from creation, prototyping, development and production of fashion accessories.

In 2009 I founded the brand Astellamelu – fashion porcelain accessories & décor pieces.  This made me an expert in sourcing materials and manufacturers in Europe and Asia.  I often visit international trade fashion fairs: Eclat de mode, SIMM (Madrid International Fashion Week), Bisutex, Iberjoya, Eclat de Mode, Who’s Next, etc..

In September 2011, I was an exhibitor at SIMM (Madrid International Fashion Week) in the sector EGO new designers.  A part from the development of products, I love to teach and pass on my knowledge: in 2007 I was monitor at Fine Arts University in São Paulo, and since 2009 I give sewing and jewelry workshops in Lisbon.

I speak four languages that I use in my daily work and throughout my academic and professional training, I attended more than 15 specialized courses in the field of design, materials, manufacturing and software.

Why did you join Noblivity®? Because I think it’s a great idea

How did you get started? I started to create products in 1998, but I officially opened my business ( Astellamelu) in December 2009.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

The pieces stand out from the world of the jewelry, having as the main material, the porcelain from Limoges. They stand out at all times for their simplicity, though with a touch of audacity, movement and shine. They can seduce and charm everyone.

The inspiration came from Nature in its purest state of beauty: the flowers, plants, raindrops and beautiful colors that nature shows us when spring arrives.

The pieces are for women who like to highlight their beauty with a unique jewelry which make them more feminine, elegant and beautiful. These are women who like to celebrate life, to be charming and also appreciate the simplicity and romanticism.

My design signature is the work I make with the porcelain, giving a beautiful, simple and very feminine forms, with a delicate touch of sparkle.

Presenting a new kind of jewelry to fell in love.  Something unique!

What inspires you?

Always nature, food in special the candies.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

I still have obstacles, but it’s part of the business. One of them is the suppliers, their minimum quantities is always too much when your are starting. The other one is to find the stores that matches to your products.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Learning to negotiate with companies, visiting a lot of trade shows, and spending a lot of time to find them on internet.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

When I got the email, that I was chosen to be part of the selected 21 new designers and present my products to SIMM (Madrid international fashion fair) in 2011.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

For me the biggest change was about the decision in the main material. I have a lot of knowledge in materials, how to work with them and bring this to the jewelry, but this always confused me.

I think my recent collection ( Nature around your neck) is the perfect mix of my knowledge, studies and a lot of experiences in samples to get to this kind of porcelain product.

I remember when I opened my kiln to see the result of the samples for the first time. In that moment, I knew it was my design signature, it was me and exactly what I had in my mind for so long. I wanted to present a new kind of jewelry to the world !

What’s next for your brand?

Oh! A lot of things! In the next collection I can guarantee you will see beautiful jewelry but the new product will be amazing headpieces products!

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

More trade shows, hire a PR, a good photographer, web designer and a famous person to be my model.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

You can have the best idea or the most beautiful product, but it doesn’t mean that you will have success or that you will sell a lot. Create a product is not about a great idea is about understand your clients and their customers, and create a product to them. When you do it and they loved, it´s the best part.

Describe your typical day?

I start at 9:00 and I finish at 19:00. During the day, I have emails to write, to answer, some calls to make. Talk to clients, find new suppliers and agents, make samples, make first pieces, take photos, find trade shows, etc. Of course I have days that I just produce the pieces and sometimes I give workshops to people.

What is your philosophy of life?

Working in what you love, be flexible to see errors or wrong ideas, persistence, ears and attention to listen to bad opinions about your work, eyes to see more ways to get more market and brain to always be able to develop new products.

A lot of patience, always follow your instinct and never forget the people and clients that compliment your work and believe in you. When you love your work, the word good is never enough. Apart from your work, just enjoy and celebrate life!

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would change the structure of my business plan and simplify a lot of things.

When will you know you have made it? When I know I’ll have money enough to pay someone to work with me. I hope soon!!!

Company/Designer Name: Muichic, llc/Andres Arango

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?
Being an Architect & designer (of things)

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Bold, playful, colorful, fun & chic (eco-chic). Women of all ages (multigen).

Why did you join Noblivity®?
Sounds like a good (& much needed) idea. The concept makes sense.

What inspires you?
Life.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
The usual suspects: time & money.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Tenacity.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Every day is a great moment along this journey.

What is your philosophy of life?
Live & enjoy the ride

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing