Posts Tagged ‘London Fashion Week’

Interview: Alana Hale’s Royal Details for Confident Women

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By | Wednesday March 2nd, 2011 | 03:32 pm | Comments

Company/Designer Name: Alana Hale

Designer Background Summary:

Born and raised in Los Angeles. Started designing clothes and cosmetic bags in elementary school.  Attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA and studied abroad in Paris. Launched the Alana Hale label in the fall of 2009.

How did you get started?

I always knew I wanted to have my own label so starting in high school I worked for our family business learning from my dad the business side, and assisting the designers taking notes on their every move.  After design school I worked as an assistant designer for a contemporary clothing brand learning the world of fashion. About a year later, I couldn’t wait any longer and got up the courage to start my own label.

What inspires your designs?

Most of my inspiration comes from things I see that cause me to stop and think.  Anything I have to take a second glance at. Colors, textures, old movies, music, people I pass on the street- I draw inspiration from around everything around me. The themes I constantly go back to are old Hollywood and rock icons with details stemming from 18th European royalty’s lavish wardrobes

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

I love creating pieces that are feminine yet edgy using luxury fabrics with a lot of detailing. The Alana Hale girl is someone who isn’t afraid to make a statement or get noticed. She appreciates high fashion but doesn’t take it too seriously.  She dresses for herself and no one else.

What designers inspire you?   

Alexander McQueen for his imagination, Karl Lagerfeld for his range and impeccable taste, and Valentino for his great understanding of the woman’s body and romance in clothes.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

When I started my line I had almost no connections within the industry. I was jumping in blindly and had no idea what was ahead of me, no plan, I just figured I’d take it as it comes.

How did you overcome them?

I’m lucky that I’m outgoing and pride myself on the fact that I can talk to anybody. I asked a lot of questions and was pleasantly surprised when almost every contact I’ve made is more than willing to give advice and help new designers such as myself.

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

I have been blessed with so many amazing things throughout this journey. The greatest moment was when Paula Abdul wore an entire look from my Holiday 2010 line on the American Idol season finale last year. That was the first press piece I had ever received and millions of people saw. It opened so many doors for me and it gave the line the credibility it didn’t have until then.

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

The more collections I create, the more confident I am in my designs and I think that is evident in each piece. My looks now compared to my first pieces are much more stronger, confident and less on the safe side.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

The same exact thing I am already doing. Designing is in my blood- I could never do anything else. Definitely travel more though!

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

The best thing is the freedom to create. The worst is that my brain never shuts off and there are not nearly enough hours in a day to execute everything I create in my head.

Describe your typical day?

First thing I do when I wake up is have my coffee (slightly obsessed), check my emails, and lounge for a bit with my French bulldog Sophie. Then I get ready and either head to downtown LA for a meeting with my sample makers and patternmakers or to Hollywood to catch up with my showroom and PR reps. In the later afternoon I’ll come home and do office work and sketch out some new designs. I usually end the work portion of my day around 6 and either relax over some trashy tv or meet up with friends for dinner and drinks.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Joie de vivre! Love life… if you don’t enjoy it and aren’t happy than nothing matters. Always find the joy in the cards you’re dealt. Treat the assistant as you would the CEO. Be the best that you can be, and then strive for better than that.

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

Not one thing

When will you know you have made it?

When I know the answer to this question! haha

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Omar Mansoor Transforming Illusions into Reality

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By | Tuesday September 14th, 2010 | 12:05 pm | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Omar Mansoor

Designer label/Designer name:Omar Mansoor

How did you get started?

My family have been in textiles for a few generations and from an early age I’ve always been inspired by all forms of art. My family’s influence has turned this dream into passion where my mum’s dress sense and my dad’s business acumen and knowledge of textiles shaped my ideas, attitude and passion. My first work experience was in the early 90s where I started solo, and later venturing with other designers and brands.

What inspires your designs?

Any form of art - performing art, paintings, sculptures, the art of living, drama, theatre, nature or the cosmopolitan culture.

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

The priority is wear ability and practicality. Once that is established, I concentrate on the exclusivity factor.  Swarovskis and embellishments are becoming my signature style.  My target customer is any individual who likes to experiment with different styles and designs and at the same time carry it with a lot of grace and elegance.

What designers inspire you?

The list is long though, as every designer works to the best of their asthetics and I have respect for them all.  The designers  topping my favourites list include Reem Acra, Elie Saab and Giorgio Armani.   

What obstacles did you have to overcome? How did you overcome them?

Obstacles are a part of our ever evolving lifestyles.  A wise individual will always pre-empt and be prepared for them. Sometimes receiving too many viewpoints and opinions prove otherwise as you get into the mindset of incorporating all the feedback. In order to avoid ambiguity, it is imperative to focus on the pulse of your buyer and have a clear understanding of the marketability of your product lines as well as being clear on our niche market.   And once you have a sense check, it is important to address these obstacles and learn from them.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

Open up a charity and educational institutions for the less privileged individuals in our society. 

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

Best thing is transforming the client’s idea and illusions into reality.  Seeing them satisfied, encourages me and drives me to creating something even more powerful and bold.

I have yet to encounter a day where I felt displeased about any aspect of my work. The only thing that I sometimes feel is too much pressure is the way being out and about in media circles, affects my family life. I’m working on creating the right work- life balance.

Describe your typical day?

A typical day would be getting up early, a good breakfast and than hitting the gym later  and its work and work related lunch, dinner meetings/events .  Updating myself with all type of news.

What’s your philosophy of life?  Happiness is an ideal of the imagination, not of reason. Immanuel Kant

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?  I would stop trying to please everyone- I would be more care free- I would be a rock star !!!

When will you know you have made it?   There’s always a feeling of ‘what’s next?’ so as they say that the world is a stage and the show must go on

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Jonathan Liang Celebrating Individuality with Edge

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By | Tuesday September 7th, 2010 | 09:50 am | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Jonathan Liang

Designer Name: Jonathan Liang

Designer Background Summary:

I graduated with an advance diploma in Fine Arts, was a freelance illustrator before deciding to take the next step which is Fashion Design. Among some achievements I have made so far in these past 1 ½ year as a young designer is winning first place in Istyle KLIA styling competition, Earned the first place for 10 rising stars and the Most Promising Designer at Malaysia’s Fashion Week 2009 and Won first place, “Best collection” at my graduation show Raffles Design Institute 2010. I still believe I have the longest way to go ahead.

How did you get started?

It all started when I decided to take the third step in my artistic expression. I’ve considered imagining the first step, translating it to a paper the second and bringing it to life the third. Thus fashion became my outlet of expression for this third step.

What inspires your designs?

Everything is an inspiration, but what captivates me most is the mind and dreams.

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

It’s probably a little to early to set myself a style as of now, I have different phases each season and I’d like to try something new as much as I can. I target those who celebrate individuality and to those who look for something classic, subtle, effortless with that extra edge.

What designers inspire you?

Designers inspires me what not to do since it’s already done!

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Endless work hours, the slow poison of the fashion industry and the lack of social activities. Still, no complaints there.

How did you overcome them?

I actually enjoyed being in those situations. It’s becoming an addiction.

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

It’s always when I meet somebody who appreciates my work genuinely. It’s these little moments that amounts up to my total satisfaction.

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

It’ll probably be the fact that I started designing evening gowns. It was never my thing.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

To go somewhere far away, as far as that money could take me to

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

The best thing is the journey it is taking me on and the worst would be not knowing how fast it might end

Describe your typical day?

I’m always out running errands, meetings, sewing and such, I can never sit still and relax, I have to make sure my day is properly well spent before 2012 hits.

What’s your philosophy of life?

A quote from Alber Elbaz – Be Big and Small, Big in your job, Small in person. I always strive to keep my humility and smile intact.

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

I wouldn’t want to do it all over again not unless I get to travel back in time and be the first one to create the jeans.

When will you know you have made it?

When I look at my own work and feel total and complete satisfaction instead of the need to keep changing or improving it

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Valery Kovalska Comfortably Beautiful

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By | Monday September 6th, 2010 | 10:00 am | Comments

Designer Name:  Valery Kovalska (Ukraine)

Designer Background Summary:  Valery Kovalska is a Ukrainian based designer who started her professional career last year on Russian Fashion Week. On 18th September Valery will present her new collection in London. 

How did you get started?   A long time I worked as a stylist. In a few years I understood that I am ready to do the first collection.

What inspires your designs?  The main inspiration is a desire to make comfortable, beautiful creations.

How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?  My clothes are for the young and beautiful; I think it is too early to talk about the designer signature after three collections.

What designers inspire you?  I am constantly finding on internet works of new designers, also not all the collections of certain designers interest me. But there are designers whom I will always like: Rick Owens, Alexander Mcqueen, Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta, Karl Lagerfeld.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?  I don’t like to talk about difficulties and problems, because they are constantly reminding about itself.

How did you overcome them?  I am always happy with the idea about that I’m on the right way.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?  Few years ago I worked a lot with the show business stars, stage clothes etc., but now I used all that experience in my prêt-a-porter collection

If money were no object what would you do right now?   Something similar

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?   The best thing is to get great pleasure from what I am doing, the worst – permanent timelessness.

Describe your typical day?  I wake up, drink a cup of coffee, working working working,  arrive at home late in the night, eat,  play a little bit on the guitar, than go to sleep. 

What’s your philosophy of life?  rock`n`roll  & positive thinking all day long.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?  I think I would made some changes in my 17-18th

 

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Zed Eye Gracefully Individual and Timeless

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By | Sunday September 5th, 2010 | 03:25 pm | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Zed Eye

Designer/Design Label: Zi Ngozi / Zed Eye

Q.  How did you get started?

A.   I am a designer of African heritage. My first source of inspiration was my mother who ran a fashion academy and introduced me to the world of fashion.

Despite attempts at Accounting during college, the passion for fashion proved too strong and I was steered back to my love for design.

My mother ran a fashion academy so I was always surrounded by fashion in that sense. However a distinct trigger was my mum showing me how to use a measuring tape at age 6. This aroused my interest enough for me to practice designing outfits for my dolls. The rest as they say is history.

Q.  What inspires your designs?

A.  I draw inspiration from a combination of things which often include my mood, the weather, color, fabric and my immediate surroundings. My African heritage is definitely reflected to varying extents in my designs in the form of flamboyance and exuberance.

Q.  How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?

A.   It is difficult to single out one person. My style icons will include; Gwen Stefani , Helen Mirren, Kelis and Audrey Hepburn. These women have a strong sense of individuality, grace and timelessness reflected in their style.

Q.    What designs inspire you?

A.    Very well researched, constructive and well executed designs, well tailored to flatter the body very well.

Q.   What obstacles did you have to overcome?

A.   One would not call it an obstacle but part of change or process journey to success.

Q.   How did you overcome them?

A.   Basically learning from mistakes, bad judgments that led to wrong decisions, and one had to learn from it to beat it.

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

A.  One can’t really say which moment because I have had many great moments and they are all memorable to me, but the one that really stands out from all is the day I dressed Kelis, and it was a joy to see her so excited to wear my clothes and want more.

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

A.   There hasn’t been any change really in my designs that can be considered a big change, my designs have always really been the same but abet of twist and cohesive designs, but this year I dabbed into the African prints to create my Tribal Romance collection for the spring summer world cup 2010.

Q.   If money were no object what would you do right now?

A.   Open a Boutique in London, America, Nigeria, and were ever else in the world I feel is my calling for my designs.

Q.   What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

A.    Best thing is being able to create whatever I want to design and having the freedom to do so, and the Worst thing I guess is when you see your design being ripped off .

Q.    Describe your typical day?

A     I don’t really have a routine per day that doesn’t involve researching ideas, processing it, sketching the ideas and executing it in one way or the other. that’s obviously after bath in the morning, breakfast, then yoga in the evening after a hard days work.

Q.  What’s your philosophy of life?

A.   Time is money, and you reap what you saw.

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

A.   I wouldn’t change anything, because I appreciate every opportunity I have been given and will always be grateful to God for making my dream come true.

Q.   When will you know you have made it?

A.  Never! I will always continue to strive and achieve even more.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Emmanuelle-Marie Dares to be Original

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By | Friday September 3rd, 2010 | 09:29 am | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Emmanuelle-Marie

Company/Designer Name: MALAM / Emmanuelle-Marie

Designer Background Summary:

I graduated in 2006 from ESMOD Paris, in fashion design and pattern drafting, specialized in menswear, after completing a Master of Sciences in Management in EM Lyon Business School. After a few internships in jewellery & accessories and clothes making, I decided to launch my own brand in 2007.

How did you get started?

Basically, I had a huge stock of fabrics at home from my fashion studies, and decided to create a line of dresses to use the stock up. My first idea was to make just one pattern and decline it in several different fabrics. Then I thought I should make jackets to wear with them, tops to wear underneath, skirts to wear as petticoats, jumpers to wear as alternatives to the dresses and a second dress pattern to vary a little. Etc :)

What inspires your designs?

I am mostly inspired by children stories and historical clothing. And even more by the fabrics that I buy, they often provoke the inspiration. Most of all, I like making clothing which flatter the feminine silhouette – although I do make some mens clothing from time to time!

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

 I’d say my design style is a mixture of fun, romantic, classic, steampunk… Signature  elements are bell sleeves, fitted tops and goblin hoods. My target customer is a 25 to 50 y-old woman with a strong sense of style, who assumes herself and dares to be original.

What designers inspire you?

I love John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood… all in all, daring designers.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

My main obstacle is time, I always have so many ideas and orders at the same time, it’s hard to fit everything in one day!

How did you overcome them?

I’m still trying

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

Being able to afford a separate workshop, and not work from home anymore! Although I thought this would help me have more normal work hours.. but it did not really work that way, I probably work more now

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

 I can’t say my designs have changed much – however, I am trying to make more complicated, researched designs now than what I did at the beginning. I also use more jersey and silk whereas I used mostly cotton and wool before.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

I think I’d move my workshop nearer to the center of Paris, and maybe open a physical boutique!

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

The best.. being able to give life to the ideas that flow in my head… when I want, and not because someone asked me to. The worst… not having definite work hours or holidays – although I don’t really miss that, I love my work!

Describe your typical day?

I get up early, go to the workshop where I put together the day’s schedule, trying to prioritize urgent orders; then I spend all day drafting, cutting, sewing, answering emails, listing new items in my e-shops, wrapping orders to be sent, sometimes going shopping for fabrics, and trims, until about 8pm. Then I come back home to eat with my husband, and if no outing is planned, I spend the rest of the evening working on pictures, answering emails, or doing a photo session.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Make the most of each day

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

I would probably do exactly the same, I don’t have any regrets – yet

When will you know you have made it?

When I can leave for 3 weeks holidays without wondering how I will make everything when I’m back!

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Belinda Liu A Female Character with Attitude

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By | Thursday September 2nd, 2010 | 05:15 pm | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Belinda Liu

Label/Designer: Belinda Liu

How did you get started?

When I think about fashion design I do not think about a certain moment in time when “it” happened. It started naturally, when I was little. Every piece of material that came in my hands ended up in a sort of garment for my dolls or even for me. Doing it professionally was a rather daring business decision.

What inspires your designs?

Inspiration comes from everywhere but mostly, from what I’ve noticed, usually it emerges from a character, be it fictive or real.  A female character with attitude.

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

I tend to be simple and classic but there are moments, and of course, collections in which you can find a little bit of sophisticated craziness and an apparent mess.  As about the targeted customer, it has no national or racial limits and most of all no age. The ideal customer may want to play a role at a given occasion. And be in tune with its outfit.   
                                                                                                   
What designer’s inspires you?
Designers do not inspire me. But there are some, I do admire for their work.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Many issues related to business management need to be dealt with on a daily basis. There are obstacles relating to production, trade, marketing and sales. Design comes hand in hand with running a fashion label and this is a continuous effort. Design is not a romantic occupation made by a princess in the castle tower.

How did you overcome them?

With any issue I firstly had to admit it existed and started to deal with it. Avoiding or hoping issues will simply pass will just make things worse.

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

Greatest things for me may appear as simple things to others. For example, you got a material and you transformed it into something that is very close to a legerdemain. That’s a great moment. But the greatest moment and feeling of all is when people appreciate your work and of course, love your collections.

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

LFW is a gig change.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

A dangerous trap in life is doing less when money is no object. I would want to continue to be active: the more interesting it gets when more is at stake.

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

The best thing, for me is that I actually do what I love to do. The worst thing is that creation does not always fit together with business management. Setting my mind on the day to day management issues is actually a big challenge.

Describe your typical day?

In the morning I check all my emails to ensure all the ones that need to be dealt with on a daily basis get responded to. I tend to go out in the evenings with friends. After a hectic day I get up in the morning and I wished I had drunk less last night.

What’s you philosophy of life?

Clean up your act and put things in order when there’s a mess around you. Start destroying things with no delay if there is too much order.

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

Less mistakes.

When will you know you have made it?

Hopefully never. There must always be something ahead to achieve.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Brit Frady-Williams Edgy in Brooklyn

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By | Saturday August 28th, 2010 | 10:48 am | Comments

Company/Designer Name: Berit New York/Brit Frady-Williams

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

I’ve been making crafts since I can remember, and I started sewing at around 10 years old; it seemed like a natural progression. I got a sewing machine for Christmas one year and my Mom taught me how to use it.  I began cutting up all my nice clothes and trying to create the things that I had in my head. Needless to say that wasn’t the best idea, as got into a lot of trouble, but I think it was apparent that I was going to be a fashion designer from an early age.

During my teenage years I did some modeling and started going on castings in Atlanta, GA.  My first paycheck came from creating designs for a So So Def recording artist who later ended up modeling in my first fashion show.  After the success of my first line when I was 17, I graduated high school, moved to NYC and earned a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  

I started Berít New York around April of 2007 and it has been a whirlwind ever since.

What inspires your designs?

I like to take historical fashions and ideas and then focus them on certain themes such as sci-fi, fantasy, tribalism or post-apocalypticism. Color combinations also play a large part in my creative process. If I find a particular fabric or trim with colors that grab my attention I may design an entire outfit based on that alone.

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

My designs have an edge to them, whether from asymmetrical shapes or contrast fabrics.  I like to experiment with shapes and techniques, and use them in new ways. My popular designs usually lean more towards neo-Victorian fashion.  I have spent many years studying that period of dress and I think that comes across in my patterns and techniques.  No matter what era I base my designs off of, I always like to add a bit of futurism to them; this is more or less my design signature.

My target customers are musicians, artists and people who dress with a vintage aesthetic. I design for men and women who like to stand out, be seen, and express themselves, people who aren’t afraid to make a statement and who are a bit eccentric.  

What designers inspire you?

My top 3 all time favorite designers have always been Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and John Paul Gaultier. I also think Gareth Pugh is very inspiring, and I can really relate to his story and his work.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

I have had to overcome a lot of things. I would say the greatest would be trying to accommodate an expanding design space in a cramped one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. It is very hard to even live in a small space let along work in one. Over the years, I have accumulated tons of fabric and supplies and have recently expanded my collection of sewing machines, mannequins and displays. So it has definitely been a challenge for me and I hope to one day rent out a studio/showroom in Brooklyn so that I can work outside of my home.

How did you overcome them?

For the time being, I have completely reorganized my studio space and have added wall shelving and clothing racks. It has cleared up a lot of floor room and has made it easier for me to store things.

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

I would say graduating in May of 2007 with a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I worked very hard to get to that point and it was the greatest accomplishment of my career thus far.

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

I would say the use of pastel colors. It sounds so simple but I used to never work with light colors unless they were neutrals and I find that I am expanding more and more into mixing and matching colors schemes to fit the themes of my collections. I never thought I would say it but I actually enjoy pastels!

If money were no object what would you do right now?

I would immediately start working with manufacturers to produce my designs. That is my main challenge at the moment with so much overhead cost.

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

The best things are having the freedom to express yourself through your work and the worst, I would say, is the long work hours and lack of a social life.

Describe your typical day?

A typical day for me would involve communicating with photographers, models, colleagues, clients, etc., for most of the day, and then I would work on designing and sample making at night.  

What’s your philosophy of life?

I tend to go by the golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I would not be where I am today if I did not have others take the time out to mentor me, encourage me and give me opportunities. That meant so much to me in my life and I want to reach out and do the same for other people. It only takes a little to help others go a long way…

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

I would probably invest more money and time in creating collections right away instead of making individual pieces. When I first started, I mostly concentrated on vending at local craft festivals and conventions but I found that it took just as long to make enough stock to fill a vending table as it did creating a full line.

When will you know you have made it?

When I’m able to make a sustained and successful living with Berít New York.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Kate Williams Boldly Feminine

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By | Friday August 27th, 2010 | 12:31 pm | Comments

 Noblivity Spotlights Kate Williams

Company/Designer Name: Kate Williams

Designer Background Summary:  While completing  a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at the Queensland University of Technology, I was a finalist in the Australian Fashion Design Awards. After graduating in 2007 I moved to London to take the MA in Fashion Design at the London College of Fashion. I graduated in early 2010 and set up my eponymous label. This will be my debut at London Fashion Week.

 How did you get started?:  I was studying law at university when I first considered the possibility of becoming a fashion designer. I went to work for a company called MXM Couture where I truly caught the design bug from two of the most passionate designers I have ever met. They convinced me that I could make a career out of design and on their advice, went to technical college to study sewing, pattern-making and grading. After completing the course I studied for the BFA in Fashion Design at the Queensland University of Technology which really guided me towards finding my aesthetic and honed my skills. When I finished, I thought that I could benefit from being pushed still further as a designer. I took the MA in Fashion Design at the London College of Fashion and now I’m here – with my debut at London Fashion Week! Such an exciting ride!

What inspires your designs? My designs are inspired by a combination of things. I suppose my main inspiration is the different women I know and meet in my life. Other things that inspire me are as varied as a swatch of cloth to a scent on the breeze; from the purely mundane to the highly ethereal…

How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer? My design style is very feminine with the occasional bold statement. My design signature is a stylish everyday dress cut for both comfort and style as well as interestingly textured fabrics and unusual prints. The target customer for my clothing is the woman who likes to feel both comfortable and stylish. There are pieces in my collections to suit women from 18 to 80 and I take great pride in using different cuts in my collections to suit different figures. This way, hopefully, there will be something in my collection for every woman. 

What designers inspire you?So many designers inspire me – each season they differ. Rei Kawakubo, Donna Karan and Miuccia Prada though are ALWAYS inspiring.

What obstacles did you have to overcome? I have been very fortunate in that the only real obstacles I have had to overcome have been ones that I have put there myself. To succeed in fashion you have to have such drive and self-belief which can be hard to muster when you’re just starting out. Maintaining a positive outlook and momentum is so important.

How did you overcome them? My family and friends generally gets me through any self-doubt or creative drought. I am very lucky to have such supportive people around me who can put up with me when I am crazily stressed or figuratively slap me awake when I have periods of doubt.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? My greatest moment so far was reaching the finals of the Australian Fashion Design Awards – but not for the reason you might think! This was the first time my designs had been seen by such a wide audience. So many people came up to me after the competition congratulating me on my work and asking where they could buy it – it was such great validation of what I had been working towards and I will always be grateful to those people who made the effort to come and find me that evening.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? The biggest change in my designs has been the introduction of my own prints. This is something I’m really excited about and I can only hope that other people find them exciting too!

If money were no object what would you do right now? If money were no object right now – I’d probably be doing what I’m doing right now, just on a larger scale! I love what I do – I just never seem to have enough time! If it were possible to buy time, that is probably what I’d spend my money on!

What are the best and worst things about being a designer? The best and worst thing about being a designer is the same thing: the anticipation before unveiling a new collection. The excitement and adrenalin are mixed with feelings of anxiety and trepidation – it’s a very confusing time and I can be very hard to be around! There are many other aspects of the job that are wonderful and tiresome, but in terms of its effect on me and those I love,  that is definitely the best/worst!

Describe your typical day? In a typical day I start off by eating breakfast and checking my email. I answer the ones I can and postpone the ones I have to think about until after lunch. For an hour or so I decide on my plan of attack for the day. This can include anything from research (market, trend, fabric, inspiration etc – I do a lot of research!) to pattern-cutting, sewing, designing, draping – so many different things! I always aim for a mix of tasks throughout the day. After lunch I answer the emails left over from breakfast and then get back to it! After lunch I sometimes lose track of time and can end up working until very late at night. But it’s definitely worth it!

What’s your philosophy of life? My philosophy on life is to take each day as it comes. Embrace everything the day has to offer and tackle the problems of the day head-on. Though I must admit that some days all I want to do is stay under the covers!

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I’m not sure I would do anything really differently – the road I’ve taken has led me here to a very happy point in my life. If I changed anything – who knows where I could be now!

When will you know you have made it? I don’t think I’ll ever think I’ve ‘made it’. As I progress and achieve my goals I almost automatically begin setting new ones. I will always be working towards something. If, at the end of my life, I can look back and be happy and proud of what my life has brought to the world, then I will have made it.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Victoria Rangayah Finding Harmony Contrasting Opposites

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By | Thursday August 26th, 2010 | 08:34 pm | Comments

Noblivity Spotlights Victoria Rangayah 

Company/Designer Name:  z-mode / Victoria Rangayah

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started? After a 3 year fashion design qualification I worked as a denim wear designer for a mass market supplier who supplied most of the main chains in South Africa. The experience I gained there about staying true to your fashion vision in the face of commercial pressure is invaluable! After moving to the UK I thought I could give it a shot and I’ve not looked back since.

What inspires your designs? My main inspiration is contrast, contradiction, opposites and finding harmony and balance between them, making them work together.

How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer? My signature design is men’s suiting fabrics mixed with flowing silks. I also love graphic, sharp lines and minimalism. My customer is the confident, sophisticated over 23 year old woman, who knows exactly what she wants and has the poise and presence to go after it. 

What designers inspire you? I love Zac Posen, Alice Palmer, Mary Katrantzou and David Longshaw

What obstacles did you have to overcome? How did you overcome them?

 The biggest obstacle – and I’m still in the process of finding a solution – is juggling between work and being a wife and a mother of two. It’s very hard to find balance and dedicate time fairly.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?It is always very rewarding to see your work being published in national and international fashion magazines such as ELLE and Collezioni Italy. Being one of the finalists in South Africa’s biggest bridal competition ‘Bridex Africa’ was another happy moment of my design career.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? Having worked at both ends of the spectrum – designing practical and casual denim wear as well as bespoke, romantic bridal wear – and having gained all this experience, I am trying to combine a lot of different aspects into my new collection.

If money were no object what would you do right now? The first thing I would do is get premises and a baby sitter! Then I would concentrate more on brand awareness, marketing and development.

What are the best and worst things about being a designer? The best thing is that this job could be very rewarding. The negative aspect is that the journey to the top is very, very tough and sadly being the designer you actually spend very little time designing.

Describe your typical day? School run in the morning, baby walk and toddler groups lunch time, email answering while baby has his nap, school pick up, after school activities, phone calls while waiting, tea time, bath time and finally by 8pm my official working day starts. Then I do my patterns, sample sewing, emails, research designs etc. I finish work around 1 AM and get ready for 6AM start to do my mother duties again.

What’s your philosophy of life? There is nothing impossible! Keep knocking on those doors, one of them will eventually open for you.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? It’s hard to say what I would do differently. I think knowing my situation I am doing the best I can, and actually feel that I’m on the right track.

When will you know you have made it? The artist’s job is never complete, so I don’t think you ever reach that line that you say, “Right, that’s it, I made it.” I think you grow and develop over time and keep setting higher and higher goals. I guess when I can stop working at all and see my label running itself then I will know that I made it.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Ziad Ghanem Edgy Artistic Street Couture

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By | Tuesday February 23rd, 2010 | 08:43 am | Comments

photo credit: zian ghanem

 

UK based emerging designer Ziad Ghanem has something to say and his edgy couture pieces are making a statement. 

Ziad is known for his artistic use of contrasts, large sculptural elements and ‘street couture’ with punch. 

The Ziad Ghanem Collection will be showing at London Fashion Week 2010.

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Posted in Emerging Designers

Fashion News Daily Updates

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By | Friday February 12th, 2010 | 09:49 am | Comments

US January retail sales figures improve

Retail sales rose 0.5 per cent in January as retailers recovered from a dip in December sales, according to a report by the US Census Bureau.  Read the whole story

A LFW show for us all

London Fashion Week A/W10 kicks off on February 19 and following the success of last season’s 25th anniversary celebration it’s more fashion-tastic than ever.  There will be seven designers displaying their wares including those from Borris Powell (pictured).  Congrats Borris!  Read the whole story

The Future of Fashion Weeks

“I see the future of fashion weeks around the world as not only a physical schedule of shows, but also as a calendar of fashion experiences online, which bridge the industry and consumer experience,” said Knight in a prepared statement. “When the industry talks about the ‘future of fashion weeks’ this is ultimately where they will arrive.”  Read the whole story

Fashion Diary: Alexander McQueen, an appreciation

Death seemed never to be far from McQueen’s mind, both on the runway and off. In a 2008 interview with the Los Angeles Times the day before his 39th birthday, when he sat down to talk about his new Los Angeles store, he said the suicide of a longtime friend and mentor, eccentric stylist Isabella Blow, had had a profound effect on him.  Read the whole story

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Posted in News & Views

Sarah Jessica Parker, Holly Fulton and Sex in the City

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By | Tuesday December 22nd, 2009 | 04:01 pm | Comments
Holly Fulton photo credit: holly fulton

We had an opportunity to review what we’re calling a futuristic collection from emerging designer Holly Fulton.  The Edinburgh designer debuted in February 2009 and quickly gained the attention from Sarah Jessica Parker of ‘Sex in the City’ fame.  Holly is the winner of the Young Designer of the Year Awards at the Scottish Fashion Awards.

Fulton, 32, said she had to pinch herself. “It was just the biggest compliment, and I couldn’t quite believe it for a while. Sex And The City was really the first big programme with a significant focus on fashion, and to an extent you’re watching the fashion more than anything else. Setting aside the potential exposure, this was just a huge confidence boost for me.” Read the whole story

Her collection caught our attention,  the straight edge hand-cut patient leather mini-dresses embellished with Swarovski crystals and metal were dazzling.  Her collection is full of geometrical shapes with an art deco robotic look in simple yet sophisticated forms.  The embellishments are flamboyant and immediately grab all of the attention.  The use of sharp silhouettes with the mini is conspicuously dashing.  Holly’s collection is innovative with edgy elegance, the colors are brilliant, bold and a bit retro. 

The design details are original and stately giving each piece Holly’s unique signature.

Update:  Holly Fulton is showing at London Fashion Week February 19 – 23, 2010.

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Posted in News & Views

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