BECOME OURSELVES

This is from Sass & Bide's Resort 2010 Collection via Monica Rose's blog. I love Sass & Bide, and their Resort Collection is absolutely brilliant. I really loved the message they wrote to introduce the collection. It rings true with so many artists... Enjoy*

Give It Some Thought

This week I met with a PR Firm that I am interested in working with. I showed them half of my collection, and they absolutely loved it. The sales girls wanted to wear it right then and there.This was all very positive and uplifting feedback. For the past few months, I have been looking at my collection over and over, and was developing tunnel vision. I was very pleased, and am excited to start shooting my Look Book.

In the meeting, we decided that I would focus on getting my name "out there" before producing a Fashion Show this season. I had been debating whether or not I was going to do a show throughout this whole process, and I really think it is smarter for me to develop the business before investing any money in a show or presentation.

Next on my agenda, is getting my team together for my Look Book shoot. I will be spending the next few days getting the Glam Squad together, scout out locations, etc. "Behind the Seams" photos to come...

Stay tuned~

Progress Report

I'm happy to report that my Spring 2011 Collection is coming together beautifully. The colors and prints I am using are really a great combination of bold appeal and feminine sensuous attitude. This week I have been working with my sample makers to rework designs, and again revise and edit the collection. I will be doing fittings soon, and be sure to give you a sneak peek of my collection.

August will be an important month, as I have a meetings regarding the direction I will be going with my collection. To show or not to show? That is the question...

On to the Next One...

Twice a year Preview Vision Textile Show comes to NY to show you the latest on fabrics, textiles, trims, color trends, etc. So, right when you are in the middle of editing and producing your current collection, you have a the Preview Vision Textile Show to come into town and make you think about what the next collection you have to work on (never ending cycle). It is actually a wonderful little break to from the intense process of designing your current collection. I found some really great fabrics that I am hoping to be able to work with.

As an emerging brand, you have to make sure you ask the right questions when meeting new vendors. Some have requirements and order minimums that you may not be able to obligate to, but it is always good to build your rolodex you never know when you actually will be able meet the "high minimums" or "bulk orders" these vendors need.

Can't wait to start the next collection!

Coffee (CHAI) with Noel Jean

A few months ago, Photographer/Short Film Maker Jose Infante caught some candid moments of me during a break at my second office in Williamsburg, Phoebe's Cafe. When I first moved to NY, I came here often to do work, meet with friends, business associates, or just to grab a Chai Latte (my favorite). If you didn't know before, I can never hide what I'm thinking... you'll see why :)

It's OK to Make Mistakes

While interviewing a potential intern recently, she asked "how do you avoid making mistakes with your collection?" My answer is you cannot avoid making mistakes. Today, I noticed several mistakes I made, fabric choices, colors not looking right... I was a soo disappointed in myself. I am my own worst critic, and I'm infamous for putting a lot of pressure on myself because I know I can do better. After figuring out how to "Make It Work", I went back to the drawing board and EDITED what I had. It almost felt like I was starting over, but at the end of my day I realized I am not perfect and this is all apart of the process. It IS OK to make mistakes (try to avoid them if possible), but realize that the world will not end because you chose the wrong shade of green.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIDA

In honor of Frida Kahlo's birthday, Google's pays homage to Frida on their homepage. Just when I need a little inspiration, there she is!

Happy Birthday Frida, thank you for being a strong, bold woman and an inspiring artist.

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!

Hope everyone had a HAPPY and SAFE 4th of July celebration. There's something about the SMILEY FACE and HEART fireworks that always put a smile on my face.

The Real Frida Kahlo

Here's a video that shows snippets of Frida Kahlo at work, with friends, and with her husband. Frida had this amazing aura about her, and you can see it in this video. Enjoy!