How long have you been pursuing design?
Officially…almost four years; unofficially…since I was a young little thing.
Is design a hobby or a career?
It’s meant to be a career, but this economy is making me feel like it’s just a hobby, alas!
who are your current favorite designers?
Katherine Pont’s label “Mine” makes my heart flutter with it’s loveliness! Her designs are the way I strive to feel in general…full of elegance and whimsy!
What are some of your favorite current trends?
Unruly elegance and speakeasy chic, but those are more like twists on classic styles than trends. For me, 80% of the time, trendy can be a waist of money.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
Navy blue, grey-blue and creme
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
I am pretty open minded about fabrics…but i do adore Japanese kimono and Indian sari silks. They’ve been known to take my breath away.
If given the opportunity to design an entire collection what would some highlights be (inspirations, cuts, materials, highlighted pieces, etc.)?
I find it impossible to separate designing from who I am and basically what I want to wear. And I want to wear pieces packed full of romance, grace, with a hint of quirkiness. Garments that echo vintage styles and inspire daydreams of traveling to lands afar. Pieces that are delicate but strong of character. I think that is what you would find in my collection…
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
The days of glory for the Grey Gardens gals.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
Empire waisted garments are flattering on most women as it’s generally the narrowest part of the body. The neckline is meant to elongate the neck and frame the face. The over the shoulder shawl collar ads a hint of vintage glam. The wide leg is a forgiving trouser and it is easy to wear, comfortable, and breezy for the summer.
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
My friends and family were super amazing at remembering to vote, as well as enlisting their various groups of friends. Of course posting on Facebook makes things easier. Also, I tried to think of a few niche sites that had to do with my inspiration, so I emailed a few sites having to do with Grey Gardens. Facebook groups are handy as well…..
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
Surely!
2nd Place Winner: Lovetank
How long have you been pursuing design?
i have been interested in design for about six years now. i began sewing my own garments for about three years now.
Is design a hobby or a career?
i would love to make it a career but currently it is just a hobby. this will be my first design that someone other than myself has made so i am excited to see how it comes out.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
black, white and grey. you can never go wrong with these three. it is always classy.
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
silk, cotton woven, and rayon blend knits as they have the best hand feel!
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
vintage work wear but with a feminine twist. i think the work wear thing going on in the mens market right now is amazing and tasteful. i wanted to create this but with a feminine edge.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
the cut and tailoring, small subtle details and fabric selection
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
networking. i posted several facebook posts and was posting my design at blogs all over the place. shameless self promotion!
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
absolutely. i am working on a few now
3rd Place Winner: KMartensen
How long have you been pursuing design?
It wasnt until recently that I became interested in fashion design. My career of choice is in visual merchandising.
Is design a hobby or a career?
hobby for now, but who knows what the future holds.
who are your current favorite designers?
Coco Chanel will always be my favorite, but currently I love Phillip Lim. His designs are so modern and feminine.
What are some of your favorite current trends?
I love the menswear trend for women. Think Annie Hall.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
to design in- black, cream, blush… just favorite color- green
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
if given the opportunity to design an entire collection what would some highlights be (inspirations, cuts, materials, highlighted pieces, etc.)
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of classic beauty.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
Everyone loves a little black dress, and this dress has a little twist with the full ruffle top that keeps it modern.
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
I emailed everyone in my family, and posted it all over facebook.
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
Definitely.
Winner Interviews
1st Place Winner: Olivesingley
How long have you been pursuing design?
Officially…almost four years; unofficially…since I was a young little thing.
Is design a hobby or a career?
It’s meant to be a career, but this economy is making me feel like it’s just a hobby, alas!
who are your current favorite designers?
Katherine Pont’s label “Mine” makes my heart flutter with it’s loveliness! Her designs are the way I strive to feel in general…full of elegance and whimsy!
What are some of your favorite current trends?
Unruly elegance and speakeasy chic, but those are more like twists on classic styles than trends. For me, 80% of the time, trendy can be a waist of money.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
Navy blue, grey-blue and creme
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
I am pretty open minded about fabrics…but i do adore Japanese kimono and Indian sari silks. They’ve been known to take my breath away.
If given the opportunity to design an entire collection what would some highlights be (inspirations, cuts, materials, highlighted pieces, etc.)?
I find it impossible to separate designing from who I am and basically what I want to wear. And I want to wear pieces packed full of romance, grace, with a hint of quirkiness. Garments that echo vintage styles and inspire daydreams of traveling to lands afar. Pieces that are delicate but strong of character. I think that is what you would find in my collection…
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
The days of glory for the Grey Gardens gals.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
Empire waisted garments are flattering on most women as it’s generally the narrowest part of the body. The neckline is meant to elongate the neck and frame the face. The over the shoulder shawl collar ads a hint of vintage glam. The wide leg is a forgiving trouser and it is easy to wear, comfortable, and breezy for the summer.
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
My friends and family were super amazing at remembering to vote, as well as enlisting their various groups of friends. Of course posting on Facebook makes things easier. Also, I tried to think of a few niche sites that had to do with my inspiration, so I emailed a few sites having to do with Grey Gardens. Facebook groups are handy as well…..
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
Surely!
2nd Place Winner: Lovetank
How long have you been pursuing design?
i have been interested in design for about six years now. i began sewing my own garments for about three years now.
Is design a hobby or a career?
i would love to make it a career but currently it is just a hobby. this will be my first design that someone other than myself has made so i am excited to see how it comes out.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
black, white and grey. you can never go wrong with these three. it is always classy.
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
silk, cotton woven, and rayon blend knits as they have the best hand feel!
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
vintage work wear but with a feminine twist. i think the work wear thing going on in the mens market right now is amazing and tasteful. i wanted to create this but with a feminine edge.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
the cut and tailoring, small subtle details and fabric selection
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
networking. i posted several facebook posts and was posting my design at blogs all over the place. shameless self promotion!
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
absolutely. i am working on a few now
3rd Place Winner: KMartensen
How long have you been pursuing design?
It wasnt until recently that I became interested in fashion design. My career of choice is in visual merchandising.
Is design a hobby or a career?
hobby for now, but who knows what the future holds.
who are your current favorite designers?
Coco Chanel will always be my favorite, but currently I love Phillip Lim. His designs are so modern and feminine.
What are some of your favorite current trends?
I love the menswear trend for women. Think Annie Hall.
What are your 3 favorite colors?
to design in- black, cream, blush… just favorite color- green
What are your 3 favorite fabrics to work with?
if given the opportunity to design an entire collection what would some highlights be (inspirations, cuts, materials, highlighted pieces, etc.)
From where was the inspiration drawn for this submission?
Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of classic beauty.
In your eyes, what makes this piece attractive to the consumer?
Everyone loves a little black dress, and this dress has a little twist with the full ruffle top that keeps it modern.
What was the key element towards your success on exuve.com?
I emailed everyone in my family, and posted it all over facebook.
Are you planning any submissions for future contests?
Definitely.