Making Samples

The last time I did any sort of pattern making was in 2001 my last year in college. So I decided that since I don't have a job and I do want to make samples of my designs I should start making my own patterns. I wish I had the money to go ahead and work with a factory and have wonderful older ladies with 20 years+ experience working on my designs but.......I don't. It went really well. I drafted the slopers for the front and back bodice and front and back skirt. I still need to draft slopers for a dress, sleeve and likewise for knits. I won't say that it was fun, but I will say that it felt good to draft again.

Overall I feel more connected to the world of fashion now than I ever did when I was working full time, strange but true. I guess it's because now I have time to enjoy it, time to check out the latest runway shows (online of course) and time to read the reviews, trends and check out stores. I definitely didn't have time for all this when I worked full time. Between meeting deadlines and rushing home before the babysitter had to leave I barely had time to take a deep breath and relax. Now I can, with the help of my mother that is lol...

So the plan now is to just make some of the samples myself. The down side is that they might not come out perfect...hey I make mistakes. I hate zippers and I go nuts when seams don't match. The up side is that I can save on money and get this line development thing started somehow. I hate it when people ask to see samples and I don't have any. What kind of a designer am I anyway? Anyway, I'm hoping to change all that now. I promise pictures will be added very soon. I'm anxious to make my sexy racer back dress (see it on my website http://www.alexandrastyle.com).

-Alex

Friends and Family

I'm always amazed at how incredibly lucky I am to have such supportive family and friends. They are the the key to my success! I bet I could design a dress made of a garbage bag and they'd tell me it was the best dress they'd ever see. I'm I really that talented or just that lucky?

Last night I was up at 2:30 am feeding my 10 month old baby Zara. She fell asleep right after her feeding but I was left tossing and turning in bed. Still inspired by my day at Bloomingdales with by husband, I picked up my new sketch pad by my bedside and started sketching. I had such a rush of ideas I couldn't wait any longer.

I seriously need to give this all I got because I think I'll never live a happy life if I don't at least try. I can visualize a small design studio or store, even what the website can be like. I'm just ready to give this my 1000% to make it a success.

Today I'm calling the seamstress, hopefully she'll want to work with me and I'll head downtown to buy fabric and get her started making my samples asap.

What to name my line?

What do I call my line. This week I have seen two new businesses start up with great names that are simple and speak in very simple terms what the product is about.

Ok so what should be the name of my business? Well for starters the line if for me. It's a line that I'd wear to work, wear out at night to dinner or social gathering, corporate dinner etc...

Who am I, I'm a Modern Latina! I was born and raised here in NYC by my family who instilled in me first and formost my Dominican Culture. So the line is Modern but I'm also using bright and tropical colors in the line. Living in NYC it's so easy to get caught up in Black and Neutral colors that it's refreshing to see women wear clothes that are bright and make you feel happy.

Ok that's a start, Modern Latina....I'm not saying that's the name of the line but I need to elaborate and continue brainstorming along those lines.

New Ideas and Motivation

Today was a good day. I managed to get myself motivated and went to Bloomingdales to check out what's out there. I had a great time and I feel refreshed with new ideas. The plan now to is to call the sample maker I recently met and start making my samples. Tomorrow morning I'll call her to make sure we are all o.k to get started and from there I'll go buy fabric and hopefully meet with her asap.

Although I don't have the money yet to commit to working with a factory and making bulk production, I'm hoping that by developing these samples I can go back to the GIDC and get some feed back. Also I'd like to enter the Designer contest with Gen Art for emerging Designers. I need to get my line out there!

Ok, that's it for now. I'm about to sketch all my new ideas before they disappear, I'll post them tomorrow.

-Alex

Good Examples

So today I found out that a former collogue from work has started his own line of hats. This is the perfect example of how someone starts with just one idea and expands and grows. He as a Design director of a very cool brand partnered up with his former sales person and will now have the line in Bergdof Goodman. I'm very excited for him and I know for sure they will do great.

The Weekend

What a weekend! Wooh! Farrah, Micheal, and even Billy Mays. I'll just say I want to live long enough to see my daughters grow up and lead happy and successful lives. Hard to design with thoughts of Michael Jackson and all the media honoring him.

On a lighter note, I made a great business connection on Saturday. I was sitting in McDonalds waiting for my husband and I overhead the conversation of two ladies sitting behind me. I guess they were having a little business meeting there. Basically a sample maker with at least 32 years experience who is now retired but does still do some work from home. From listening to her conversation it seemed she was totally legit and knew what she was doing. I waited until they're meeting was finished and asked if the sample maker would take some time to sit with me and talk. I have her number and looks like I got myself a sample maker to start developing my line.

I'm excited

Scoop Neck Dress

I love the lines on this dress, just the right amount of sophisticated and sexy. Oversized side pockets and racer back. This is definitely for the woman who loves her curves.

Click on the picture to enlarge and view details.

Easy Tee

I don't think you can go wrong with a an easy tee. In a great mercerized cotton with just the right amount of sheen to it and feminine sleeves. Pair it with sexy flat front pants with a pin tuck down the center.

Accessorized with a skinny belt inspired by the little bow that you often found on Jackie Kennedy's dresses and outfits that brings just a hint of color.

To work, wear with a blazer or cropped jacket, evening remove the jacket and add great jewelry.

Till tomorrow

-Alex

Silk Blouse

Silk Blouse with contrast band on neckline, plunging v-back, wide sash.

Real Design

There are many things to consider when creating a collection. It's one thing when you work for a major company and another when you are trying to start your own with very limited sources. Having said that one of the things that I have to consider is that I have to limit my fabric choices and colors for my line and maximize it's use. There are several fabrics I have in mind, Cotton/Silk (Sateen Finish) for skirts and dresses, Mercerized Jersey for Knit Tops and 100% Silk for Blouses and Cotton-Linen for Outerwear.

Basic Design elements will consist of banded tops, you will see the V-shape making a presence through out the line in various forms, clean lines, and color! It's my way of merging the some elements of Japanese Design Influence with Jackie's Classic Style. I bet that sounds weird, lol but again I just love the beauty of clean lines and the simplicity that makes a woman's figure look that much better. It's not complicated and I love that. I'm gonna give it a shot!

When I visited the GIDC's showroom I noticed that the Designers had chosen l a lot of black. I know it's NYC and all but color was missing! I want to draw attention to my line through beautiful color and taking the advice of the GIDC I am focusing narrowly so I have chosen only four colors: Ivory, Yellow, Pink and Navy.

It's looking as though I would like to launch this for Spring '11. To me this is all very real, for real women with the purpose of actually making even a little bit of money so I can launch a second season. If I wouldn't wear it, it's not gonna be on the line.

This is a collection meant to be worn, not just admired! It's not a sculpture it's clothing for real women.

Check back soon for more design updates

-Alex