In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with the PACT team to discuss the important stuff, namely POOL booth setup and industry niches.
1. Tell us about PACT.
PACT is obsessed with a big idea: clothes that make the world a better place. Socks with soul, altruistic underwear, and other everyday essentials made with fabrics that feel good and go easy on the environment…sustainably sourced organic cotton with no pesticides, no fertilizers or other nasty stuff.
The best part: with every purchase, you help PACT make a positive change in our world.
It’s that easy. You change your underwear, together we change the world.
2. How has your business evolved since day one?
When we first launched, PACT was a direct-to-consumer online business only. We were focused on selling only on our website but quickly learned that the internet is a crowded noisy place and it can be really expensive to get noticed. We had a some great media exposure when we launched and very shortly after started getting requests from boutiques who wanted to retail our product. At first we resisted but then we reorganized our business into a multi-channel focused brand - direct and wholesale - and that’s when things really started taking off. The POOL tradeshow has been an integral part of getting the PACT brand in front of the right buyers.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry?
You really need a different point of view. Any new designer or new brand needs to do something that no one else is doing. Brands like Native shoes, Mighty Wallets, and PACT have created products and brands that stand out as different in their categories. Find a niche and focus. Stay focused. Wait until the market has given you permission to expand your product line up. Buyers need a few seasons to establish you in a particular category so don’t lose focus and expand your product line too quickly. And always remember: no ask no get.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day.
Facebook. All day everyday. Its a wonderful way to have a dialogue with your customer and meet them in a place that is not about “buy this” but instead about storytelling and brand development. Our customers are on Facebook all the time - PACT is just another “friend”.
5. How do you choose the nonprofits and partners you work with?
PACT began by partnering with a nonprofit and then donating 10% of our sales to the nonprofit. What we learned was that customers were more interested in specific impacts associated with our partnerships. What is the money going to actually do? When we started telling stories about the kind of positive impacts we were helping our nonprofit partners make, our customers really started paying attention. We’ve learned to go even deeper with our nonprofit partners and now we have only one impact per season that lasts 6 months. We work with nonprofits that have strong connection to retailers and understand that the commercialization of their story to help sell PACT products enables us to raise more money to support their work to make more positive change in our world.
6. Returners: Favorite POOL memory? At our first POOL show, I was the first one to show up on set up day and sitting in front of our booth was a giant crate bearing a huge pact logo.
The crate was bigger than the booth. I half expected a giant gorilla to burst from the box. We spent 8 hours setting it up but at the end it was awesome. And probably the most exciting part was seeing the booth filled with buyers eager to learn more about pact.
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Jenna Consiglio, Founder of JAECI Designs, to discuss the important stuff, namely overcoming personal hurdles and taking chances.
1. Tell us about JAECI Designs. JAECI Designs has been my dream ever since I can remember, however I did not realize this until about 7 years ago. Let me back up. In high school I was diagnosed with Autoimmune-Hepatitis (AIH), a non-contagious liver disease common in young teenage girls, causing the immune system to attack itself. I did not know why God had put this upon me, but have always believed that everything happens for a reason.
Before this all happened, I was living everyday in routine, unsure of who I was and what I enjoyed in life. But then my life came to a standstill. I was living at the doctor’s office, getting blood work drawn constantly, and eventually had to have surgery. This made me take a step back. I started looking at life differently, treating everyday with respect and being thankful for what I had. I stopped getting caught up in how other people were trying to tell me to live my life and started living my own so I could go on and pursue my dreams.
Once my AIH was under control, I started feeling more comfortable in my own skin. I signed up for new activities/hobbies that led me to finding out I had a niche for fashion and the arts. Everything seemed to be falling into place. From there I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and after graduating moved back home to Vegas where one day I was on the hunt for an Aquarius bracelet (my zodiac sign). I could not find one anywhere – so I decided to design it – and from there on JAECI Designs was born.
I know everyone has a dream and people always hear the saying “follow your dreams” but never really think anything of it, instead they just follow the norm, but that my friend, is where they are wrong. I created this line for people to believe in themselves, for people to find their passion in life, and for people to be trendy at an affordable cost. Styles are designed after personal history, zodiacs, quotes, music, and much more as a reminder for people to dream beyond their expectations. If you want something out of life go do it, anything in life is possible; all you have to do is believe! That is the JAECI dream.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? Since day numero uno? Geeze, where do I even begin. For starters, I have made multiple mistakes, but without those mistakes I would not have learned a thing. Everything is about taking risks.
When starting out a business I’m not sure anyone really knows what they are getting themselves into, esp a 24 year old, but you take everything as it comes. In the beginning I only sold my designs online and recently in the past couple of months I was able to expand and now my line is being sold in multiple stores for Buckle, INC. Now, here I am at MAGIC, which is another dream come true and huge step for the company in which I look forward to learning even more and gaining another chapter to this evolving story.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Never turn down an opportunity, meet as many people as you can and always remember that you are your brand. Also, stay humble to who you are, if you are a good person good things will happen to you. That I truly believe.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. In general, I cannot go a day without my iPhone. On that iPhone I cannot go a day without viewing Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and iScopes (gots to get my daily horoscope read on!)
5. Describe your new collection in five words or less. Wanderlust. Risk. Love.
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Anne Lombard, Director and Founder of Oh My Love, to discuss the important stuff, namely British fashion differentiators and old school brainstorming with a pencil.
1. Tell us about Oh My Love. Oh My Love prides itself on its unique quirky designs and being an on trend fast fashion and affordable brand. Oh My Love is recognized for its flattering playful silhouettes, bold and colourful prints, and its fun free spirited vibe.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? The Oh My Love Journey began in 2009 when I decided to utilize my vintage background transferring my inspiration and love from buying and selling vintage pieces, I went onto designing my own clothing label. In the past 3 years Oh My Love has evolved from a market stall on a weekend market to a key high street brand selling in the UK’s most popular women’s fashion store, Topshop and online with ASOS.com. Oh My Love has created a cult following across the world with bloggers, Facebook and Twitter fans. Oh My Love is ready to introduce the brand to the world.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Try to look for a gap within the market you chose to design for, girls are constantly looking for new fresh key items for their wardrobes. Also joining any company that you believe into their designs ethos you will be able to grow quicker and showcase your talent.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. It has to be an old fashion pen and notebook, get to jot down key inspirations when out and about, sketching and writing those key to do lists.
5. You’re rooted in the UK. What would you say is the biggest differentiator between US and UK style? The UK has such a large high street offering affordable fashion to all budgets. Key pieces for the season aren’t always designer lead in the UK, they are high street led or offer a great interpretation from the catwalks. Girls in the UK become aware of fashion from an early age, so it is important to offer something that stands out from the rest, as the UK girl is very conscientious of price, quality and there image.
POOL patrons, do you know about our new location in the Mandalay Bay? Study up, and let us know if you have any questions. Let the countdown to Vegas continue!
American Apothecary uses fashion as means to promote awareness of social and cultural diversity. Each season the POOL brand focuses on a specific American industry and uncovers unknown truths and misinterpretations by way of graphic tees + sweatshirts.
What is a cause you believe in? Tell us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for your chance to win a tee from their latest collection!
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Jonit Bookheim, Marketing Director at Mata Traders, to discuss fair trade, personal expression, the POOLTRADESHOW happy hour, and more!
1. Tell us about Mata Traders. Mata Traders is a fair trade fashion company. Our clothes and jewelry are handmade by women’s cooperatives and artisan groups in developing countries that pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions. Our designs mix old-fashioned processes–such as hand loom weaving and hand block printing–with fashion-forward silhouettes and contemporary color palettes. Mata’s mission is to bring fair trade to the forefront of the fashion industry–and to bring fashion to fair trade.
Our unique garments and accessories empower both the women who make them and the women who wear them. To us, fashion is about self-expression and being able to be yourself. How clothes look is key to that, but so is how they’re made. Through your purchase of fair trade fashion, you can express your beliefs and worldview, too. We want to give women that option. Our philosophy is that women shouldn’t have to make trade offs between style and ethics.
In Hindi, mata means “mother,” and our products are a tribute to the female shakti power in all of us.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? We are three best friends who started traveling together after college and got hooked. After a year working in Australia, we came back to Chicago and saved up our money for a round-the-world trip, which included four months in India. We fell in love with the colors and textiles there, and, between temples and fortresses, spent a lot of time shopping. Maureen loved it so much that the following year she went back on a buying trip, importing everything from tapestries to leather sandals. She crashed on her cousin’s couch that summer and sold her Indian wares at an outdoor market in Martha’s Vineyard, where several people asked her if her goods were fair trade. She looked into what that meant and found out the fair trade futures conference was going to be in Chicago that fall. As much as we love traveling and being immersed in other cultures, seeing the widespread poverty gets you thinking about why that is happening and what you can do about it. So when you’re starting out as a trader and an answer like fair trade pops up, you jump on it. Next trip to India Maureen sought out fair trade producers to make some clothing, a women’s cooperative that we still work with to this day. Here’s an excerpt from an email Maureen wrote to me and Michelle on that trip. A year later, Michelle joined Maureen and Mata Traders was incorporated. They spent several years building up the business by selling at Chicago’s summer street festivals and holiday fair trade bazaars. They also started wholesaling by going on road trips and stopping in to show the line to shops. Pretty soon they were attending trade shows and the number of wholesale customers grew quickly. Now we are eight people who love working with the cooperatives and making fun clothes and jewelry.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Follow your passion and do what you’re good at. It is possible to start small and grow organically. Initially, Maureen and Michelle were able to support themselves with a seasonal job: selling posters on college campuses with Beyond the Wall.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. We use a lot of free or low-cost apps to run Mata Traders. Our e-commerce website is from Cubecart and our blog is on Wordpress. We use Sugar CRM for our sales database where we keep track of our accounts and leads. We are still able to use Quickbooks for our accounting, but it’s not the best for companies with a lot of inventory. Our designer uses Photoshop and Illustrator, but for photo editing I use Gimp for free. Basecamp is a good tool for project management, and there is a free version called Freedcamp. We are also users of social media like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
5. What does fair trade mean to you and how does it manifest in your business? Fair trade is a global movement to end poverty by increasing equity and transparency in global trade, and a ‘fair trade’ product or company designation signifies a commitment to the fair treatment of producers.
As a fair trade company, we source directly from four fair trade cooperatives in India and Nepal, which employ hundreds of artisans. The cooperatives that make our products work in rural and slum communities with women who have little or no education, many can’t read or write. Because of their work, they can afford to send their children to school and pay for necessities that they couldn’t before. The cooperatives are really amazing, supportive organizations that are social service programs as much as they are employers. There are social workers on staff, and members are provided resources such as on-site daycare, paid maternity leave, medical check-ups, health care, vision testing and glasses, and retirement pensions. To promote social mobility, the women are offered classes in literacy, financial literacy, and computers. As fair trade organizations, the cooperatives pay their members a living wage in the local context and monitor working hours, with overtime being compensated accordingly. In addition, our groups ensure a safe, clean, well-lit and well-ventilated workshop environment and that no child labor is used.
6. Returners: Favorite POOL memory? Our favorite thing about POOL is the fashion! We’re always impressed and inspired by the cool and unique style we see - in fact, last year Maureen wrote this blog post about it. Besides that, we’re fans of the happy hour!
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Peter Giles, Managing Director of Motel Rocks, to discuss the important stuff, namely the differentiators between UK and US fashion and successful POOL sales.
1. Tell us about Motel Rocks. Motel Rocks is a youth-led British fashion brand that was launched in the late 90s and was born from a desire to create vintage inspired clothing with a unique and modern edge. Synonymous with statement prints, form-fitting silhouettes, covetable designs and affordable prices, Motel is now a global fashion label with a cult-like following of style seekers.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? The brand has always stayed true to its roots and the ethos of creating trend-setting must-haves at affordable prices, however the collections have grown and diversified each season and now sees a full fashion offering including outerwear, denim, partywear, swimwear and streetwear too. We’ve also recently re-launched our website, Motelrocks.com, to offer an interactive shopping experience where you can shop the latest collections along with getting style advice, see sneak peeks from behind the scenes at Motel and buy cult accessory labels such as Zatchels and Jeffrey Campbell.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? You need perseverance and complete belief in everything you do - trust your gut! At Motel we’ve always stayed true to what we believe in and creating clothes that we think are cool and edgy, regardless of fleeting fads, and it’s this brand philosophy that has positioned us as trend leaders. We launched our black and white stripe Jordan jeans several years ago, which fast became a cult item and although similar styles have since been spotted on designer catwalks and in high-street ranges, we launched this trend long before the others.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. My iPhone – it’s my office on the move. Motel is a fast paced global brand, so I spend a lot of time travelling and need to have access to everything instantly and in the palm of my hand. We also have a huge social media and blog following and I monitor this constantly. A lot of our inspiration is taken from street fashion and there are some fantastic bloggers out there wearing and snapping themselves in Motel so I browse through them regularly.
5. You’re rooted in the UK. What would you say is the biggest differentiator between US and UK style? I think that there’s something a bit more ‘put together’ and polished about US style where as the UK is a bit more eclectic and has that quirky ‘thrown together’ look. Our design team is London based but we look to global street style as our inspirations and as a brand that was established from a US road trip and rifling through the thrift stores on the West Coat, American inspirations play a huge role in our creative output.
6. Favorite POOL memory? Probably our first appearance at Pool – we had such a great reaction from customers on the collection and saw a huge increase in our market share particularly with stockists that we had always aspired to working with, so that was a key turning point for the brand. I also have some great (although slightly hazy!) memories of after show parties and hanging out with our friends from Jeffrey Campbell!
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Kristine Lopez, Founder of HARDCOUTURE, to discuss the important stuff, namely vintage inspiration and successful POOL sales.
1. Tell us about HARDCOUTURE. HARDCOUTURE is a clothing and jewelry line with vintage-inspired collections handmade in Southern California.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? It’s evolve from made-to-order clothing collections online to jewelry & clothing available in local and nation-wide retailers. It really makes me proud whenever a store tells me they’ve sold out of their HC stock!
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Internships are a great way to gain work experience and inside knowledge. You’ll figure out which part of the industry fits you best and you get to meet people who can learn a lot from.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. My iPhone is essential for obvious reasons. Need it for emails, social media and credit card transactions!
5. Who is the HARDCOUTURE girl? The HARDCOUTURE girl loves summer, lace, vintage and muses like Brigitte Bardot and Kate Moss. She a young girl who appreciates thoughtful design at a reasonable price point and is always ahead of the trends. She’s a West Coast gal with a music festival closet or Australian dame in love with vintage & elegant details.
6. Returners: Favorite POOL memory? My favorite memory at Pool was the 2nd day when I’ve sold out most of our inventory, we started making more! It was also nice meeting the other vendors and their friends.
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Lyndsey Higgins, Co-Founder of Team Cocktail, to discuss the important stuff, namely Caribbean beaches and the brand’s motto: “Travel Global, Drink Local.”
1. Tell us about Team Cocktail. Team Cocktail is a beach and cocktail inspired t-shirt, clothing, accessory & travel company. Our inspiration to start the company came from our annual trip to the white sand beaches of the Caribbean. It was there that we decided that life is best enjoyed in a t-shirt, shorts, flip flops…and with a drink in hand. From that starting point we were determined to produce high quality beach and cocktail inspired t-shirts, clothing and accessories. We like to say we’re a drinking company with a clothing problem!
2. How has your business evolved since day one? In the beginning, we were focused just on creating fun beach & drinking designs that people would relate to and find very comfortable. Since then, we have found that people are really loyal to the company and feel like they are a part of the Team. Not only have we expanded our merchandise offering to include sweatshirts, koozies, and other drinking accessories, but we have also developed a travel division. On the travel side of our business we plan group vacations to tropical destinations in the Caribbean. We are currently gearing up for our annual cruise in January and will be going to an all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic in July. This has really helped expand our customer base and helped bring the “team” together. We also throw tailgate parties at concerts and football games, which is a great opportunity for us to meet & interact with our customers.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Don’t be afraid to take risks and let your customer base help steer the company a bit. It is of course important to stay true to your original plan, but be open to change, and listen to what your customers are asking for.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. Honestly, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram are huge for us. They are all great ways to organically spread the word about Team Cocktail and it is how we build our customer base. We find it is really important to stay connected to our fans/customers and make them feel like the are all a part of the team. Connecting on a personal level is what we feel has been our greatest strength. Oh and the fact that our t-shirts are super soft and the designs are fun…keeps them coming back for more.
5. Preferred Cocktail of choice? Depends on which person on our team that you’re talking to. But in general our motto is “Travel Global, Drink Local.” So wherever we are we try to drink the local beer, rum, vodka, etc. We’re a small business and like to support other local small businesses. I can confidently say there is a lot of vodka, whiskey & beer that gets consumed at our “staff meetings.”
6. Favorite Pool Memory? Easy! POOL was the very first trade show we had ever attended. So the day we wrote our first order was really exciting!
In this series, we introduce you to the designers behind some of the leading brands at POOL. Gain an exclusive look into what it takes to build a brand and the tips to breaking into the biz.
We sat down with Mitra Khayyam, CEO and Founder of Blood is the New Black, to discuss the important stuff, namely her evolving clothing line and mechanical bulls.
1. Tell us about Blood is the New Black. Blood is the New Black is a design collective that aims to promote the work of emerging artists, illustrators, photographers, designers and writers through continued t-shirt collaborations that are proudly made in the USA and sold in stores all over the globe. Owner and curator Mitra Khayyam works with every artist to open up their unique vision to fans of both fashion and the arts who might not otherwise be exposed to their work.
2. How has your business evolved since day one? Since launching in 2004 we’ve changed in so many ways! We’ve introduced new silhouettes, fabrications, dye methods and printing techniques to our brand, over 65 artists have joined our roster, and we publish a semi-annual zine too. Somethings have stayed the same though, like our fundamental beliefs that we should use our garments to promote our artists, all items must be made in the USA, and that we’ll never stop having fun doing what we do.
3. Any advice for emerging designers looking to break into the industry? Be true to your vision. Don’t launch a brand you don’t believe in. And don’t think it will ever be easy.
4. Tell us what tool or technology you use every day. My 5 year old iMac and 3 year old Blackberry that always freezes on me. I’m a bit of a luddite when it comes to these things. I love using Instagram via my iPod and am a total social media junkie.
5. How do you “discover” the artists that you collaborate with? It’s a process that involves falling down the rabbit hole and never being able to get out. You never know how you’re going to meet the next one. I read a lot of art and design blogs, magazines, go to galleries, and meet friends of friends, I get introduced to artists every which way I can. I also get a handful of emails each day from artists interested in collaborating with us, I take the time to individually review each site or portfolio and we’ve probably added over a dozen of them to our roster.
6. Returners: Favorite POOL memory? So many! I’d say riding mechanical bulls and mud-wressling at Gilley’s after our very first POOL Show at the New Frontier may be on top of the list!
Be sure to follow Blood is the New Black on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr!
“More is more and less is a bore.” - Iris Apfel
We love a good interview with the eccentric fashion veteran herself. What’s even better? She spends a good chunk of this interview talking about her love for accessorizing her stuffed animals.
In this series, we meet the designers behind the POOL brands for a special look into what it takes to be an independent designer.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Heart of Beast
1. Tell us about yourself! What is your brand’s product? We launched Heart of Beast at the beginning of 2012 with “Beastmode,” a line of high-end, attitude-focused T-shirts. The name comes from the athletics term, which has evolved to mean a general Superhuman state of being, in which animal instinct takes over mind and body.
2. What sets your product apart from the crowd? It seems like no one is doing what we are doing; I look around and all I see on t-shirts are literal images, ironic sayings, memes or cartoon elements. We?re more interested in the power of subtle design. Heart of Beast aims to revolutionize what a T-shirt can be, using psychology-driven graphic language meant to enhance the wearer: abstract, vector-drawn graphics that evoke symbols of power and passion such as gladiator chest armor, a lion?s mane, or explosions frozen in time.
3. As independent designers, how did you get into the business? It’s kind of crazy, because I never in a million years would have thought I’d be involved in fashion design, of all things. We started Heart of Beast on a whim because we couldn?t find the kind of shirts that we wanted to wear. So we did what any guy tuned in to his own instincts would do: we went out and did it ourselves. It kind of snowballed from there.
4. Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers? Stay true to your vision. From the beginning, we resolved to never compromise when it came to design, materials or execution and I’m glad we stuck to our guns in spite of all the various challenges that came up along the way. I’d also advise aspiring designers to plan their moves carefully in advance, and watch cashflow like a hawk.
In this series, we meet the designers behind the POOL brands for a special look into what it takes to be an independent designer.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Greenola Style
1. Tell us about yourself! What is your brand’s product? Greenola Style is ‘fashioning’ a ethical style revolution. Women today are so incredibly diverse and dynamic, and Greenola designs reflect that personality. Our one-of-kind handmade products tell the story of the artisans who made them, the materials they were made from, and the women who wear them.
2. What sets your product apart from the crowd? Our pieces are unique, but also fit seamlessly (no pun intended!) into a modern fashionista’s wardrobe. Our collections strive to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for responsibly made clothing. Also, 10% of our profits are donated directly to a non-profit medical mission that serves the Bolivian artisans we work with.
3. As independent designers, how did you get into the business? CEO and Founder Jennifer Moran started Greenola after visiting Bolivia with Solidarity Bridge, a non-profit medical organization. She was inspired by the strength and creativity of the women she met there, and was motivated to create a working relationship that would benefit not only her own business, but also her community on both a local and global level.
4. Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers? Find inspiration in what’s around you…sometimes the most out-of-the-box creations come from noticing what everyone else glances over.
In this series, we meet the designers behind the POOL brands for a special look into what it takes to be an independent designer.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Mei Vintage
1. Tell us about yourself! What is your brand’s product? We are passionate about handbags and vintage textiles! Mei Vintage specializes in limited edition handbags using vintage kimonos and reclaimed leather. We like to consider ourselves as a promoter of sustainability! We enjoy taking the old and unwanted and turning into something new and beautiful!
2. What sets your product apart from the crowd? In a mass produced world, we have found a way to eliminate waste and create something beautiful that our customers can appreciate. Using pieces from older items will ensure that our customers have something unique. All of our bags are handcrafted in the USA supporting the local economy while investing in local workers!
3. As independent designers, how did you get into the business? Designer Alice Huang fell in love with the intricate details and beautiful patterns of kimonos. Her personal collection of vintage kimonos naturally evolved into a collection of leather handbags emphasizing the love of vintage kimono textiles. Through passion for all things vintage, love of nature, and entrepreneurial spirit, the brand Mei Vintage was born.
4. Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers? Be true to your design! Don’t listen to naysayers. Surround yourself with supportive, smart, and positive people and the rest will follow!
SPOTLIGHT ON: Kusuri Enterprises
In this series, we meet the designers behind the POOL brands for a special look into what it takes to be an independent designer.
2. What sets your product apart from the crowd? Hello I said PVC raincoats with detachable wings….but seriously the label seeks to be an experience that people can take part in by blurring the line between fashion expression and story. Some of the clothes in the collection are even worn by the characters in the comic, and our main character (Mina) has her own Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook page, where people can watch and join her as she lives the story and creates the next collections.
3. As independent designers, how did you get into the business? I’ve always wanted to have my own line, so after college I went into merchandise buying and planning to learn about the industry and then eventually moved into wholesale. The fashion industry is a such a complex business and I still feel like I’m learning. I just learned what a light box was last month when I was sent lab dips for my samples!
4. Any words of wisdom for aspiring designers? When you receive your first batch of samples, they are going to be all wrong. Don’t cry, take a deep breath and start drafting the email with corrections. I still open boxes like they are radioactive because I’m afraid of what is in them, but they really do get better with time as you work with your sample maker/manufacturer.
