hannahchambersdesigns

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Industry Insider’s panel//December 6th

This week, it was so inspiring to hear from a group of 5 different professionals from a wide spectrum of careers in the industry. This semester, our class has had a heavy emphasis on the range of careers in the fashion world, and it’s been an eye opener to say the least. Today, on top of seeing different careers it was also refreshing to hear realistic highs and lows for highly successful individuals. It made me respect Veronica, Aina, Fred, Richard, Courtney, and Eduardo so much to learn how they balance out their busy work schedules while simultaneous caring for themselves and their family. All 5 of them are great mentors that I was so excited to hear from.

In terms of elevating a brand or a name, all of these careers are equally as important as the “common” ones that we more often hear about in our college classes. To be freelance photographers, producers, agents, stylists, models, and other career paths in such a competitive industry is such an incredible skill to have. I often found it intimidating to work freelance, because of the freedom and pressure to find new jobs after your current project ends. I learned from the 5 panelists that through trust, and great relationships that you build from experience, jobs are earned from the credibility that you provide yourself. I loved that they all mentioned the importance of networking and creating meaningful relationships with people, as opposed to using individual solely for boosting a career.

As the semester comes to a close, I keep reflecting on the great relationships we’ve made through study tour, and the meaningful advice that will carry with me for years to come. I’m beyond grateful that I was able to learn from such inspiring individuals who dedicated their time to come speak to my classmates and I, who are learning and navigating through graduation and what’s ahead. I am anxious for my journey beyond college, but I feel so much comfort in knowing that there are such supportive people all around!

Hannah

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American Eagle Outfitters

 American Eagle has been a familiar brand that I’ve grown up seeing, and admiring for their classic styles and impressive popularity with jeans. The company started in 1977 by the Silverman Brothers, where they sold brand-name leisure apparel, with an emphasis on outdoor gear such as hiking and camping. Although American Eagle has developed into a modernized, casual brand for people in their late teens and 20′s, we still see hints of their original brand identity which is cool to see.

   Although the brand mainly caters to teens and adults in their 20′s, the styles are very versatile in a sense that this target market can be extended beyond this. In terms of style, the brand is also versatile with their classic Americana items, comfortability, while still paying close attention to trends and the demands of Gen-Z and Millennials. I’ve noticed that after the pandemic, American Eagle has taken a huge initiative towards incorporating influencers in their marketing campaigns, to stay relevant in a fast-paced world.

   If I was ever given the opportunity to work for American Eagle as a designer, I would definitely push the sustainability initiate as much as possible. Given that producing denim is extremely vigorous with lots of water waste, fabric, and harmful chemicals, I would work to improve this process the most. The brand identity centers around their iconic jeans, so I would hate to see their image be ruined if their sustainability efforts aren’t up to standard.

  As someone who has interned for a large corporation similar to American Eagle, I definitely saw similarities when it comes to the brands’ initiatives for improving their diversity, inclusion, and environmental efforts. I don’t think that the claims for improvement are disingenuous by any means, however I think nowadays people have been holding brands more accountable for their morals and traditions, so they have been reacting accordingly. At the end of the day, brands like American Eagle who have been relevant for decades want to continue to hold their credibility and high standards, otherwise they won’t make any more money. I hope that their improvements for the brand are prevalent in their daily work, and that more brands in the fast-fashion market will follow along as well.

    It was such an inspiring opportunity to see the American Eagle Headquarters in New York, and get a better insight of a brand that has been familiar in my life for as long as I can remember. I’m excited to see how the brand continues to develop and evolve in an industry that is constantly changing and growing.

-Hannah C

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Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and further got his Masters in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). All around, Virgil surrounded himself with interests in Art, Music, Fashion, and Architecture which ultimately pushed his brand, Off-White. 

Virgil launched Off-White in 2013, defining it as the “grey area between black and white as a color”. Inspired by contemporary art and youth culture, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of streetwear, making it extremely conceptual yet accessible at the same time. 

Off-White served as an experimentation space for Virgil, with mediums pushing beyond fashion. In 2019, Virgil announced a collaboration with the Iconic IKEA brand, revealing his passion for interior design and architecture. Items included his famous text quotes, receipt rugs, and other touches of classic Virgil that we all know and appreciate. 

Often named the “Karl Lagerfeld” of our generation, Virgil was a multi-tasking, creative genius that was constantly pushing the boundaries of streetwear and luxury fashion. In 2018, he was named the creative director of Louis Vuitton Menswear. Not only did this revolutionize the brand identity of LV, but more importantly changed the way that creative directors work in the luxury fashion scene. Up until his death in 2021, Abloh always remained his classic Off-White aesthetic, while simultaneously speaking to youth culture, current events, music, and diversity. 

In 2019, he debuted his first menswear collection for LV, showcasing a concept around his own American dream. Paying homage to influential music artists, Virgil had Steve Lacy (shown in photo, Dev Hynes, Kid Kudi, and Playboi Carti walk in the show. This was a monumental stepping stone in Abloh’s career, foreshadowing his impact on the world of streetwear and luxury fashion.

On November 28th, 2021 Virgil passed away from a private battle with cancer. His loss was a tragedy to everyone who knew and worked with him, and continues to remind us of his impact on the world. Not only did Virgil revolutionize modern fashion, but he also reminded us of how every art form is connected. His legacy will continue to inspire young designers and creatives, all over the world.  

-Hannah C

[hannahchambersdesigns]

11/14/2022

Today, I had such a great time exploring the Louis Vuitton Trunk Exhibit. I have always admired the iconic fashion house ever since I became interested in fashion, so to see the brand in a new light was very exciting. I also didn’t realize prior to coming to the museum, that each of the 200 trunks were designed by different influential people all over the world. It gave me an appreciation for different backgrounds of creatives, and unique styles of art.

One trunk in particular that stood out to me, was Theo Curin’s, which I pictured below. I was instantly drawn to the wave-like structure, and luminosity that reflected onto the walls. I appreciated his taste in color, and the movement that the piece mimicked, however I was even more blown away when I heard his own story behind it. Due to Meningitis, at the age of 6 Theo had all four of his limbs amputated. Even though he feared water, Theo began to take swimming lessons and soon discovered his passion for water, and the freedom it gave him. Now, Theo is a Paralympic Champion and hero for so many aspiring swimmers with disabilities. The trunk represents a pool transitioning to a wave, revealing the changes from calmness to movement.

What I loved most about this exhibition, was learning the stories behind each individual trunk. It gave a level of intimacy, and personal touch to the experience. I think that some trunks inspired me more than others, however it was cool to know that each one could relate to someone different. I wish that some of the history and explanations could have been physically arranged in the exhibition, as opposed to scanning a QR code.

I learned that LV does still have their market share, and has improved after the pandemic especially. I think for luxury and heritage brands such as LV, it is smart to do exhibitions like this, to emphasize the company culture of the brand and raise credibility. Nowadays, people like to relate to the brands that they shop at, and more importantly support their missions.

At the end of the exhibit, I didn’t pay as much mind to the merchandise for sale, however it was interesting to see that the items weren’t traditional LV clothing that we all know and are accustomed to. There were more creative items, and souvenirs that carried meaning and relatability to the exhibit. I enjoyed seeing unexpected items, but I feel like it would have been nice to see some clothing to connect back to the fashion aspect of the brand.

-HC

[hannahchambersdesigns]

Fotografiska Museum

This week in Fashion Study Tour, our class got to observe the David LaChapelle exhibit entitled: Make Believe. I had heard of Chapelle’s work in the past, but seeing the photography up and close was nothing short of fascinating. Some of the pieces inspired me, some shocked me, and some even made me uncomfortable. I noticed right off the bat, David has reoccurring themes of societal issues mixed in with celebrity culture. I saw a lot of familiar faces like Kim Kardashian, Travis Scott, Naomi Campbell, Lana Del Rey, and many others that portrayed interesting roles in the photography. I found myself staring at some of the pieces for several minutes, taking in every motif/theme and being surprised by the level of detail put into each scene.  I also noticed a reoccurrence of religious imagery throughout David’s pieces, but portrayed in a fantasy-like way. After seeing the wide range of emotions that LaChapelle conveys throughout his art, I’m very curious to know how the production is done behind-the-scenes.

Emotion is everything when it comes to art of all mediums. David’s photography brought out feelings inside me all across the board, and even If I didn’t care for a specific piece, I appreciate the level of detail it took to complete it. One scene in particular was a scene of an elderly couple kissing in what seems to be a post-apocalyptic scene of a town (photo 2). The background is vacant, with garbage everywhere, perhaps alluding to environmental problems caused by humans. The imagery made me sad, almost like the feeling when a coming-of-age movie is ending. To convey this level of emotion and intensity with a photograph is super impressive to me, and as a designer I aspire to have this level of emotion in my own work. 

I always have found it interesting to see how different artists/designers comment on political issues throughout their work. Some can be very literal, while others use symbolism to give hints of their point of view. LaChapelle’s work showed a lot of blunt, sometimes shocking imagery to advocate for certain issues in our society. An issue that stood out to me specifically was climate change and environmental issues, which he showed through the use of post-apocalyptic backgrounds, and destruction. 

The question about whether or not David’s work is sexist or not, is interesting because I never really paid any mind to it during the exhibition. My honest opinion is pretty back and forth at the moment, because looking back I feel that all genders were represented on the same level. Most of the work was very provocative and exaggerated, but he managed to spread this across the board to everyone: not just women. 

-Hannah Chambers

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Ann Walter//November 1st

This week, our class was able to meet with our KSU Director of the New York Fashion program, Ann Walter. Ann has always been a great role model and mentor for so many students at Kent, as we make our way into the fashion industry and are looking for advice.

I really appreciated the breakdown Ann provided to us, which described the interview process and how to be best prepared. I had an interview this semester for an internship at Tanya Taylor, and although I was fortunate enough to land the position, this advice will definitely stick with me. I often forget about the importance of asking questions in an interview, because it shows your engagement with the brand and wanting to learn more. I wrote this down to keep in mind for next time, because usually I am so caught up in what they are asking me that I don’t prepare solid questions of my own.

When getting an internship here in New York, I didn’t realize how many opportunities would show up later in the semester that I wouldn’t have time for, because of my prior commitments. Although there’s been times that i’ve wanted to take on paid internships instead of staying committed to my current one, I now understand the importance of staying loyal to what I started with. Since the industry is so well-connected, I don’t want others to get the impression that I am not a reliable/loyal employee. Although my internship right now is unpaid, I am realizing how lucky I am to be apart of such a great company and having the opportunity to be connected with such talented individuals.

I really appreciated the advice Ann gave us about improving our resumes, and the importance of slimming things down to keep the page clean and straight to the point. I always assumed that more was more in terms of a resume, but I think some of my information is too outdated/less important than the experiences i’ve had in the fashion industry with internships. As I prepare for my last semester at Kent State, I will definitely be changing my resume to fit these standards!

Hannah Chambers

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Wainscot Media - Menswear Report

This week, I was so interested to hear from the Editorial Director John Jones, and VP Lizette Chin from Wainscot Media - Menswear Report. As a womenswear designer, I often skim past the world of Menswear and the opportunities offered. This was a huge eye-opener as to what goes on across the business-business side of fashion media!

The Menswear Report is extremely relevant in the industry nationally, and globally. I found it extremely interesting how depending on the market, customer, and trends, people are reaching for printed magazines to fulfill that desire of holding something and educating themselves from something other than their cellphones. Lizette mentioned Accent Magazine, a luxury jewelry print that appeals to a very niche market, however is a key driver in their success as a publishing company. There are so many different niches and avenues in the world of fashion, and Wainscot Media dives into all sorts of them. Given that their reports are B2B based, I found it very intriguing to learn about the ins & outs of that career path. Consumer-driven magazines are what I tend to gravitate towards as a follower of fashion, but I learned from Lizette and John the importance of informing businesses about new trends, culture shifts, emerging brands, and any news that can benefit them. 

Lizette was such an inspiring businesswoman to hear from, and I especially admired her use of pivoting in the fashion industry to gain her experience and educate herself on different career paths. Similar to her, I was unaware of the amount of possible career-paths in fashion. She made it clear that there are endless possibilities in the industry, and that fashion moves very fast with the culture of the world. As journalists, Lizette and John always have to stay on top of what new generations are buying, selling, and prioritizing. Being professionals in the fashion world for decades, they have gotten able to see the rise and fall of different trends, ways of shopping, and ways of creating. 

I feel like more brands nowadays are claiming themselves as “gender neutral”, often to appeal to more audiences and remain inclusive to all audiences. Many of the guest speakers we’ve had in study tour, and professors in NYC have emphasized the importance of knowing your customer as an emerging brand. Now more than ever, consumers in younger generations are gravitating towards brands that are ethical, sustainable, and morally up to their standards. Due to this, brands having been pushing their marketing to appeal to this standard. 

- Hannah C

[hannahchambersdesigns]

Parajumpers

This week was probably my most memorable out of all of our study tour visits, and I definitely won't forget it. Visiting the Parajumpers showroom in SOHO, and hearing about their company culture stuck with me as a creator who values brands with a story. Parajumpers started in 2006, and is inspired by the men of 210th rescue squadron based in Anchorage, Alaska. These highly trained para jumpers save people in any given situation or extreme terrain, with the moto "That Others May Live'' which carries with the brand. Not only is their background and homage to the para jumpers inspiring, but they also prioritize outerwear that will last for decades; a sustainable approach that more brands should have.

The outerwear business is very important to consumers, and profitable if brands are willing to produce quality designs that will be suitable for any weather condition. Parajumpers has a very loyal customer base which is super important with an outerwear line, because then you will have credibility that the outerwear can stand the test of time. Parajumpers also has a very great balance of classic pieces that are convenient and durable for any scenerio, but also with fashionable options that make a statement.

Outerwear is a market that can have such a wide range of pricepoints, due to the difference in quality of materials. I have purchased brands in the past with more synthetic, cheap materials that haven't stood the test of cold winters and snow. On the other hand, I've also had more pricey hand-me-downs that have lasted my siblings and I for years because of the down feathers, leathers, or nylons that are more expensive but higher quality.

Getting the opportunity to listen to Teri (Director of North American Sales) was so inspiring to me, especially because of her passion and authenticity toward a brand with so much meaning. When I explore new brands that I am unfamiliar with, I often get uninspired/lost during the search, because they don't have a backstory or genuine aspect to their brand's purpose. Parajumpers checked off all of the boxes for me in terms of sustainability, design, company culture, and purpose. I hope to get to know the company even more in the future!

-Hannah Chambers

[hannahchambersdesigns]

October 10th/2022

Therapeutate Parfums

This week, to say I was inspired by Rodney Hughes’ career is an understatement. Compared to most of the businesses/professionals that we’ve most this semester, Rodney had a different experience in the fashion industry which ultimately led him into perfumery and searching for balance in his life. Prior to his current passion, Rodney worked as a technical designer for Calvin Klein, and other fashion houses that required long hours and sleepless trips across the country. As the years progressed and the burnout started to kick in, Rodney realized that he had to put in more self-care and found the art of scents that helped relax him in such a hectic industry.

During his parfum journey and research, Rodney went to school and took numerous courses through perfumery professionals to get a foundation for his company. He really wanted to understand every aspect of scent, blends, their benefits, and even the anatomy of how humans take the scents of parfum. He also traveled to places like France, and Italy where fragrances are more popular and pinpointed in people’s lifestyles. One thing he mentioned is that Americans tend to prefer citrusy scents, as opposed to Europeans who reach for more complex blends with floral and spices. When comparing Therapeutate Parfums with other brands on the market, Henry Rose also offers fragrances that are 100% transparent and tracible in terms of ingredients. Although a lot of these high-end brands are out of budget for someone like me who is a student and entering my career, I am willing to support brands like Rodney’s who prioritize natural ingredients, as opposed to most brands that are cheaper and full of synthetic ingredients.

Something that I didn’t realize until Rodney’s presentation was the difference between different scent concentrates. Eau de cologne contains a very light amount of concentrate (4-6 percent), while eau de toilette has a bit more with 7-10%. Essential oils on the other hand are very potent and are used as ingredients for the fragrances sold in stores. I personally prefer a blend which has a concentration level in the middle, so I lean towards eau de parfum which is 12-18%. This new information has inspired me to pay more mind to the scents that I purchase, and the difference in longevity that each of these have. I pay so much attention to the fabrics and silhouettes of clothing that I buy, and now I understand that perfumery can also be sustainably produced and with quality materials that will last.

Looking at some of my favorite scents over the years, I definitely stay consistent with my parfum and only make changes when it comes to the changing seasons. I absolutely love the brand NEST and their “Indigo” and “Sunkissed Hibiscus” scents. Indigo’s top notes are fig and bergamot, which I really enjoy because of the mixture of fruity and undertones of Kashmir wood. I think that it’s so fascinating that every person has a different reaction to scents, and we all reach for different blends due to our body chemistry. When Rodney mentioned that he came across a scent many years ago that reminded him of his father that passed, I immediately was taken back to certain scents that have brought up memories of my childhood. I totally agree that scents are a gateway to our thoughts and stored feelings, because of all the instances in my life that scent has brought me nostalgia.

-Hannah

[hannahchambersdesigns]

Room and Board

10/4/2022

This week, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Room and Board store in Chelsea. Amongst the showroom were beautifully conceptualized living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and anything you can think of in the interior design world. As fashion students, it was very refreshing to see these creative careers in interior design, and see the similarities compared to fashion. I learned that trends come and go with interior design the same way with fashion, but Room and Board tends to stick to more timeless pieces while throwing in a few "risky" items to appeal to new audiences. I never really considered that furniture companies would have sustainable mindsets nowadays, but it was really cool to see that they prioritize timeless items.

What inspired me most about visiting room and board was how each room had a completely different vibe, and feeling when you were inside. It reminded me of how fashion makes us feel different ways as well, but in this scenario you weren't "wearing" the feelings, you were surrounded by them. I loved being able to do some hands-on creativity as well, and it was inspiring to see everyone's style come to life with interior design. I have never played around with upholstery fabric before, and I noticed that a lot of fashion fabrics that I reach for were similar to furniture fabric.

Now that we have seen several mentors, businesses, and other inspiring individuals during study tour, I can definitely say that my eyes have opened to new possibilities that I didn't know were possible. Moving to New York was intimidating for me, considering that in a few months I'll be graduating with a fashion design degree and applying for jobs. Seeing that this industry has so many routes, and options for careers has made me feel excited for the future ahead.

-Hannah

[hannahchambersdesigns]

MWS//September 27th, 2022

This week, we had the amazing opportunity to meet Niki Hall, an inspiring stylist here in NYC. Not only that, but we were able to see the Manhattan Wardrobe Supply store, and speak with the founders who have raised the company to success. Niki has “pivoted” in so many directions in her career, which was so encouraging to hear about as I enter the fashion Industry myself. She has worked for the NBA all-stars, countless celebrities, and now finds most of her passion towards commercial styling. Whatever the job was, she made it her best work and valued the connections she made. I think the fashion industry can be quite intimidating to see from a student perspective, however her insight and wide range of experience proves that you can really pivot in so many directions within the fashion world.

Carrying the weight of being a fashion stylist is a huge task, and played a critical role in determining the overall vision of the client or designer. It was really interesting to hear about what goes behind the scenes of being a stylist, and how it’s not always about making the model/client look “luxurious”, and sometimes it’s the for the opposite look. When watching a commercial or a show, I often don’t pay attention to all of these details in the shot, but without them the outcome would definitely fall short.

Some of the most noted Stylists in the media that I have followed recently are Harry Lambert, and Law Roach. Harry Lambert is the current stylist of Harry Styles, who has been very influential the past few years with his fashion taste. Law Roach works with Zendaya currently, who is also iconic in the fashion world for her red carpet looks. Both stylists have a key role in these Celebrities styles, and portraying them in the truest way possible.

Seeing a store in the garment district like WMS that is successful post-pandemic was very inspiring, and goes to show how much of a necessity it is for workers in the fashion industry. Being in NYC, there are so many designers, stylists, and endless people who are in need of supplies to make their business successful in the fashion world. To have a store that has access to every supply needed, and with employees who are passionate about the business, won’t ever disappear in my opinion.

-Hannah

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Sam Fine Presentation//September 20th, 2022

This week, I had such a great experience getting to hear from Sam Fine, and his incredible journey as a celebrity makeup artist. Being in the industry for over 30 years, Sam has a diverse background of different brands and models that he has worked for. He has done makeup artistry for Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Serena Williams, Queen Latifa, and so many more iconic faces. He also has done work for the met gala, and various magazine covers like Cosmopolitan and Essence.

Working from the makeup counter in his early career, Sam was able to get real world experience on different types of clients. Transitioning into his career as a celebrity makeup artist, this experience allowed him to have a passion for diverse makeup artistry and using his talent for the greater good. I absolutely loved hearing about his progress as an artist, and utilizing connections throughout his career. Sam also mentioned staying close with his “tribe”, meaning the people in his inner circle. This stood out to me as I enter the fashion industry, and how making connections with people close to me is so important.

Creative arts, and makeup artistry specifically is so fascinating to me because of how relevant it is in so many industries, including fashion. When a brand is promoting a product or service, the entire creative direction of the scene is important. Makeup artists have to portray a mood, and a story with the looks that they creative, the same way that fashion designers do with their designs. Seeing these cross-functional careers work hand in hand is so inspiring to see, and it really goes to show how much goes on in the industry besides clothing.

[hannahchambersdesigns]

September 13th, 2022// Met Museum// Kimono Style Exhibit

Seeing the Kimono Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was nothing short of fascinating. The craftsmanship that went into these garments is jarring to see up close, and as a designer it inspired me to explore more ancient garments like the Kimono. The silhouette of the Kimono (Japanese), was developed in the Heian Period, and was also known as the straight-line-cut method. This gave flexibility in terms of sizing, and fitting everyone’s body shape. They were also made using breathable fabrics such as linen in the warmer months, that could then be layered for warmth in the winter. As time went on and the Kimono became a staple in the Japanese daily life, colors were explored. Depending on seasons, political views, or class, color combinations were pinpointed for the Kimono Garments. Speaking of social class, the Japanese also changed the silhouette of the Kimono depending on societal rankings. Everyday citizens had straighter, more classic sleeves that made it easy to move around (mobility). High class individuals wore flared sleeves, and more accentuated kimonos that were more difficult to move around in. As shown in the 3rd photo, China also took inspiration from the classic Japanese garment. This piece is actually called a ceremonial robe, but you can see the similarities with silhouette and embellishments in comparison to the traditional Japanese Kimono.

Countries such as China and Korea were the first to produce silk, the upper-class fabric used to make Kimonos. The production of these elite-targeted garments brought foreign influences, and techniques throughout the years. Besides the high demand for silk, brocade-weaving and tapestry-weaving were also introduced. Different dyeing techniques using wax, or paste-resist methods were also used to create the vivid colors. Over the years, technology has advanced due to the exposure of new cultures, and the increased trade with the west. The loom was introduced, creating even more complex fabrics for the Kimono.

While we explored the Kimono Exhibit, I was really intrigued by the use of modern-day designs to showcase how the traditional Japanese Kimono has influenced designers today. As shown in the last photo, Comme de Garçons was showcased, with their Spring/Summer 2018 piece entitled: Ensemble. The modern, playfulness of Japan is apparent with the print design and color scheme, however the classic Kimono silhouette shines through it all. I also have to mention the beautiful artwork entitled “Seashell” by Issey Miyake (1985). As you can tell, the dimension of the jacket is incredibly futuristic. Almost like a sculpture, the ribbed lines act as contours. Issey Miyake was a prime example of taking his Japanese roots and amplifying it for the future. As a young designer who is still learning about costume history, I find it so fascinating that all of the classics still play a key role in our industry today.

-Hannah

[hannahchambersdesigns]

M&S Custom Fabric Flowers//September 6th, 2022

Craft is something that we have talked about a lot in fashion school, and how much value comes along with the hand-made aspects of fashion. M&S Custom Fabric Flowers is a perfect example of using craft and handmade skills to elevate a garment, and we don’t see very much of their kind in the Industry anymore. We saw how each petal of the flower is carefully composed by hand, as opposed to a mass manufactured product. I often see appliqués such as flowers in high-end, luxury markets due to the craftsmanship they have.

What inspired me most about this visit was the time and passion that goes into constructing each individual flower appliqué. I think as consumers, we are all guilty of not appreciating/understanding the craft that goes into garments made by small businesses like M&S. Getting to see the hands-on process of their business, and learning about their company culture inspired me to support small businesses like them, more than ever.

The first designer that comes to mind when I think about the use of custom fabric flowers is Sherri Hill. I’ve always remembered the brand by their embroidery, and embellishments that add a touch of sophistication to the brand. Photo: www.sherrihill.com Style: 52582

Another Designer that is known for custom flowers in their evening wear dresses, is Vera Wang. It was even more interesting to learn that Vera sources her flowers from M&S, as opposed to sourcing from overseas. Photo: www.verawang.com

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August 30th, 2022//Nina Ricci Shoes

Nina Ricci Shoes, a fashion house with family history in its DNA. It was founded in 1932, and continues to value haute couture while still being accessible for the American working woman. The brand has been worn by iconic figures like Queen Elizabeth, Rihanna, and so many others. In contrast to its luxurious customer, Nina Ricci also caters to everyday shoppers looking for a taste of elegance. Being 90 years old, the brand is rich with history and archived illustrations, samples, and iconic pieces. Family members continue to be involved in the direction of the company, and value the sentimental designs that made the brand so successful.

In terms of creative direction, Bob Weber focuses on the classics that women continue to buy each season, while also having fun with old trends that resurface in the industry. He noted that in times of burnout or feeling uninspired, reaching deadlines is still priority. There is so much inspiration in just walking the streets of New York, and seeing the creative minds of our youth. He also mentioned that in the faced-paced trend cycle that we live in today, it is likely to slow down. Gen Z and other demographics now prioritize sustainability and cleaning up the problematic habits of the industry, so it is likely that we will see a huge shift in trend-cycles.

Luxurious and mid tier shoe brands like Nina Ricci are worn all over the city of New York. In our daily lives we dress up in them, go to work in them, socialize in them, and so much more. As we enter an era of post-pandemic, all of us want to get out of the house and make up for the time we have missed. With intentions of comfort, style, and versatility, shoe brands like Nina Ricci will always be relevant in our fashion culture.

- Hannah Chambers, 2022