Ups & Downs

What a rollercoaster! We had a fantastic fitting today. The clothes are coming together, and we now have almost enough finished for a fashion show of a decent size. In my experience, a show needs at least twenty outfits to make sense. I may have twenty-six or, if I’m lucky, twenty-eight. So the fitting was great, and I’ll only get to work with the model one more time before the show. That’s one big drawback of not working in New York City. My fit model comes from the city but we have to plan well in advance to get her up here. Anyway, on Saturday, I’ll focus on last minute fittingsand a few corrections. And, I’ll have her try on all the outfits that will be in the show just to make sure there are no surprises. Plus that’s the time when we add accessories. Ordinarily, I would try to keep accessories to a minimum, but my theme or inspiration calls for more. (By the way, I’ll talk more about the inspiration as we get closer)...

Fitting With the Model

Requests for seats at the show are coming in nicely. The press has been a little slower than I would have liked but we are getting them. I did have one major disappointment - Style.com won’t be at the show. However, we did get a positive response from WWD - and I’m thrilled about that.

Checking a hemline

One thing I did realize today - I was working on a dress and I said to the pattern maker “when we go into production”. That was new. Until now, I was focused on the show primarily. Although I am scoping out factories (and I think we’re finding the best of the best) I wouldn’t let myself think about the selling of the clothes. I know that sounds strange, but now I think I’m ready. I think I’ve done some really pretty things and I want them out there in the stores! So there you have it.

More, later!

Countdown!

Ten days until the show and things seem to be humming along. The design room is really throwing everything into it - I think they’re enjoying themselves but that just may be wishful thinking on my part.


I did get away this weekend. I attended a wedding at the Sagamore Hotel at Lake George in upstate New York. The lake and hotel were spectacular as was the wedding. It’s been my only time off since I started this adventure, and I sure needed it.

This is going to be a very busy week. I’m trying to cram in at least two fittings with our model and I have to finish getting all the shoes and accessories. I’m working on the music for the show too - which is kind of fun. The music is all about trying to evoke a mood and reflects the feeling of the collection. I’ve picked a few tunes that I like but there’s a lot more to do.

I mentioned a fitting. I think fittings are the hardest and yet the most rewarding thing about putting together a line. Fit is crucial, both for samples and for stock. I’m working with a great model - her name is Aida. The relationship with a fit model is so important; a good model can help with construction and fit, and more importantly, act as a muse. I’ve always done my best design work with I work directly with the model. I’ll see about getting pictures of the fitting up on the blog sometime on Wednesday.

The RSVP’s for the show are coming in every day and so far I’m getting a nice response. I’m holding my breath about responses from Women’s Wear Daily and Style.com. Both are so important to the Fashion Industry….

My posts may tend to be a little more frantic in the next few days - and if they are you know why!

Later!