I love everything about this collection, because I started designing it when my Mother was alive and living with me. I was very excited to take her on one of my fashion journey’s from conceptual design sketches, through going to market in New York to shop for fabrics, intense precision of pattern making, sample making in muslin and then the actual construction of the samples. It would have been the first time she could see me produce a collection outside of college, and I remembered my Mother’s wonderful words of wisdom ” Always finish what you start” so I continued my journey.
Sourcing for new fabrics, trims ,notions and some staple items proved to be quite challenging during a world pandemic as most of the textile industry was shut down, so I had to improvise. I searched through all the fabric, trims and notions I had in my inventory and then assembled my designs.
For me, this collection was all about using what I had on hand and keeping the fun in what I love, and staying true to my aesthetic.
The beginning stage of sketching the collection; it’s that wonderful creative process to lay out as many ideas as I can before editing them down to tell a story. Someone once told me “never throw away a good idea” so I always keep designs that I haven’t used in a book and when I have creators block I refer to it for inspiration. You never know what will resonate with a client.
Laying out the pattern pieces for our #Edith 1183 coat, stripes, checks, plaids or any fabric that has a lined pattern that runs through it can be a little perplexing, so paying attention to where each pattern piece is placed is the key to getting a cohesive look.
Draping has always been one of my favorite parts of the design process. It’s where the creativity truly evolves from making adjustments after the model fitting, to selecting just the right fabrics and trims to bring the sketch to life. Pattern-making is where I can change up the design, making it more production friendly. Some designs can be very artful, but complicated to pattern.
Draping the 2nd evening look.
Then laying out trims for an outer piece. I do love real fur! Can’t wait to see how this one is going to turn out.
Some behind the scene photos. Hair and makeup.
First looks going out!
I know my Mother was watching all of this unfold from heaven and hope I made her proud. For all of you creatives out there, follow your passion and stay true to your aesthetic. Find your strength when it’s challenging and you will come out more formidable than before. You can see the video of the complete capsule collection in my “Behind The Scenes” page.