Inspiration

I made my first silhouette today for Spring 2011. I’m pretty ahead since I stayed low this season and focused more on evolving my craft and my brand.

I headed to The Train trade show this afternoon to see what other indie designers are doing this Fall. A lot of earthy dark colors and great prints. I think a key item for the closet is a regular length brown tweed sportcoat for women. I found one I loved from H Frederiksson and found my favorite shoe collection came from Hope. The ones that stood out are  shoes laced up low boots that look worn in. Both designers are ironically from Sweden.

From the known designers, I have to say my favorite collection that I’ve seen so far is from Helmut Lang. The prints and the cuts are so beautiful that I keep thinking about them when I illustrate my concepts.

Around Town

Cupcakes and wine or cupcakes and beer. What place has this except at Sweet Revenge NYC? Located on 62 Carmine Street in the West Village, friends and I met up to talk about everything “entrepreneur”. It’s the perfect place for the meeting that PWA-NYC is holding since the owner of this cupcake cafe ended her corporate position and began as a cafe owner just two years ago.

It was also a perfect place for my friends and I to talk about business. Sandra with a banking background is now starting her company which emphasizes safe and reliable apartment stays at reasonable rates in NYC. Perfect for guests coming for events such as Fashion Week.

Carrie, attending Fashion Week, is writing all her trend findings in hauteliving.com. With her mixed media and fashion background, lived all around the world, it’s no wonder her site, stylegroove.com brings in a huge following.

Vera, currently looking for a store front to rent in  the Lower East Side, is opening her own boutique in May  – We The People NYC,  which supports emerging designers.

Rani, she’s in the wholesale jewelry business, currently collaborating with Nolcha: Fashion Business Services to promote  “Swarovski -Crystallized” trend presentation event in March.

So after long hours of making and draping patterns, coming to this was so refreshing. Having support of not just fashion, but of women entrepreneurs, is a great start to my week.

Sweet Revenge NYC

Step Two

I met a beautiful bride a couple of weeks ago – Marjorie. She ended up commissioning me to do her gown. I am so glad to do it because the dress itself has an elegant way about it, which suits her personality perfectly.

Although bridal gowns carry their own aesthetic beauty, I can’t help but think about how I could expand on my evening wear and cocktail gowns. Many have asked if I have considered, since they feel my bridal can be translated to evening wear. So, as this season passed, I stayed on the down low to think about this.

And now it’s time to make the collection. Inspired by sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and just everyday moments – the next collection will have a different feel, but will still carry the same essence as all MinnaK gowns.