Stylish with Substance

Is it Glamourous Being a Designer?

Ella M — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

When I first told a friend I wanted to design fashion, she said it was as hard to be successful as it is to be a rockstar. Or that's basically what she said, 26 years of memories ago. I had thought there were levels (there are) but I was so gullible all through my youth (I hope not still!).

When I returned to that life dream with ever a-flamed passion in my early 20s, I heard the advice, "being a fashion designer is not as glamourous as you think it is." Did I think it was glamourous? All I really wanted from glamour is to be able to carry designer bags.

I attained that through a lot of blogging and a little (or a lot) of credit. Now that the credit is through with (he he) or rather I've rid myself of those naughty ways, is the same time I'm finishing the road to becoming exactly what I want. Learning, practicing, honing ... I've designed tons of bags through the years and have made many bags and accessories. Switched from knits to sewing to finally leather sewing and sourcing all the best and - well after testing the fun waters of Etsy and learning some business ropes - I've learned that starting a brand / real company takes a long time, even after all the initial prep.

As I take a break from this work to prepare for moving to a nearby city, I have time to write more again and reflect, too. What is the truth about being, and working as, a start-up - start-out - new and dues-paying designer? Is there any glamour?

Well let's break this down and see.

Because of investing in a new business, if I want a new designer bag I have to make it. Meaning my brand is the designer - but oh this feels better than any other company's I can imagine, without any of the guilt from Hermès. I do still have all my old bags that I hadn't already sold through the years, and my wonderful BF won't let me sell any more - because he knows me all too well.
It's hard work with the hands. I was not raised to do that kind of thing, but it's not heavy lifting, it's delicate craft. I don't mind the work, the more pain my back or fingers or whatever, the prouder I am. Sure someday I could have the funds or success to have bags manufactured or run a workshop of employees, but sewing at least for a long while in the beginning is definitely crucial unless someone's a socialite or something. And I learn so much with each gusset, etc. of a bag.
My hands can get dirty even! I don't think I should have lotioned up that particular leather, which had ink bleed on hands, etc afterward, but I crave expirimenting, which is part of learning. Manicures? I hope someday!!
I am sort of a kept-woman. Oh I shouldn't even say that!! :-x I have some luck in a wonderful partner who makes the bulk of the money that barely keeps us floating, and this life partner doesn't worry much - he often says, "I have no doubt they'll sell." (I still need to watch out for Future-MIL.) So while we struggle, I've somehow stumbled into that Cinderella story aspect I didn't quite want. I wanted to save myself, but this man is letting me do it - and teaching me about money. (Bad shopaholic, bad!)
Something a bit more glamourous, too: We're moving into a bigger apartment. Sure The Boy needs to relocate to aid his work commute, but I'm the one with all the stuff and all the equipment/tools that require space. I'm getting my own loft studio with extra storage that should even be able to hold extra machines enough to switch thread less, etc. (That's like something called lean manufacturing by the way, read about that on The Fashion-Incubator.)
Of course, until I'm booked-round-the-clock fulfilling orders, I should probably do that old Cinderella work and do some "housewife/maid" duty. Ugh.

Will my million dollar princess-life come? It would take a long time, but perhaps after I've had sales running for a year or so I should revisit this topic with a current-then list.

To sum up, little glamour but where else would I get it? And I don't need it, anyway! I do have the luxury of love - in whom I'm with and in what I do - or am building.

"Product" Photo Essay: Inspiration Bleeds from Twilight

Ella M — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:26:08 EDT

Bb Dakota Twilight Bella Jacket - Sold Out	Luna Twilight DuWop Lip Venom® - Sold Out
Kiss Of The Vampire Tee - Sold Out	Gossip Girl tee - Sold Out
Transformers - Women's Team Decepticon Baseball Tee - Sold Out	Ruffle Lace Fingerless Glove - Sold Out
Vampire Love - Sold Out	G-Stud Black - Sold Out
Edun Comet T-Shirt - Sold Out	King Baby Studio Gothic Cross w/Crowned Leverback Earrings - Sold Out
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body - Sold Out	Candela Victorian Jacket - Sold Out
Lace Sleeve Corset Top - Sold Out	Black Lace Detail Corset Stretch Belt - Sold Out
Wildfox Vampire Love Baggy Beach Jumper - $108.00	Chrishabana Spike Aloha Lei - Sold Out
Horace Black Leather Vest Tank - Sold Out	Carolina Amato REVOLVE EXCLUSIVE French Lace Nylon Glove - Sold Out
Laced Corset Belt - Sold Out	Foley and Corinna Victorian Jacket - Sold Out
Aurelie Bidermann Small Vintage Lace Cuff - Sold Out	G-Stud Teal Fabric - Sold Out
Ruffle Lace Corset - Sold Out	Plain White Tees Tee - Sold Out
10k Gold 1/4-Ct. T.w. Diamond Gothic Cross Pendant - Sold Out	ELIZABETH AND JAMES corset top - Sold Out
Plaid Lace Corset - Sold Out	Lady Liberty Bustier - Sold Out
Lace Corset - Sold Out	Pippo Perez White Gold Gothic Cross with Black Diamonds on Nylon Cord Bracelet - Sold Out
Love Couture Goth Burnout Banded Waist Tee in White - Sold Out	Black Twilight Edward and Bella Tee - Sold Out
Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam - $26.00	Chrissy Sublimation Tee - Sold Out
Diana Heimann 'Gothic' Earrings - Sold Out	Majestic® Boston Red Sox Tee - Sold Out
Trixxi Mock-Layer Plaid Top - Sold Out	Alexander McQueen Skull Box Clutch 208024F14HR - Sold Out

Above are products either actually related to the Twilight film(s) and novels, items that might appeal to fans, similar items from inspired products, or merely seemingly-unrelated wares that have become all-too related. (Including that sports fan t-shirt ["Team", geti t?].)

Scroll to the right to view more pages. Inspire thought? Leave a coment!

For more on the inspiration of this post, and how I gathered the theme to find these goods, read my article "Twilight Apparel a la Nordstrom more Teenybopper than Vampire".

Twilight Apparel a la Nordstrom More Teenybopper than Vampire

Ella M — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:33:30 EDT

@ First Look: The Twilight inspired line coming to Nordstrom would fit in more at Delia's than with the store's mid-range/upscale image. Sadly, it's also too alone suited to the megahit's wild youthful fan base than anything more in tune with vampires or older admirers of the film and genre.

"Team" Tees Preview:

Right before and after the original film debuted, "Twilight" was also what a vamp-y trend-merely-film-inspired was called amongst the do-it-themselves fashion creators. Etsy.com was filled with Victorian-era inspired beauties like frilly wrist cuffs and luxe oldschool gothic jewelry (Read: no Hot Topic).

Example products from Fall 2008 by Little Sparrow Nest and Talula. Click images to view their respective shops.

But just like that keyword was thrown about, Sparkly Vampire mania has hit, and punched, and bitten - extremely hard. Now the "underground" beings inspire further "Tra L.A. L.A. Land" carefree attitudes with this oh-so Junior's style.

The "glitter" from Hollywood glitz is spreading. Aside from the Nordstrom Junior's Department styles, the most recent evolution of this living trend has surfaced online from former-or-semistill-undergrounds, the indies...

Example Etsy.com clothing "Twilight" search

Another sad(ish) truth of today is that the movie-fangirlishness has brought graphic tees to Etsy as well, not that that's entirely bad and the items & slogans are not bad - or, beauty being in the eye of the beholder, at least they're not of popular-teenshop aesthetic. Fortunately, a lot of the designs are pretty dark - a stark contrast to this mass market promotion-in-sheep's-cotton-clothing at the department store.

At least we can help show fans that they have choices.

If your fashion style has a sweet tooth for notebook-doodles over Edward Cullen, by all means, shop mainstream.

If you crave something just a little more juicy or bittersweet, then do check out Etsy or other indie venues/shops. You can probably even do some hunting and find some "vamp" items, still.

New Quirky Limited Line from Forever 21: Twist presents Cirque 21 - What to Buy, How to Wear

Ella M — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:12:27 EDT

(These are not necessarily the items going in my "bag" - no stealing, natch. ;-))

Mesh Ankle Bow Tunic $12

Basic Nylon Knee High Socks $1.99

Rose Polka Dot Top $19

Ruffled Tulle Petticoat $22

FOREVER 21 TWIST presents CIRQUE 21

I'm confused. There are too many names n there. Maybe I'm just too tired.

But the story is: trendy discount fashion shop, Forever21, debuted a new collection yesterday. It's apparently limited, but perhaps that's a good thing, since the styles are pretty quirky. But actually, a big part of me loves a lot of this stuff.

Perhaps a response to crazy rock star style. With its multiple names, that's certainly fitting. (Is this 80s junctioned-a-posed-with petticoats "rock" style in now? I must be so naturally trendy as I've been feeling it for a while for sure, not to "Lady" GaGa extremes, but something much more like this Forever21 range, what kismet.) Like the ballet-inspired skirts and fingerless gloves my imaginary-rockstar-alter-ego would love for the stage. But since I'm in fashion, and want to dress for these jobs I want, how to fit the zanier pieces into my (or your) style?

To be fair, a lot of these items - on their own - are the ever present taste-of-fashionista always at Forever 21 - but some others, need some working into our wardrobe.

What we should do is pick and choose, when in real life. And not just by putting only 1 piece in 1 ensemble, but shop scrutinously and think things over before you press that final purchase button. So recessionista, too.

And it's the affordability of Forever 21! So for that and the exclusive, limited quantities - don't forget that! - I think I must go for it!

Not to be impulsive, but I think some of this is just a fun part of me that I could otherwise just skip and personally I don't want to miss out on broadening to all of my fantasy styles. Also since I might be impuslive often, and I am so tired, too much to use that discerning shopping eye, I will sleep on it.

Actually due to the recession, I should wait 'til my next paycheck tomorrow (and not just after nap) in order to fill my cart up right. I hope quantities last! (What? Some things are unavailable already. Actually, even yeterday. Eep!)

Or maybe I'm crazy and will wake up - saner with clearer eyes. Hm.*

*I drafted parts of this yesterday. And the stuff's even cuter today! Oh and I need a lot more from the rest of the Forever 21 range. Budget-planning time!