Stylish with Substance

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.

In reading this article on WWD (a free one) about CFDA award nominees and their photoshoot, I went scrambling to ensure what seemed to be was not - that there were no female designer nominees. Indeed there are women nominees for this year/2008's awards. See the list here.

Why was I concerned? A big huff has been made and praise given, for the designers (only mentioned [and possibly photographed] were Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, and the Proenza Schouler guys ... wearing their own stuff. (Only a big deal if they're dudes.) Some drag, why yes, Jason Wu wore a green gown. The idea, to me, seems to be all about cross-dressing. (Let's ignore Marc Jacobs' hideous how-was-he-nominated mauled bunny ears .. thing.) But what about female designers? Wouldn't we wear our own goods all the darn time? It seems to be the ultimate dress-up. I imagine it, it's made (or in the beginning; I make it) and then I jaunt around town flaunting my personal wish.

Or is that me? Is it also my crazy brain assuming male designers are more recognized in some ways in the industry? And why is it that it seems so accepted a man - who even gay & fabulous actually might know less about a woman's body and maybe women themselves than straight dudes - designs at least as well as a woman? (I don't quite get how they can do handbags so well... it requires all the love, but they don't usually wear 'em, too? Torture!)

What is true here is that even if they photographed all the designer nominees, or at least one lone female among the listed four boys club, no woman is being promoted here in the released photos.

What gives? And isn't it even more insulting that a man wears a dress here and there are no women in their own sex's clothes? Couldn't this even send the messsage that *just stupid little girl* designers aren't even up to snuff, or barely exist? I don't know, it rubs me entirely wrong.

But possibly not as much as Marc Jacobs' head-piece.

*Update* It's time for more androgeny by Karl Lagerfeld on Fashionologie.