This week our interview is with clothing designer
Gina Michele. She believes that fashion should be fun and unique as well as wearable. Her collection is now in its third season and can be found in over 22 stores in the US.
How did you get your start as a designer?
I⿿ve been sewing since I was little, but I didn⿿t start designing clothes until my freshman year in college. My friends and I all shopped in the same few stores and eventually ended up having identical wardrobes. I got tired of looking like everyone else and decided to start designing my own clothes.
What was the first item you ever made?
Clothes for my Barbie doll. I use to take scraps of my mom⿿s fabric and sew little dresses for her.
Do you have any formal training?
No, I actually have a degree in English Literature. A friend taught me how to drape and make patterns and I learned a lot from simple trial and error.
When and why did you create your clothing line?
I created my line about a year ago. Before that I worked as a buyer/store manager for a clothing boutique and as a assistant to NYC handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff. These two jobs gave me great insight on the workings of small, indie businesses and gave me the confidence to start my own line.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety- it⿿s never boring. I do everything design samples, construct garments for orders, website design, PR, sales, etc. It⿿s countless hours of hard work, but it⿿s also very rewarding.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywheremy collection of vintage clothing, pop culture, fabric stores, people watching in NYC. I⿿m constantly being inspired by new sources!
Who is your favourite designer?
I⿿m a big fan of Marc Jacobs. I think his collections for Spring 07 (both his lines and LV) were feminine yet innovative. I love how he⿿s not afraid to switch things up and deliver the unexpected. I also adore John Galliano (SO creative), Matthew Williamson (beautiful clothes with great use of color) and Catherine Malandrino (feminine shapes with lovely details)
What one thing couldn⿿t you live without?
My family! As far as material things goI couldn⿿t live without with my sewing machine. I spend countless hours on it!
What will you be wearing this autumn/winter?
Definitely layers- NY is cold! One of my favorite fall outfits is my Pinecone silk dress worn with tights, knee high boots and a vintage sweater coat.
You⿿ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers trying to sell online?
Instead of selling directly from my website, I choose to wholesale with a few great online boutiques like Girlshop and Unsung Designers. I found that it offers greater exposure and frees up more time for me to focus on other aspects of my business. I don⿿t have to spend time answer customer⿿s questions or shipping individual orders.
My advice for finding a online store to wholsale with would be Be choosy about which stores you do business with. I always contact a designer that is currently being sold at the store and ask them what their experience has been with that retailer. Also, do your research and make sure your items are a good fit for the store.
Where do you hope your business will be in 5 years?
I would love to have a store in Soho. It would be great to get to interact with my customers. Plus, I could get a lot of helpful feedback.
What⿿s the best piece of advice you⿿ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my mother. She told me that in order to have a successful, fulfilling career I should do what I love. I think too many people just fall into careers and don⿿t even try to pursue their passions.
Site:
www.ginamichele.com
By: Anissa Mook, Editor in Chief
