I had been let go from my previous job as a fashion designer here in New York from a womenswear label. Unfortunately, it was at a time when the economy was on its way to hell and at the time NO ONE was hiring in the fashion industry! Diego was let go from his job around the same time due to economics as well, his store closed completely.
While trying to find a job i worked to keep myself busy and current with what was going on in the fashion industry. It's an exciting industry and it changes so much it is sometimes hard too keep up with all the changes. I decided to "revamp" my portfolio and began working on new collections, in order to keep my portfolio up to date.
I decided, after many attempts to try and find a job, to start "doing my own thing." One thing about a crappy economy is that it acts as a toilet. Sometimes..... people with no aesthetic or design sensibility, or sense of style acquire a large amount of money to design and create their own label. I am not sure how it happens (not bitter here) and i do not know why it is allowed by the universe, but what can you do. Anyway, unfortunately for these previously described folks their end usually comes during a time when the economy is not doing so well and consumers start to think about how they are spending their money.
I hate to admit it, but although clothing is a social necessity (thankfully) fashion is not, at least not for everyone. I personally believe fashion is born from a basic, somewhat primitive desire that humans have to adorn themselves and to create a sense of self. People view clothing two ways: some people just view it as a means to cover their ass, which is the necessity. Alternatively, some people (fashion people) see clothing as a way to create their own identity, create a sense of beauty, attract others or as a social status. I'm down with the creating of one's own identity and sense of beauty, i am NOT, however, down with viewing clothing as a social status. I get it.....i just don't support it. I think that people who put too much emphasis on fashion and clothing as a social status tend to be petty, insecure and more times than not have no sense of style and everything to lose.
As a result, in regards to fashion, I concentrate on design, quality and utility. I figure if you view fashion in this way you can reach more people. You get all the types, people who like to create a sense of identity through the designs they wear, beauty from the quality of the garment and it's execution and if you have good design and quality you automatically fill the requirement of utility and wearability.
So yeah......side tracked there for a sec...anyway, i figured that now would be a great time to start my own thing. During an economy like this, labels that are not generating enough income begin to go out of business, which creates space for new and emerging "talent" to come in and try to situate themselves in the market. It is a fantastic time for people who can "make it happen" during a bad economy. Creating a collection is expensive and alot of hard work, people who are not in the industry just do not realize the amount of organization, timing and planning that goes into a collection.
I knew i needed help and the fact i had no money was no help either, however, i knew if i had a partner we could really get it together. Since Diego had recently lost his job i approached him about this opportunity. I knew Diego would be committed, reliable and would work just as hard as i would, plus he also knew how to do patterns and is a very talented designer. Upon his agreement we set out to begin our collection!!!
