One on One Interview with Rue 411

nadiablog — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:12:51 +0000

Rue 114 is inspired by and created for women who believe that every shape and size can look amazing when properly adorned. Interested? Continue reading to learn more about Rue411.

When did you discover your love for fashion and design?

I think I’ve always had a love for fashion and for what a great outfit can do for your confidence and outlook. I come from a family of unapologetic fashionistas and there are stories of my grandma, who was a minister’s wife, being whispered about because she wore her 3inch heels and hats to church in 1940s Ghana. I love the visual!

In terms of realizing that this was the career-path that I wanted to build upon, that realization came in high school and it all just clicked. I went to Dartmouth College for my undergraduate degree in Sociology and then continued at FIT, in Accessories Design. There is something intoxicating about clothing the body and the transformative power of style. I also love that as a business owner, I have to meld my creativity with my business acumen. It’s a great balance of the left and right brain!

Tell me a little bit more about your shop Rue 114?

Rue 114 was launched in November or 2010. The name comes from the street in NYC where I went to grade school and the “Rue” is because I adore Paris! Rue 114 is really about providing women with exciting, unique, fashion options with an attention to detail and appreciation for real women’s bodies. The company’s aesthetic was initially born out of my obsession with finding the perfect, figure-flattering pencil skirt. This season’s collection, which will launch in mid November, includes pencil skirts, dresses, and blouses, as well as one of a kind hand-made clutches.

Your shop accommodates all sizes why was this important to you?

Our size range is critically important to our identity. We want to create a space where all women feel welcome to shop and gather inspiration. I am very passionate about representing women and celebrating the variety of the female form. It really disheartens me when I see so many rail thin, unhealthy models celebrated as the pinnacles of beauty. I am so excited to see curvier women being represented more in media and particularly in fashion.

You recently introduced your clutch series this past summer, where do you find the amazing fabrics that make your clutches?

Thank you so much! My family is from Ghana and I was born in NY so the clutch fabrics are a reflection of my heritage as a Ghanaian-American. Most of our African print fabrics are sourced from Ghana and the rest are from NYC. The clutch handbags are a limited edition one-of a kind offering so each bag is unique and made with love by me

What’s next for Rue 114?

I love that question! It’s such an exciting time for our company and the next steps are to debut the capsule collection in mid-November (at www.rue114.com) and to continue to expand the vision of the Rue 114 woman. My ultimate goal is to create a brand that celebrates femininity and style with an eclectic edge, whether in a size 4 or 24.

For more information visit www.rue114.com

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One on One Interview with Bob Martin

nadiablog — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:49:22 +0000

Bob Martin is the master mind behind How to Fashion Design DVD series. I interviewed Bob to learn more about his passion for fashion and what led him to his career as a fashion designer.

What are the pros and cons to designing for film and theater vs. working with high-end designers?

Designing for film and theatre is different in many ways than designing for the fashion industry. To compare the two seems slightly unfair. In the fashion industry you are designing for the buying public, which often dictates what you can actually design. While many designers try to “push the limits” of their designs they are often constrained by the notion, will it sell and turn a profit? In film you don’t have this concern. That being said you are faced with other variables. Like designing something the dancer or actor can move and perform well in, you may also need to consider what will show up on camera or under certain specific scene lighting, or if the piece you are designing accurately depicts the time period and or setting the scene takes place in.

You see they each have their own challenges and can be frustrating at times. I do however enjoy doing film and theatre much more that mainstream fashion, because often times the design process is more of collaboration with other talented people. You often work with highly skilled craftsman whether it’s a metal smith, carpenter, costumer, milliner, artist or even special effects technician. You just don’t get those opportunities often in a freelance job.

How would you compare your DVD series to taking an actual class?

My “How To Fashion Design with Bob Martin” DVD lessons are classes… I teach exactly what is taught in universities. I add what I have learned and approach it in an easy to understand way. I believe that there is no substitute for sitting beside a professor who not only possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, but equally desires to teach, and has mastered the skill of teaching. That being said this is not often available for most people, especially when it comes to Fashion Design, unless you attend University, or have an internship where someone is open to taking the time with you, to show you the ropes of the industry. I however bring this to my DVD’s, they are thorough, well taught, and not rushed. They explain things in a clear concise way.

People who want to learn Fashion design are more often than not, visual people, and they learn best by seeing. That gives my DVD’s an advantage over other educational sources such as books. Whether you take actual classes or learn through “How To Fashion Design” lessons, it does not eradicate the fact that learning design takes a lot of “out of class” developing. When the class ends or the DVD is put back in its case, a student must be proactive about learning and practicing…Fashion Design

In your bio you said, “I enjoy helping to awake the Designer in others.” Who or what would you say awakened the designer in you?

Though I have had an interest and love for art and design for a long time, it wasn’t until I had my first actual “Design Class” in University that I really felt something was awakened inside me. I will never forget it. The class was Called “Basic Principles of Design” and was taught by a Professor named Basil Kardasis. Our project the whole term was to communicate 5 words “Sour, Grotesque, Whisper, Tepid, and Mirage “through images. We created 2 sketchbooks full of ideas, thoughts, images, designs that depicted these words.

What are your plans for “How to Fashion Design” in 2010?

My plans for “How To Fashion Design with Bob Martin” this year, are to release the additional lessons of the series, and perhaps another Lesson on patternmaking.

I currently distribute to large retail chains like Barnes & Noble and Target, but would also like to reach independent retail chains and specialty stores as well.

I get emails everyday asking for more DVD products. People tell me they love the rarely taught information I provide, as well as the easy to follow instruction and expertise I bring to these lessons.

KKC™ is currently distributing individual lessons from our 3 DVD box set.
You will also be seeing our “How To Fashion Design with Bob Martin” DVD displays in retail locations this year.
How To Fashion Design has new partnerships to announce, which you can learn more about by following our blog at www.howtofashiondesign.com or opt in to receive our newsletter.

Manchester PR Blog » Design

One on One Interview with Rue 411

One on One Interview with Bob Martin