Why Paris?

Why Paris? (The Interview 11/9/19)

What made you decide to help young designers in this consultancy?

I've made so many mistakes from design school to fair trade design to sales and marketing and I refuse to have others make the same costly errors. I didn't have a mentor starting my business nor for school. It's totally necessary but we think we can figure it all out ourselves. Yes, you can, 5 years later and 50K in debt maybe. 
 
Which consulting do you like best? For a client's better wardrobe or for a designer's better fashion business?
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I can't really choose - they are so different and both so neccessary. Sustainability can mean so many things to different people. And there's lots of words to describe it. There's eco, eco-friendly, eco-chic, environmentally friendly, sustainable, fair trade, handmade, locally made, slow fashion, upcyled garments [where you use the existing resources that you have to create something new], vintage, recycled/second hand garments and more. The French are famous for these things and creates a feeling here, that is quite special.


What makes Paris different for eco fashion?

​There are many young designers who are committed to the environment and changing the way people think about clothing as well. They are the ones who are using organic materials, vegan leather and deadstock [which means recycled materials from huge fashion houses], give a new face to the word eco-chic. Because these designers come from France who's design and fashion heritage is so rich and deeply ingrained, designers are creating garments that are chic, forward-thinking and original. There is no "patchwork craziness" here - there are interesting and of great quality!

This is a great place to shop for classic pieces that you will always use and special pieces that will bring smiles to your face every time you think about the story surrounding the inspiration of the designer. It's not only the best souvenir that you will always have forever, but it is and great way to create a capsule wardrobe and at the same time use these pieces to style yourself when you return home.​

​What do you want to accomplish while here in Paris?
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My goal is to help inspire you to think differently about clothing everywhere I go. You may not be able to always come to Paris, but hopefully it will help spark your own inspiration to style and create your own looks in the French philosophy and sustainability.


Do you only work in Paris?

I have clients all over the world who are inspired by Paris or just want someone who has experience working in both countries and has a certain style they relate to. I use Skype, WhatsApp, phone, email and more to connect with my clients- pretty easy really these days.

What art and fashion design projects are you currently involved in?
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That's a great question - it changes a lot. Outside of consulting, I'm designing casual wear with a colleague and of course I still have a line of limited run upcycled wear for women.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'd love to be a key influence in helping people make better shopping decisions for our environment. Along with artistic design pieces, maybe it also looks like a You Tube channel or even a book! You never know what will happen!