Thread Conscious

January 8, 2013

What Matters Most Now

Filed under: Art and Culture,Behind the Seams,Charity,Fashion Blog,Fashion Business — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 8:48 pm

Dear Fashionistas,

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve probably figured out that I’m a huge geek.   Fashion geek, Trademark/Copyright geek, music geek, comic book geek.  Eclectic and perhaps a bit unexpected, these are all topics I’m passionate about.  As I’ve grown, I have learned to embrace my multi-faceted geekiness and I absolutely revel in it now.

Over the last quarter of 2012, I discovered a couple of books that proved incredibly insightful and transformative in my life, titled A New Earth and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.  In a nutshell, they show you how to live life to the fullest right now- no need to wait for people or things to make you feel important or complete- you’re all good already.  Now, everyday, I’m fueled by passion to do the things that matter most to me, whether it’s pro bono work, holding a clothing drive for Dress for Success, yoga or blogging.

What am I most grateful for right now?  The ability to silence doubt and push myself to do the things that challenge me.  I’m a very private person and a perfectionist.  Because of this, the thought of starting a lifestyle blog and business was frightening.  There will always be opinions, external and internal, that try to cast doubt on one’s abilities.  I learned to silence the doubt, trust my own judgment and move forward with my goals, with the understanding that failure is a natural occurrence on the road to success that should be embraced, not feared.

I’m so glad I pushed myself to do what I’m passionate about, because Thread Conscious is not only an artistic outlet for me, but also a way for me to support other women-owned businesses via features like Behind the Seams.  The experience also gave me the confidence to open an online boutique, Vintage As A 2nd Language, with a dear friend of mine from law school.  Our partnership allows us to be the trademark geeks we truly are and leverage our love for vintage while building our business on our own terms.

Finally, I’m grateful for all of you, my fellow fashion geeks from around world who read this blog daily, and share a little piece of the web with me.  Thanks for going on this three-year journey of discovery with me.  Here’s to you, and all the other good things 2013 has in store.

XOXO,

Nik

December 13, 2012

Behind the Seams: Austin Jewelry Designer Catherine Nicole

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Charity,Online Shopping — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 10:32 pm

In our latest installment of Behind the Seams, we explore the career and creativity of Austin-based jewelry designer, Catherine Nicole.  I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine during Austin Fashion Week 2011 and I’ve been an admirer of her work ever since.  What makes Catherine’s company and jewelry so special is that $5 from every purchase supports her philanthropic efforts to prevent young girls from becoming child brides.  Catherine’s earthy, organic and feminine jewelry has been featured in major publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Good Housekeeping and Life & Style.

(All photos courtesy of CatherineNicole.com)

1. Tell us a little about your experience at the Parsons School of Design; when did you realize you were interested in design and why did you choose that particular school/career path?

I originally went to Parsons because I wanted to be a costume designer.  I liked the idea that you can tell a story about someone by the clothes you put her/him in.  I was born in New York and was spending my post-graduate years teaching in Spain when 9/11 happened.  I was ready to pursue my design work close to home, and Parsons turned out to be exactly the designer’s heaven that I hoped it would be.

2. You’re very well traveled; Spain, Africa, India…have you traveled since childhood or did your travels start during school?

I’ve traveled since childhood.  My mother grew up in Rome, and I have family all over the world. I’ve had wanderlust my whole life and as I got older, I found ways to travel to more exotic places.  I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to see the world and learn about different people and cultures. It’s a huge influence on my work.

3. What inspired you most about your travels?

In a lot of societies, the ornamentation of the people is more telling than the garments they wear.  The jewelry is obviously less utilitarian and often more expressive than the apparel.  That’s what inspired me to do statement jewelry.  I also love the textiles, colors, tiles and architecture that I’ve seen in my travels, and often draw inspiration from there.

4. Fashion and philanthropy make a great partnership; with all the risks inherent to starting a business, how can a business owner successfully manage a new business while supporting a worthy cause at the same time?

Well, I have the non-profit aspect built into the for-profit aspect.  In other words, I only donate from money that I make.  I used to support other projects, but was giving out more than a company of my size really could afford.  Now, I only give from what we earn.  $5 from every purchase is no small amount to us, but I didn’t want to collect such a small amount that I was barely helping anyone.

5. How did you come up with the concept for Chicks Against Child Brides?  Tell us a little about BRAC and how your initiative supports their mission.

I was moved to chills the first time I saw the original Girl Effect video and knew I wanted to get involved.  Since many of my customers are brides, it seemed a natural connection to take on the plight of the child bride.  BRAC is a UN-funded non-profit that focuses on micro-loans, and their Girl Centers really educate these kids about entrepreneurship, independence, and provide them a safe place to learn and get their businesses started.

Because I don’t have the kind of job that inherently gives back (like a doctor, counselor, teacher, etc..), it’s important to me that my company creates a way to benefit the world.  So this is not a temporary project for me, but rather a core component of the business that the company will always run on.

6. What is your most rewarding and most challenging experience as an entrepreneur and why?

Oftentimes being an entrepreneur is just as creative as being a designer.  This isn’t something I thought about when I started my business, and it’s one of my favorite aspects of it now.  As a small business, I rely on innovative ideas for my branding and marketing.  It’s a fun challenge that brings me closer to my customers and able to provide a more genuine product and service.

7. Looking back on your experiences in the fashion industry, what do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your journey?

I could have saved a lot of money if I knew then to think outside the box more, but I don’t know that I would have done anything differently.  By working the markets, runways, wholesale and PR circuit, I learned all the ins and outs of my industry.  I certainly do things differently now, but it’s only because I know from experience what doesn’t work for me about the mainstream route.

8. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion design, what is the most important piece of advice you would give him or her?

Take an internship or internships.  I had to go through a lot of trial-and-error that I could have skipped over had I worked in other houses first.  And if you plan on starting your own line or store, be super frugal.  It’s easy to spend a lot of money at the beginning with the expectation that great things will happen from it.  But your business may have something else in store for you, and you have to gradually allow it to shape itself.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Catherine Nicole is a great example of a company with a heart and a conscience, not only focused on creating one-of-a-kind statement jewelry, but also focused on empowering women.  Whether you’re a bride, shopping for gifts or love the idea of giving back, Catherine Nicole has something uniquely beautiful for you.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

July 20, 2012

Behind the Seams Special Edition: HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,Home Decor — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:51 pm

HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew (L) and Jonathan Scott (R)

Dear Fashionistas,

If you remember, for last month’s Behind the Seams installment, I chatted with the talented and beautiful Kendra Scott.  This month, I had a chance to chat with twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers (no relation to Kendra by the way : ).

I’m a huge HGTV fanatic and Property Brothers is one of my favorite shows on the network.  I love interior design and home decor, which I count as passions of mine, right along with fashion.  I was thrilled to meet the Drew and Jonathan, who were wrapping up filming in Austin, Texas, and I can honestly say they are the nicest, funniest and most talented guys you’ll ever meet.  To learn more about this dynamic duo, be sure to visit and Like  Drew and Jonathan‘s Official Property Brothers Facebook Page!

By the time Jonathan and Drew enrolled at University (Canadian-speak for college), they were already savvy businessmen: they invested in a rental property during school, lived there for free while renting to other tenants, and later were able to sell the property at a profit.  It was then that the proverbial light bulb went off and the brothers began to pursue real estate with a passion.

Now at the helm of Scott Real Estate, Inc., Jonathan and Drew co-host Property Brothers, showing clients that they can have their dream home within their budget, if they’ll only trust the brothers with a promising fixer-upper!  With Drew’s real estate savvy and Jonathan’s impeccable design skills, they prove time and again that many homes, even the most unattractive ones, are just diamonds in the rough that need a little TLC.

Property Brothers now airs in 16 countries, and Jonathan and Drew will soon host a new show on HGTV, Buying and Selling, which will focus on guiding homeowners through the sometimes complex, and emotional, selling process.  Understandably, the Scott brothers are incredibly busy with their careers, but through it all, they remain close and work well together.

“We have a no BS rule,” said Drew.  “You know, people say it’s a mistake to work with family, but that’s only if you’re not being honest with each other.  We’re very honest and open.  If something’s bothering me or Jonathan, we get everything out on the table, work it out and move on.”

As for renovation/DIY advice, according to Jonathan, the one item every home should have is…wait for it…a glue gun!  “It’s also important to know what you’re good at and what’s beyond your skills,” added Drew.  “If you’re not good at drywalling, don’t do it.  Call in a professional and work together with them.  In the end, you’ll save money and end up with a great, quality product.”

Regarding renovation budgets and timelines, Jonathan had this to share:

“I know of one couple that was renovating a room for four years.  Renovations don’t have to take years to complete.  If you have budget for it, go ahead and do everything upfront.  Sometimes people don’t renovate until they’re ready to sell, and then they wonder why they didn’t do it before!  If you don’t have the budget, choose which rooms are most important to you and renovate those first.”

“Also, keep in mind that the renovations done on Property Brothers are not for the whole house; it’s usually two to three rooms and we have a team that works with us.  A four to five week renovation on the show could take a single contractor 10-12 weeks.”

Added Drew, “Be sure to make your wishlist of everything you want in a home, but keep in mind there are no perfect homes.”  That is, until the Property Brothers get a hold of them!

Beyond real estate, the brothers are accomplished actors.  Drew is also a film director and producer, and Jonathan is an award-winning illusionist and has worked in Vegas.  You can watch this multi-talented duo on Property Brothers on HGTV Wednesdays at 9/8 Central.  If you would like to apply to be on the Property Brothers show, just visit their Official Facebook Page’s Info Section here.  Good luck!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

June 19, 2012

Behind the Seams Special Edition: Kendra Scott

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Celebrity Fashion,Charity,Fashion Business — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 11:01 pm

Photo Credit: KendraScott.com

 

Dear Fashionistas,

I had the immense pleasure of meeting and chatting with jewelry designer Kendra Scott recently at a private event in downtown Austin.  Scott spoke to a group of young professional women about balancing life and career, and her core philosophies of family, fashion and philanthropy- a perfect subject matter for my Behind the Seams series which focuses on fashion and entrepreneurship.

It’s hard to believe that Kendra Scott’s wildly successful eponymous jewelry line began in an extra bedroom of her house with little more than $500 and staunch determination.  But every entrepreneur’s road to success starts somewhere, often at the intersection of  sweet dreams and harsh realities.  The loss of her step father to cancer became the catalyst for Scott’s first business, the Hat Box, which specialized in head wear for cancer patients.  Five years later, Scott started her jewelry line Kendra Scott, now in its 10th year.  “Jewelry making was an escape for me.  If I was having a bad day, I’d make jewelry for the people in my life that I loved, and I would feel better,” said Scott.

Today, Scott ensures this “feel good” philosophy permeates her brand.  “I wanted to create a ‘non-jewelry’ jewelry store.  No locked cases, no need to ask to see anything.  Customers are welcome to touch the jewelry, try it on, or design their own at the color bar.”  Scott is in touch with her customer base as well.  “The spectrum is not an age; it’s a personality.  The Kendra Scott customer is dynamic, fun, full of energy and loves fashion!”  Women’s love of fashion is evident in Scott’s planned retail expansion in 2013, with stores already open in Austin, Dallas and Beverly Hills.

Scott concluded her speech with her inspirational “7 Rules to Live By.”

Rule 1: Let go of the “what ifs.”- “Don’t live in a past life,” Scott advised.  She didn’t finish college but that didn’t stop her from graduating from MIT’s Entrepreneurial Masters Program in 2009.  “Too often, women worry about what if I had done this or that differently.”  She went on to say that when it feels like a door is closing, there’s a window of opportunity opening elsewhere.  One of Scott’s windows of opportunity led her to Oscar de la Renta (he sought her out and used her jewelry in a runway show)!  Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help; it’s part of learning and growing.

Rule 2: Paint a picture.- Scott’s office boasts a “blue sky wall” where employees are encouraged to dream big and pin inspirational images.  While at MIT, one of Scott’s assignments was to write down all the details of her life three years from that moment.  What did she want to do in three year’s time, where would she live and work, and so on.  Scott revealed that everything she wrote on her list has come to fruition, and she continues to update the list regularly.  Doing so motivates her to move in the direction of fulfilling her goals.

Rule 3: Leave your mark.

Rule 4: Be appreciative.  “People don’t do this very often anymore, but handwritten thank you notes are so nice,” Scott added.  She keeps stationery in her desk and sends handwritten notes to those she appreciates.

Rule 5: Laugh- a lot.

Rule 6: See the world.

Rule 7: Give back.  Scott supports several charities including the American Heart Association and Dress for Success.

Rule 7.5: Accessorize!

For all things Kendra Scott, including fashion, words of wisdom and fabulous sales, be sure to check out her blog here!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 26, 2012

Behind the Seams: Truth and Fashion’s Erica Lynn Young

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Fashion Blog,Fashion Business — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 11:45 pm

 

Erica Lynn Young

Fashion Entrepreneur ERICA LYNN YOUNG

 

In this month’s special installment of Behind the Seams: Women’s History Month, we are honored to feature Erica Lynn Young, the power house talent behind the influential plus size model blog Truth and Fashion.  Based in New York, Erica is a young serial entrepreneur, social media strategist, adjunct professor and board adviser with plans in work to launch the full Truth and Fashion website next month (sign up for the email list here!).  Interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry?  Keep reading as Erica shares some invaluable words of wisdom.

Tell us a little about your educational background; where did you go to college and why did you choose that particular school/career path?

I first went to college at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island.  My decision to attend JWU was pretty simple; it was the only college that offered a Fashion Merchandising major and had a competitive volleyball program.  While attending JWU, I heard about a summer program at the Paris Fashion Institute.  I decided to attend the program and it was one of the most life changing months in my life.  It was an extremely intense program with classes in design, merchandising, trend forecasting, product development, art history, and more.  The program, and being in Paris, really opened my eyes to what the fashion industry is.

After hearing one of my professor’s say, “You have to be in New York or Paris to make it in fashion,” I knew I had to move to New York City.  From the recommendation of a friend, I then decided to attend LIM College.  Without LIM College, I know my career would have been different.  The college requires that you complete 3 internships.  I did my final internship at Redcats USA in product development and was hired at graduation.

How did you end up at Redcats USA? (e.g. job board, cold call, approached by the company) 

While I was completing my internship at Redcats USA, I told my boss that I was very interested in a position at the company.  There was actually no position immediately available after I completed my internship so I freelanced with the company for 6 months while finishing up my Bachelor’s degree.

Right before graduation, a position came available and my boss hired me immediately.  Throughout the year I spent with the company, I always made my goals very clear and, along with my drive, I was able to land a position.

What was your most rewarding and most challenging experience there and why?

My most rewarding experience at Redcats was when I was promoted at 24 years old to be a product manager with around $24 million in financial responsibility across 11 departments.  I had been working at the company for a little over 3 years and those years were spent fully devoted to company’s success with countless late nights.  It was wonderful to be rewarded with a new title and added responsibility.

But, with more responsibility comes more challenges.  I took the Product Manager position in 2008 which was the beginning of a horrible economic time for the United States and all apparel companies were greatly struggling.  This was then added on top of a whole new management team for the brand I was working for which only increases the challenges.  With great challenges though come great opportunities and I felt I learned a lot by working for a brand during such a pivotal time.

When and how did you first realize that the plus size market was underserved?

I first realized that the plus size market was underserved while working at Redcats and doing my own research on the market place.  I spent a day going to all the department stores and boutiques that carry plus size clothing.  First, if it was not for the commuting on the subway, this would have only taken a couple of hours.  Then, when you arrive at the department store, you have to find the plus size section which seems to either be in the basement, the top floor, or a corner.

Taking the escalator past the contemporary and designer floors with beautiful displays, space to shop, nice lighting, and hip music, it was extremely easy to see what is lacking in the plus size fashion departments, which seemed to be treated as an afterthought.  From this experience and my corporate background that strictly catered to mass-market fashion, I knew there was a major void in plus size fashion with a contemporary and high-fashion feeling.

Your next endeavor, the stunning and minimalist photo blog Truth and Fashion, aims to “change people’s view on fashion and beauty diversity in body image.”  What inspired you to create this site and what has been people’s reaction thus far?

The photo blog is just the beginning.  It has had such an overwhelmingly positive reaction that I can’t wait to hear what people think of the full website, TruthandFashion.com, when it launches in the next month.  I was inspired to create this website from what I have seen to be an insatiable desire from the consumer to see different body images and standards of beauty in fashion and media.

Truth and Fashion lets go of industry standards by changing the world’s perspective on beauty and fashion.  We unveil daily the most beautiful and talented models in the world who are above the typical model size of 0. We are your source for cutting-edge editorials, the latest videos, fashion campaigns, and daily inspiration.

Truth and Fashion: Model Louise O’Reilly in STELLAR Magazine’s March Issue for “Get Your Rocks On”

Photography: Lili Forberg
Styling: Corina Gaffey
Hair & Makeup: Aimee Murphy

What is your most rewarding and most challenging experience as an entrepreneur and why?

The most rewarding experience is when people love what you have created. Receiving fan feedback on Twitter, Facebook, and over email always helps to make the late nights worthwhile.  I always receive a lot of feedback on the imagery that Truth and Fashion displays.  Fans say that they find the images inspiring, empowering, and helpful in realizing their own beauty.  I believe Truth and Fashion helps to further expand the idea of what beauty is and not place so many limits on it.

I always find the general challenges of being an entrepreneur to be the same: time and money.  You could always use an extra hour in the day and more money to further refine and develop your product or service.  The key to this is you have to know when your product is just right to go live with it.  You can always refine down the road once you receive customer feedback and some initial revenue.

Looking back on your experiences in the fashion industry, what do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your journey?

That you can take different paths to reach your destination.  I feel like we are told as a kid that if you want to do fashion you have to study it in school.  I do not regret studying fashion in school, but wish I could have experimented more with other areas of study.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in fashion merchandising, marketing or blogging, what is the most important piece of advice you would give him or her?

Get experience.  Hands down.  Go get an internship, part time job, or start your own blog, do anything you can to get your own experience and learn from it.  Having some solid experience on your resume will make you more valuable to a future employer and even for your own company.

Once you start your own company, there are still opportunities to learn, but mistakes will cost you much more financially.  When you make a mistake with your own company, you may have to sacrifice your own paycheck.  If you can learn through a network of mentors through an internship, part-time or full-time job, it will help to make your own venture more successful.

Photo Courtesy of Erica Lynn Young

Keep up with the latest news about Truth and Fashion on Erica’s Facebook Page and Twitter account.  Be sure to sign up for the Truth and Fashion email list here!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik


February 20, 2012

Media Monday: The Oscars, Plus ‘Behind the Seams’ Returns

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Media Mondays,Online Shopping,Vintage — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nik @ 11:48 am

Fashionistas,

The 84th Annual Academy Awards are upon us.  I feel like a little bit of a hypocrite because I haven’t seen half of these films, but I’m ready to see red carpet fashions and fiascos on February 26th!  Will my friend and I finally agree on something fabulous?  We shall see.  ; )

Being that I have seen The Help  and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I’ll be rooting for those two!  See the full list of Oscar nominees here.

Also, I’m bringing back “Behind the Seams,” which focuses more on the business of fashion and entrepreneurship.  You’ll hear candid confessionals from people who have worked behind the cameras, backstage or run their own businesses.  I’ve been inspired by these stories, so much so that I’m starting an online vintage store with a dear friend of mine (more on that later!).

From the start, I wanted Thread Conscious to be about more than pretty clothes; I want to offer you the unique perspective that can only come from real people, working really hard, “behind the seams.”  Let’s dig deeper and learn about what it takes to make the fashion magic happen.

Below, I’ve included one of my first Behind the Seams articles, featuring dynamic Cypriot designer and entrepreneur Dora Fitikidi Schabel, co-owner of FIG: A Taste of European Design in Fort Worth, Texas.

Please note FIG’s current information is as follows:

U.S. Distributor
Retail Studio
FIG Designers LLC
2925 Crocket Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA
Tel.: 1-817-886-0712
info@figdesigners.com

Retail Hours:
M-W 10-6
Th-Sa 10-9

*Next month, we’ll hear from another amazing fashion entrepreneur on a mission to change some industry attitudes and I’ll tell you a little more about the online vintage store my friend and I are creating!

Happy reading, and Happy Presidents’ Day!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Behind the Seams: Dora Schabel & Simi Radcliffe of FIG: A Taste of European Design

Fort Worth, TX. Recently, I returned to FIG: A Taste of European Design, to chat with founding partner and handbag designer Dora Schabel and wardrobe consultant Simi Radcliffe. Let me tell you, it was my distinct pleasure to interview these two lovely- and fascinating- women.

Dora Schabel

Sally Burt (L) & Simi Radcliffe

As I entered the small, pristine foyer, I was promptly greeted by a striking brunette who ushered me into the front room of the studio, a plush dreamy space enveloped in modern décor and European couture. Poised and brimming with knowledge, I quickly learned that she was Simi Radcliffe, a regal Persian model and wardrobe consultant with years of experience in the fashion industry. Within mere moments of Radcliffe perching on a chair, a figure appeared in the doorway. “Hello, you must be Nik. I’m Dora.”

Dora Schabel Persian Lamb Bag

Impressive yet approachable, confident yet humble, this Cyprus native possesses more than personality- she has presence- both immediate and undeniable. You understand right away that you are meeting someone very special. I explained to Schabel and Radcliffe that I hoped to talk a little about both the business and consumption of fashion- an ambitious goal on my part. Schabel understood all too well what a daunting task that would be. As a business owner, handbag designer and the re-elected President of the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association, she has layers of experience spanning more than a decade.

Dora Schabel Cowhide Clutch

“Well only 5% of fashion is glamour. The other 95% is work,” she offered with a knowing sparkle in her eye. No stranger to hard work, Schabel and FIG co-founder Robin Birdsong are moving the operation to a larger space close to the award-winning Tillman’s Roadhouse very soon. The new studio will inherit FIG’s current modern aesthetic, since the “clothes are the main protagonist,” says Schabel. FIG’s goal is to familiarize fashionable Fort Worth women with made to measure clothing. According to Radcliffe, “Made to measure is common in Europe. I grew up with it.” Now she wants to help bring Texas women the same impeccable customer service and attention to detail, which is inherent to the made to measure concept. “Fort Worth needs it and lacks it. More time should be spent on women,” laments Radcliffe. I agree. We’re all individuals with unique features- why not have clothes that reflect that individuality while fitting perfectly? No longer would we have to settle for a premade mold. At this moment I’m reminded of my favorite quote from the movie Bride Wars during the dress fitting scene: “You don’t alter Vera to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera.” Not if you’re a FIG customer! Did I also mention they sell couture wedding gowns?

Dora Schabel Yellow Tote

As further proof of her unwavering work ethic, Schabel is constantly searching for new talent to add to FIG’s roster of impressive European designers. “We’re adding four new designers in early 2011!” She explained that FIG’s independent designers are really artists who work very hard at their crafts. “Perhaps a designer will decide to make only ten of a certain dress style or purse, only ten in the whole world. Then you know you are getting something truly unique.” Obviously, Schabel understands that fashionistas have an appreciation for the very beautiful and the very rare. It should be noted that FIG follows a Fair Trade model that ensures their independent designers maintain autonomy over the designs and pricing of their respective clothing lines.

As for Schabel, the designer, she finds inspiration for her one-of-a-kind handbags everywhere, from architecture and interior design, to trips to Japan, to simple pleats on a dress. As for Schabel, the fashionista, she favors structured yet soft pieces and lives by this rule, “Accentuate what’s best, camouflage what’s worst!” Ah, the mantra of made to measure!

FIG: A Taste of European Design

U.S. Distributor
FIG Designers LLC
910 Currie Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA
Tel.: 1-817-420-9630
info@figdesigners.com

 

December 9, 2010

Behind the Seams: Dora Schabel & Simi Radcliffe of FIG: A Taste of European Design

Filed under: Art and Culture,Behind the Seams,Clothing Store,Fashion Business — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 12:24 pm

Fort Worth, TX.  Recently, I returned to FIG: A Taste of European Design, to chat with founding partner and handbag designer Dora Schabel and wardrobe consultant Simi Radcliffe.  Let me tell you, it was my distinct pleasure to interview these two lovely- and fascinating- women.  

Dora Schabel

Sally Burt (L) & Simi Radcliffe

As I entered the small, pristine foyer, I was promptly greeted by a striking brunette who ushered me into the front room of the studio, a plush dreamy space enveloped in modern décor and European couture.  Poised and brimming with knowledge, I quickly learned that she was Simi Radcliffe, a regal Persian model and wardrobe consultant with years of experience in the fashion industry.  Within mere moments of Radcliffe perching on a chair, a figure appeared in the doorway.  “Hello, you must be Nik.  I’m Dora.”

Dora Schabel Persian Lamb Bag

Impressive yet approachable, confident yet humble, this Cyprus native possesses more than personality- she has presence- both immediate and undeniable.  You understand right away that you are meeting someone very special.  I explained to Schabel and Radcliffe that I hoped to talk a little about both the business and consumption of fashion- an ambitious goal on my part.  Schabel understood all too well what a daunting task that would be.  As a business owner, handbag designer and the re-elected President of the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association, she has layers of experience spanning more than a decade. 

Dora Schabel Cowhide Clutch

“Well only 5% of fashion is glamour.  The other 95% is work,” she offered with a knowing sparkle in her eye.  No stranger to hard work, Schabel and FIG co-founder Robin Birdsong are moving the operation to a larger space close to the award-winning Tillman’s Roadhouse very soon.  The new studio will inherit FIG’s current modern aesthetic, since the “clothes are the main protagonist,” says Schabel.  FIG’s goal is to familiarize fashionable Fort Worth women with made to measure clothing.  According to Radcliffe, “Made to measure is common in Europe.  I grew up with it.”  Now she wants to help bring Texas women the same impeccable customer service and attention to detail, which is inherent to the made to measure concept.  “Fort Worth needs it and lacks it.  More time should be spent on women,” laments Radcliffe.  I agree.  We’re all individuals with unique features- why not have clothes that reflect that individuality while fitting perfectly?  No longer would we have to settle for a premade mold.  At this moment I’m reminded of my favorite quote from the movie Bride Wars during the dress fitting scene: “You don’t alter Vera to fit you, you alter yourself to fit Vera.”  Not if you’re a FIG customer!  Did I also mention they sell couture wedding gowns? 

Dora Schabel Yellow Tote

As further proof of her unwavering work ethic, Schabel is constantly searching for new talent to add to FIG’s roster of impressive European designers.  “We’re adding four new designers in early 2011!”  She explained that FIG’s independent designers are really artists who work very hard at their crafts.  “Perhaps a designer will decide to make only ten of a certain dress style or purse, only ten in the whole world.  Then you know you are getting something truly unique.”  Obviously, Schabel understands that fashionistas have an appreciation for the very beautiful and the very rare.  It should be noted that FIG follows a Fair Trade model that ensures their independent designers maintain autonomy over the designs and pricing of their respective clothing lines. 

As for Schabel, the designer, she finds inspiration for her one-of-a-kind handbags everywhere, from architecture and interior design, to trips to Japan, to simple pleats on a dress.  As for Schabel, the fashionista, she favors structured yet soft pieces and lives by this rule, “Accentuate what’s best, camouflage what’s worst!”  Ah, the mantra of made to measure!

FIG: A Taste of European Design

U.S. Distributor
FIG Designers LLC
910 Currie Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA
Tel.: 1-817-420-9630
info@figdesigners.com

November 4, 2010

Behind the Seams- FIG: A Taste of European Fashion

Filed under: Behind the Seams,Clothing Store — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

 

Fort Worth, TX.  There’s a new FIG in town, and on the west side of the DFW metroplex.  Fort Worth is home to a new European ‘made to measure’ boutique, thanks to owners Dora Schabel and Robin Birdsong, two very talented (and very busy!) fashionistas.  I recently sat down with marketing director Sally Burt and merchandising manager Lauren Ulrick (pictured below, respectively) to discuss West 7th’s newest addition.  As we lounged in the front room of the studio, the ladies schooled me on European design, and why American women should embrace it. 

 

According to Ulrick, many of us “play it safe, especially when it comes to business attire,” and I couldn’t agree more.  Far too often, women in the corporate sector find themselves confined to a dismal spectrum of black, gray, brown and other boring neutrals.  American women need no longer limit themselves; FIG is here to liberate us!

So why Fort Worth?  Believe or not, Dallas isn’t the only city where you can get your couture fix.  Fort Worth has many high-end boutiques and West 7th  is definitely an up and coming, upscale urban development- a perfect fit for FIG.  This city also boasts a strong retail support network called FOWO, or Fort Worth For Women.  This private business network focuses on supporting local women-owned retail businesses, with an emphasis on quality, community and personal service.  The women at FIG believe in those same ideals.  ”We’re not here to compete, but to create a market,” says Ulrick.  “We want customers to have a European experience here, one that’s relaxed, fun, not rushed.”  In agreement with this ‘European aesthetic’ Burt adds “we want this to be a good experience- when customer service is great, customers will want to return.”

I know the feeling.  I’ve visited three times since first discovering the design studio earlier last month.  There is something quite…transcendent about it all.  Surrounded by exquisite fabrics, one-of-a-kind accessories and an unparalleled attention to detail, not only in the clothing but also by the staff, it’s hard to stay away.  And that’s just the way FIG would have it.

What’s wonderfully unique about FIG is its “made to measure” concept.  As Burt explains, “people don’t understand this concept of ‘fitting perfectly.’  When we shop, we just have to take what’s there (a dress in a great color but with an odd hemline or pant with the right length but an ill-fitting waist), and then alter it.”  Well, at FIG, you don’t have to settle.  The ’made to measure’ concept takes the gamble and risk out of shopping.  Your measurements are taken and a garment is created exclusively for you!  Another unique feature of FIG is its fair trade model.  The European designers decide the price and maintain autonomy over their respective clothing lines.  Prices range on average from just $100 to $2000 for couture creations, including wedding dresses!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have a designer boutique of this caliber in Fort Worth.  While I love Dallas, everything designer need not be located there.  And by the way, in case you’re feeling a tingling of sticker shock, Thread Conscious has never been about being cheap; it’s about finding quality pieces for reasonable prices.  And that’s exactly what FIG has.

For more information, visit FIG here or watch the video from their website below.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

FIG: A Taste of European Design

U.S. Distributor
FIG Designers LLC
910 Currie Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA
Tel.: 1-817-420-9630
info@figdesigners.com