Collaborations

INTERVIEW: RUTHIE DAVIS

When we got the ‘Yes, she’ll do the interview’ we almost fell over! There’s nothing more heart warming then having a designer go out of their way to help you with your dreams.

Interviewing the fabulous Ruthie Davis is definitely a milestone in our ‘blogging’ career so far.  Starting her brand in 2006 after working for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, she has come a long way since then and now Beyonce is wearing her designs.

Ruthie is an inspiration to all, and doing this interview brought us back to what we really love about fashion, the way it can make you feel, it’s power to change your mood and lift you when nothing else can, retail therapy is no myth and how it gives you something to cling to, to live for. Ruthie has reinforced that dream of ours and I hope you feel it too.

Without further delay here is the awaited interview.

Q) How would you describe the ‘girl/woman’ who wears your shoes?

The “Ruthie Davis Girl” is modern, youthful, and chic. She is confident and proud and when she walks into a room, she isn’t afraid to own it.

Q) What inspired you to delve in to the fashion scene and create your own designer shoe label? 

I always tell a story about how when I was a little girl, my mother took me to buy my first pair of new shoes. I’ll never forget that they were little patent leather mary-janes and I refused to take them off all day long and even wore them to bed that night. That’s where my love affair with shoes began. And it never ended. My first job designing shoes was at Reebok and that’s where they used to call me the “Cool Hunter” because I was obsessed with finding out and creating what’s new, pushing the limits and innovating.  Now, with my own collection, I get to do this everyday and I am living my dream.

Q) New York is home to fashion, have you always lived in New York and how does that influence your business? 

I lived in Boston while working at Reebok and then in Santa Barbara California while I was Vice President of Design and Marketing for Ugg Australia, which I loved. There’s a very strong LA vibe in my design aesthetic. I love living in New York City now because you are at the center of all things fashion. Just looking at the girls on the street inspires me.

Q) Where do you get your inspiration from for your collections? 

I live and work in the West Chelsea gallery district of New York City and I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings. I love the architecture, the nature of the High Line, the art in the galleries I pass everyday… and of course all those stylish New Yorker City girls. I’m also always inspired by my muse: a James Bond type heroine who is proud sexy and fierce.

Q) You have had some major accomplishments what motivates and pushes you to keep going? 

I truly enjoy what I do… honestly. So, keeping myself going is never truly a problem. But, I must say, I love seeing my shoes on Ruthie-Girls… Whether it’s Lady Gaga, Beyonce, or a cool girl on the street… It’s an absolute honor and a total thrill. In addition, I love working with my team to bring the Ruthie Davis shoes to life.  They motivate me everyday with their positive energy and passion.

Q) You have dressed some big names such as Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner, Lady Gaga and the list goes on, is there ever moments where you have to take a step in amazement, how does it feel seeing your work publicized in that manner? 

Oh yeah. I’m in total awe and amazement every time I see my shoes in the media or on a celebrity. It’s always a pinch-myself sort of moment.

Q) Speaking of accomplishments, what has been the biggest highlight of your career so far? This year, I was named “Footwear Designer of the Year 2014” by the American Apparel and Footwear Association, one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs”, and one of Footwear News’ “20 Design Stars”… It’s been one heck of a year…

Q) You have also made various TV Appearances, is that an area you wish to go in to more, could we ever expect a show dedicated to Ruthie Davis and her shoes? 

Absolutely, I love doing television appearances. They’re so much fun… and, yes, you never know when you might see a Ruthie Davis show… wink-wink.

Q) You act as a mentor and guest lecture at MIT as well as promote hard work and perseverance to make your dreams come true, what advice would you give to others that are trying to break in to the fashion world?

I would tell anyone looking to break into the fashion industry that, for me, working first at a larger company was the best way to cut my teeth and learn every area of this business. Take your time and learn as much as you can on someone else’s dime. Go out on your own when you feel totally ready. In addition, I always tell people that I spend 10% of my time designing and 90% running a business. It’s important to acquire and develop skills and understanding in the “Business” of fashion.

Q) A big congratulations is in order on being awarded this year as ‘Footwear Designer of the Year’ by American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) which will be held this year at the American Image Awards Gala, benefiting the Special Olympics, what a prestigious award, how does that feel?

It feels absolutely amazing to be recognized by AAFA and to benefit an organization as wonderful as the Special Olympics. I am beyond honored. But like I said in my acceptance speech, “the truly deserving recipient of this award is an exceptional team who’s labor of love brings the Ruthie Davis brand to life.”

Q) What will be next for Ruthie Davis, will there be a store coming to Australia anytime soon?

The sky is the limit… I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point. But, the one thing I can always promise is to keep the surprises coming. Buckle up, 2014 is going to be the best year yet! That, I’m sure of.

Ruthie is known for her cutting edge designs, with architectural shapes and lavish mixes of materials, the brand is sold in the top retail establishments such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Amazon and many more including her online store.

A huge thank you goes out to Ruthie for accepting to do this interview and for being an absolute star, as well as for creating designs we can dream over and over.

We also want to take this moment to thank our dear friend Betty Samis, for making this interview happen.

JJ THREADS

We got approached by J.J. Threads a little while ago  who are a unique Men’s store based in New York who focus purely on tailor made fashion.

They are an innovating shirting company on the boarder of fashion and technology, creating shirts that are made for you, literally.

By logging in you become the designer, with the freedom to customize fabrics and fits. It is a revolutionary form of online shopping.  Founder J.J. built a digital space that gives drive to the customer, J.J says  “We don’t ask people to conform to what our design team thinks is the best style.”  J.J. Wich launched the company after being involved in the custom shirting and tailoring game whilst in Hong Long and has made it his mission to provide the same attention to detail through his website. There are two ways that customers can experience J.J. Threads’s approach to finding the best fit for each individual. First, there are the four standardized sizing options available: Slim Fit, Athletic Fit, Regular Fit, and Gentleman’s Fit. For customers who want a highly individualized fit, there is also a made-to-measure option, where customers are walked through a seven-step process before submitting their measurements, ensuring that your new J.J. shirt will fit your body like it was made specifically for you, because, well, it was.

To get your perfectly fitted shirt head to their online store here and get whisked away in the world of fine fitting shirts.

“I want J.J. Threads to be more than just a shopping site, I want it to be a vibrant community and a fun experience, one that reflects the products we offer.” J.J Wich says.

INTERVIEW: PAUL VASILEFF

Late last year we got the chance to catch up with Adelaide Designer Paul Vasileff of Paolo Sebastian, you may have seen some of his masterpieces on the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes and most recently the Academy Awards, as well as on the faces of many fashionable celebrities such as Danii Minogue and Guiliana Rancic.

We talked everything fashion and got to play dress ups, every girls dream!

Paul started at the very young age of 17 and since has amazed everyone with his breathtaking collections.

At a young age you chose to pursue a career in fashion, what does fashion mean to you?

It’s not necessarily so much about fashion, I wouldn’t say I work in fashion; it’s more about style because fashion changes by style remains forever.
To me fashion is how people live their life day to day and how they make fashion work for them.  I’ve always been interested in that because you can tell so much about people from what they wear, it shows their personality traits, orr if you’re someone who says they don’t like fashion that in itself is a fashion statement, I find fashion really interesting in that respect.

For me the reason I am drawn to it (fashion) I think it’s just something that I can’t explain, it’s more creative, what we do, as fashion can be more of an industry.  For us it’s about creating and design work, I guess I’m putting my personal aesthetic in to fashion.

When I was studying In Italy, one of the classes looked at people, we had to look at ourselves and question why we like fashion, why do we like the fashion that we like, why do we draw that way and even now it’s hard to pin-point why.

How would you describe your own personal style? Has it changed much since launching your couture brand?

Someone said to me that I dress very ‘classic’ and yet my dresses are so couture, but you don’t dress that way for yourself.  I dress very conservative and I guess it’s because I’m very much of a perfectionist and traditional.  All my suits are classic colours, classic cuts, perfect fit and it comes back to my perfectionist and classic part of my personality.

I wouldn’t say it has changed so much, more that it has grown and developed and as new trends come in we get to experience and grow and develop with that, as we have new fabrics come in we get new ideas.  My style has always been the ‘old, other world league glamour’ so I would say my style has evolved – it’s built up rather than changed.

Q) As Adelaide is a smaller city in terms of other fashion capitals how do you feel it is growing in the fashion world? And why do you continue to stay?

I think Adelaide is doing huge things compared to what it was a couple of years ago and I think that’s also thanks to the internet and social media.

I get so proud when I’m interstate or overseas and am in contact with someone, for example I was recently in Sydney talking to some ‘big’ magazines there and I got so excited when I found out the people I were talking to were from Adelaide and it just goes to show there’s so much talent here and it’s a shame that in the past everyone has chosen to move interstate.  I think more and more people are loving the Adelaide life style, myself included and because of the internet and social media we’re able to stay and work from here – which is great!

Before the internet it would have been impossible (to stay in this industry) but now everything is at your fingertips and you can be in direct contact with anyone you need or want to be in contact with.

I think things are starting to change and how we have events such as the Adelaide Fashion Festival, people in Adelaide are now realising that we do have power and talent and are making it work.

Q) Where does your inspiration come from? And how does it push you to keep going as a designer?

I get inspiration from so many things, I’m very much inspired by my friends and family who give me the drive to keep going and to keep pushing myself because they are so excited for me and seeing that makes me really push myself.

When you’re working all the time, you’re just in it and you’re not thinking about everything , but they are so excited to hear what I’m working on, so that in itself is a huge, huge push.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, like I said I’m always inspired by Old Hollywood, Old Movies but it could be anything.  A few collections ago I was in Rome because I lived in Italy for a year and the idea of Rome inspired me.  A few collections before that was Swan Lake, I was listening to the soundtrack from the ballet and instantly had a whole different collection.  At the end of the day style has to come in to that so you have to adapt that theme or inspiration into your style.

Q) Recently, a lot has been happening to you with your collection how would you describe the last 6 months of your life?

It’s been a real whirlwind and you don’t really get to have a chance to sit back and look at it, because you’re always moving on to the next thing straight away.  Even by the time the thing you’ve been working on comes out to the public to see, you’re already steps ahead and have done all these other projects that you’re concentrating all your time on, so you don’t get to look back and it’s not until my friends and family get excited when they can all find out about it all – that’s when you get to relive it and get excited about it again.

When we first find out about ‘The Million Dollar Dress’ we were so excited in the beginning and couldn’t tell anyone and then we made it, and it had to get sent off to get the diamonds put on it and you forget about it until it comes back and it gets launched and it’s exciting again because you’re working so hard and all these hours and doing all these other projects you don’t get to step back and look at it all, which is a shame.

That’s definitely what’s been going on in the last six months, it’s just been a whirlwind of all these projects built up and all these special events and collaborations with Shiels, Big Brother, X-Factor, and other projects that have been going on – it’s been a really, really exciting six months

Q) You recently designed the Million Dollar Diamond Dress what was the process like for designing it?

It was really exciting, for me it was something completely different, from never having worked with jewellery before.  I learnt a lot because designing jewellery is a very different process from designing dresses and we had to work in a way where the diamonds would have to be incorporated in to the fabric which was a challenge for Shiels as well, because their jewellers had to work out a way to heat set and you obviously can’t heat set on to fabric.

For both of us it was a lot of trial and error and learning, for that six months it was a lot of back and forth.  It was a really great experience and very exciting and again while we were doing it we weren’t really thinking about creating a Million Dollar Dress – which is very cool.

Q) How did it feel to unveil the Million Dollar Diamond Dress and your 1920s inspired collection in November?

I was really proud of this collection because it was bringing together all these elements over the last six years of Paolo Sebastian.  I used key elements of different styles that we’ve done, like our ballerina cut which has been very popular for us and working them in to a way which personifies the essence of Paolo Sebastian, so this collection was very significant for me because it was taking our design aesthetic to the extreme and pushing as much as we could, like with the crystal work and lace work to show what we’re about as a brand.

I was very proud and very excited to put this collection together because it was condensed, all of our style put in to one – everything that we loved put in to one collection.

My inspiration was everything that I love, 1920’s, Old Hollywood – it was really fun.

Q) What do you see for yourself in your career in the year 2014?

I don’t know!  We had a discussion the other day on the next collection, what we’re going to do and how we’re going to launch it. There should be some exciting things coming up, but we’re just taking it as it comes and that’s what has been great for us in making decisions I tend to follow my gut.

I’m doing this because I love my job and really enjoy it, so I’m making decisions that I enjoy and that I want for myself and my company, and that’s what feels right to me.  I’m not doing anything just to get ahead, the fact that the brand has taken off is a great thing.

If you’re just doing the same thing every year, it’s expected, it’s boring and not fun for us.

I always said I couldn’t live the same day twice, with this job every day is different, every day is a new and exciting challenge, there’s always boundaries to be pushed and working out new ways in doing things and I love that.  You never know what can come around the corner.

Q) What advice would you give your 17 year old self with all that you have learnt and experienced now?

I don’t know that I would want to say anything, because I wouldn’t want to change anything.  I’m so happy with where I am that I wouldn’t want to do anything that would jeopardise that and alter the experiences that I’ve had.

You have good and you have bad experiences, but the bad ones are just as important as the good ones because you learn so much from them.  I guess I would say, definitely keep at it.  If I could go back to any point I would go back to my 18 year old self when I was in Italy and say ‘just relax and enjoy, it’s only a year’.

I only applied to go to Italy, because I was forced to, my parents said there’s this scholarship, apply! And I just did it to say I did it, pity I didn’t get in… but then I did get in.  The first thing that was going through my head when I got that call was, you have to go now. I just wanted to stay.

I think now I should have just enjoyed it more than I could have if I had just relaxed.  I had friends visit every month, and we travelled together.  I got to see Europe, and when I went back this year it was great, because I had been there and I knew where everything was, knew how to speak a bit of French, knew how to speak Italian so when I went with my friends, I got to show them around and going back to Milan I got to reminisce, it was a really great experience.

Q) What has been one moment where you had to pinch yourself to see if it was all real?

There’s a lot of pinch yourself moments, so many, but you pinch yourself then you have to go and do the work.  I’ve had the fortune of meeting so many amazing people, celebrities, people in the industry that you get to work with and even clients; you meet so many wonderful people.

The biggest pinch yourself moment was when I met Giorgio Armani in Paris.  I went to the Christian Dior Couture show and the Ellie Saab Couture show that was this year’s pinch yourself moment.  Even then I was numb to it, so when I look back on the books from the show I still can’t believe it.  The Ellie Saab show was just beautiful, the most beautiful space, and at the Dior show they had built a ‘marquee’ but it was a building, and we were all sitting in the middle in a square staircase area, the  models walked around and  the wall was a moving video, so it felt the room was moving around you, it was really impressive.

Q) Since you started so young and so far have had a lot of success where do yourself in the next 10 years?

I would like to see Paolo Sebastian overseas, maybe either Paris or Milan, hopefully showing.  The ultimate aim is to be in the same level as Dior.

The shops that we’re stocked in now, we’re on the shelf with Marchesa, Valentino which  in itself is really huge for us.

Since I was little that’s where I wanted to be, one of those brands, the fact that we’re on the road to that is really exciting.  In ten, fifteen, twenty years’ time, it’s scary to think, but hopefully we’re there.

We want to thank Paul for this interview and for being an amazing inspiration not only for everyone who loves fashion in Adelaide, but all over the world.

‘If you’ve got an imagination you can never stop growing, and once I do stop then it’s time to maybe stop.’

All photo credit goes to Morgan Sette

BONOBOS

Attention all fashion loving males and those women who adore men’s clothing.  Introducing our new feature on ‘Bonobos’ New York style for Spring.

Think of Chuck Bass and Scott, sorry Lord Disick and any man with style, when thinking Bonobos.  A New York brand specializing in Mens Fashion.  Their style? Classic, Fresh, Tasteful and pure Quality.

This Spring season, we are showcasing their ‘Garden Party and Warm Weather Wedding  inspired Suits’

As we always say, a picture is worth a thousand words and the best way to describe how genius their collection is for you to see for yourself.

Offering affordable prices and Free Shipping around America and low rate shipping to Australia – which makes us fear for our credit cards balance! Bonobos is it for all you men out there, you no longer have an excuse this Spring for wearing last seasons wardrobe, or if you are, you can now team it with something new!

With raving reviews from New York Magazine, naming Bonobos with “Best Men’s Pants” and the Advertising Age saying it was “One of America’s Hottest Brands”, the brand which launched in 2007 now has 8 location stores as well as their online store and partners with Nordstrom stocking their collections. 

It’s a brand not to be missed out on, and one that is taking the fashion world by storm.

Bonobos also offer appointment bookings and did we mention FREE SHIPPING?!

So what are you waiting for? Head to www.bonobos.com now and get on the bandwagon, trust me you don’t want to be left behind!

Xo Fateful Fashion

INTERIVEW: ASHLEE GRAHAM

Interviewing up & coming designer label ‘Ashlee Graham’ via new fashion blog ‘Fashion Global’ by Frances Smith!

Hi Ashlee, first of all, it’s nice to ‘cyberly’ meet you, I’ve been admiring your Graduate Parade collection, the hand textured garments – did you do that yourself?

The Copper? I did it – It was all hand moulded.

It’s really an amazing talent you have, and we’re extremely excited to feature you on Fashion Global and FatefulFashion.

Aww thanks!!

So, a bit about yourself, what got you in to fashion, and designing in particular?

Photographed by Jackie Tran, hair and make up Kelle Kim and Model Matilda Gordon

I’ve always been into fashion, as long as I can remember. I started a stall at Gilles St Markets in Adelaide about 5 years ago with one of my closest friends Rach, mostly vintage and up-cycled pieces but that pretty quickly led to designing

How old were you when you first started pursuing?

I was 20 when we started at Gilles st

Did you study?

 Sure did! I knew if I was going to really make it as a designer I needed to know more about construction and the fashion industry. It took 3 years and now I have an advanced diploma of fashion design

What made you decide on using your name for your brand?

It’s the same reason I love fashion and don’t have a tattoo, every day I love something new! I must admit though I’m still not used to seeing my name on clothes and in stores 🙂

Where you are at right now with your business?

I graduated last November so the business is only 6 months old, were still in beginning stages but ive just had to hire another seamstress to keep up with demand so it is all going really well.

What has been the biggest highlight or most enjoyable aspect so far?

Being a part of the Adelaide Fashion Festival last year!! Seeing my designs strutting down a runway was beyond amazing! Also earlier this year I was the only SA finalist in the QANTAS Spirit of Youth Awards I was quite overwhelmed.

What’s the next step for you? Where do you ideally want to take this?

I am currently designing the winter collection for next year, and about to go into production for the next summer range. I’d like to go global!

What is one thing that you didn’t expect to happen once starting out in this industry?

The response I’ve had in general has been unexpected, I get models and photographers emailing all the time wanting to work together. And a lot of the clothes get pre ordered so they are sold before they even have a chance to hit the shelves.

What you love most about it all, designing/sewing etc

I obviously love designing, trend research and sourcing fabric. Patternmaking is my favourite part though. It’s almost meditative for me, figuring out how to take a sketch and turn it into a pattern that would make a garment, it’s a great process.   

Are there any other areas you would like to branch out in, either in Fashion or something completely different?

Accessories and children’s wear 🙂

Where can we find you, I know you have your Facebook page, do you sell your clothes on-line as well?

The online store is currently still in development, keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates, but in the meantime there’s a great new boutique on Glen Osmond road called If You’re A Bird and they stock the whole range.

You’re a huge inspiration to many up and coming designers – what’s a piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in fashion?

Thanks, I think I’m still up and coming. Someone give me advice! 🙂 No but seriously make the most of every opportunity and be prepared to work hard

and lastly, what’s one thing you’ve learnt that has really helped guide you?

It’s not so much what I’ve learnt, but what I didn’t know I needed. I have an amazing support network around me, my family and friends have helped me a lot! For example my best friends help on photo shoots and send amazing words of encouragement in times of doubt, my mum helps with babysitting at the drop of a hat, and of course my partner puts up with 4 am bedtimes and me at my most stressed. Plus everything else they do, I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of them!! 

Thank you so much for your time, we’ll be in contact when it’s published, is there any chance you could send through some images that you would like to include in your interview?

Thanks so much Ashlee – really appreciate all of this!

You can check out her entire label on her Facebook page!

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/ashleegrahamthelabel
http://www.fashionglobalblog.com/

INTERVIEW: TANOUK

Meet Nikeisha, leading designer of TANOUK – originally from Adelaide she is in the midst of relocating to Perth as well as expanding her brand, we were lucky enough to get to know her process of design and where her inspiration comes from. So far she has been featured on Sportsgirl and numerous blogs after having her clothes worn to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show. (see interview below)

Firstly, how you got started and a bit about yourself?

I have been designing since the age of 16 years old. I am self-taught with guidance from very experienced dressmakers I have worked with over the years.

I have always been very absorbed in anything to do with fashion. My creative flare combined with my favourite past time (clothing) led me to my absolute dream job – fashion designing.

When did you decide to create your own label?

When my now PR manager El went to MBFWA in Sydney earlier this year in my designs and feat on countless blogs and I was also approached by retail buyers regarding my designs! I felt that I was obviously filling some kind of gap in the market and that people wanted more of what I had to offer – that’s when I established Tanouk!

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Having to work full time and establishing my business/Tanouk – thankfully I have very supportive friends and family

What has been the biggest success to come out of this?

Tanouk Feat on Sportsgirl for street style of the week and on some awesome blogs – including ‘FatefulFashion’

Had you always desired to have a career in Fashion?

When I completed school I did not intend on going into the fashion industry and decided on going into Allied Health, a very big contrast from designing.

Your designs are very fashion forward and very different to what’s around, what makes you different and where do you get your inspiration from?

To stand out in the crowd you need to be unique and I guess that’s what my designs are… I am not one to follow a trend.

What does the future look like for Tanouk?

BIG – I hope! The only way to reach your goals is to set them high I believe. The only way to find out where Tanouk will be is to watch the space – www.tanouk.com

Lastly, where can we get it!!

Tanouk will be stocked in selective boutiques TBA, or you will find our garments on the Estore – www.tanouk.com Pre Sales commence in September. You will need to get in quick as there is very limited stock for the first collection!

Xo Fateful Fashion