Interview With Fashion Designer Charles Fratto

Hi There..... Are you ready to learn more about events in the fashion industry? 

Picture provided by Charles Fratto

https://www.iloestudios.com/

Great, then you'll be particularly interested in this fashion designer interview that I have for you today. 

Doesn't it sound great to go to fashion events? Can you believe I have never been to any? 😯

I wouldn't even know who I'd have to ask to get an invitation to an important event in the fashion industry. Humor me, and spill your secret if you know. 😜

Don't worry, I know how to keep a secret. My lips are sealed. Oh my, you don't want to see the image that's locked in my brain at the moment. 😬

I was thinking of a horror movie where a killer sewed his victim's mouth shut. Mind you, that's not what I had planned. 😟

Ouch, perhaps I just planted the image in your brain now. Not what I had planned, either. 😱

Ok, new plan, let's find out what the answers are from the fashion designer I am starring in my blog today. 😉

Picture provided by Charles Fratto

What are your name, function, and the company you work for?  

My name is Charles Fratto and I am the style director of ILOE STUDIOS, one of the nation’s premier fashion trade show events. 

How old are you?

29

What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be? 

ILOE STUDIOS focuses on fostering connections across the entire fashion industry with events that inspire and deliver an outstanding return on investment for both exhibitors and attendees. 

As style director, my role is to ensure we meet these goals while creating an exceptional experience for our clients. I ensure our events resonate with our clients and tell the story of fashion today with trends that are timely and on-brand. 

From a practical standpoint, this means working closely with our operations coordinator to increase the appeal and accessibility of our show floor as well. Our goal is to not only engage our clients but also provide unparalleled business opportunities throughout their experience. 

What made you decide to become a Fashion Designer?

I’ve always been creative-minded. Before I earned my degree in fashion design, I was a professional dancer in Salt Lake City, Utah. My sister had been traveling abroad for two months and I decided I wanted to make her a dress as a homecoming gift. 

I had never even sewn or seen a sewing pattern before, but I took on the idea as a fun challenge and found that I was enthralled with the process. I learned to thread the sewing machine, choose fabric, and ultimately, made her a black lace evening dress with no measurements. Somehow, it all came together and fit her perfectly. 

Her reaction inspired me to pursue fashion as a career. I wanted to recreate that moment for others. Later I enrolled in the Fashion Institute in Salt Lake City, and now I continue to design womenswear while working as a style director. 

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

Fashion is one of the few aspects of life that is both utilitarian and expressive. Everyone wears clothes – they are functional. But our clothing and accessory choices convey who we are, how we feel, and how we see ourselves in the world. 

It is the seamless connection between function and form that excites me when I think about fashion. I think the same goes for the process of designing and creating apparel, which is why I have found so much satisfaction in my fashion career.  

What are your successes, and how did you achieve them?

I am always so proud at the end of our ILOE STUDIOS shows because I have the chance to see how the event and the connections that we foster are not only helping our clients but also their employees and their communities through their business success. 

Being able to help someone achieve a great win in business has a ripple effect that is truly mind-boggling. 

Picture provided by Charles Fratto

What’s something you might want to do in the future?

I love to learn and I am always seeking new opportunities to expand my experience, knowledge, and skills. One of the great things about the fashion industry is that it is extremely diverse, with endless facets to explore. 

At ILOE STUDIOS, I bring the same eagerness to learn, to my commitment, to the continuous improvement, and enhancement of our events. 

I aim to be at the forefront of industry innovation so that I can incorporate new ideas and best practices to help our exhibitors and attendees enjoy a more effortless experience. 

I take a lot of inspiration from other industries where client service is paramount. Our goal is to best serve our clients in such a way that they focus solely on their success at the show. We cover all the details so they can achieve, and even exceed, their business goals. 

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing or jewelry?

Quality is what I'm most focused on with my purchases. I’m infamous among my friends for turning everything inside out when I’m shopping so I can see how it was made. I also think it’s important to remember that brands create a story and a world that we as consumers aspire to join. 

If the brand inspires me and its products are well-made and with quality materials, then I’m all in.

Describe your personal style of fashion?

Before I moved to Florida, the colder weather in Utah inspired me to lean into layering. Now, I am just a little more strategic and materials-conscious. I wear a lot of natural fibers like cotton and linen, as well as rayon and tropical wool. My overall aesthetic is relaxed yet polished. 

For special occasions, I love to dress up and bring my unique spin to classically inspired silhouettes. For example, I like to pair more formal, tailored items with something unexpected, like a shawl instead of the traditional suit jacket. 

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look? 

My personal style experience has been mostly trial and error, but when I first became “fashion aware,” I really leaned toward classic styling and dressing. Being that I love to design womenswear, I looked for opportunities to integrate elements of those designs into more traditional menswear. 

I’m also an avid knitter, so I would knit large shawls and pair them with my formal looks for various events like ballet or galas. 

Do you have an influence on other people’s fashion style?

Whenever my opinion is asked, I love to help others discover their style and fashion awareness. I continue to make dresses for my sister and mother, and I always welcome opportunities to style others. 

Picture provided by Charles Fratto

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

I am fascinated by the element of surprise we are seeing in the luxury space now. Bottega Veneta, for example, recently showed Kate Moss on the runway wearing what appeared to be jeans and a flannel button-down. 

We later learned that they actually made both items of leather. It was an immense surprise, especially considering the way the apparel moved. I’m looking forward to more of these types of surprises. 

Another interesting shift is in sustainability, including both how they make apparel and who is making it. Many people aren’t aware that every item they wear is physically sewn by a person, and it’s important that we respect those individuals. I hope we continue to see more appreciation for the artisans and those who are making our clothes and accessories. 

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

On the business side, I always encourage others to learn as much as they can and to take every opportunity – even those that seem scary at first – to learn and grow. 

Who is your style icon and why?

I’ve never drawn inspiration from a singular individual because style is always evolving and changes throughout our lives. However, I enjoy seeing how others approach their style. I am drawn to others’ attitudes toward fashion, much more than their approach. 

Is there something else you would like to share with us?

Dress for yourself and tell your own story. Embrace what you like, and what you want to convey to the world in both your style and work in the fashion industry. 

Picture provided by Charles Fratto

Thank you, Charles, for filling in my questions. I think it's incredibly cool what you did for your sister. 

Looking for more inspiring interviews from fashion designers? Check out some of my previous blog posts:

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2023/01/interview-with-fashion-designer-kara-mac.html

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2022/10/interview-with-fashion-designer-kahindo.html

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts and receive the next blog posts in your Email inbox  

Follow me on Instagram

Join me in my Facebook group to get more involved, if you want to be in my next gift guide, or just keep in touch 

Want to be on my blog next time?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message.

Liked my blog post? Share it with your friends by using the buttons below, or let me know what you think with a comment.