Interview With Fashion Designer Diane Kroe

Hey there, fashion-forward friends! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a fashion designer? Now what goes into making those super snazzy outfits you see strutting down the runway? 

Picture provided by Diane Kroe

https://www.instagram.com/dianekroestyle

Well, hold on to your glittery belts because today, we’re diving headfirst into the fabulous world of fashion design! 😎👗✨

Picture this: A bustling studio filled with colorful fabrics, sewing machines humming like busy bees, and one seriously stylish lady calling the shots. 🎨✂️

Doesn’t that sounds super cool? You guessed it! I am talking about myself this time. 😁🎉

Are you crazy? Then again, I have had my fair share of experience behind the sewing machine. I’ve had a few moments of mishap, but also some greatness. 🧵😅

Still, I am no designer. I rely on patterns from books or magazines. Oh Yes, even those end up in disaster sometimes. Hey, isn’t that part of the fun?  😄📚✂️

Now, join us as we explore the highs, the lows, and the sheer creativity that comes with the territory of fashion design! 🚀🎢🎨

Let’s kick things off with a couple of burning questions: What’s it like to be a fashion designer? And how does someone go from doodling dress designs in their notebook to strutting their stuff on the catwalk? 🔥👗👠

Sit down with us, and Diane Kroe, to uncover the secrets behind her incredible journey through the wild and whimsical world of fashion design. Trust us, folks, this is one interview you won’t want to miss! 😉🎩✨

Picture provided by Diane Kroe

What is your name, function and the company you own?  

Diane Kroe - I design and manufacture Travel Refined Fashion. If you love travel, packing light, or just want to feel comfortably chic and prepared for life’s wonderful possibilities, then I’m your favourite designer. 

  

What kind of work do you do?

I’m a fashion designer. 

 

What made you decide to become a Fashion Designer?

I met a fashion designer when I was 14 and knew right away that I wanted to be just like her. After school, I began working for her in her boutique, and when I graduated from high school, I began working at her factory and studied fashion at night school at Ryerson and Seneca. I became her assistant designer, and she taught me the business of fashion first hand.  

 

Is fashion important to you? Why?

Fashion is a universal language. It’s how we communicate with each other without using words. 

 

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

My greatest success is managing to stay in business for close to 30 years. Fashion is considered one of the most difficult industries in the world to be successful at. How I achieved this was learning the business first by working for others and minimizing my chances of making mistakes before I branched out on my own. 

In the world of fashion, mistakes can be very expensive. Also, I survived 3 recessions and a pandemic where fashion and food (restaurants) were the first to go out of business. 

I achieved this by recession proofing my business by minimizing overhead and maximizing profits by running a tight ship and never overproducing. I have mastered the less is more business model, and this reflects the aesthetic of my brand. 

 

Picture provided by Diane Kroe

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

I also love to travel and discover unknown places. I enjoy shooting my designs in exotic locales and hope to find more time to grow this part of my brand by promoting destinations for my clientele to discover. 

 

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

I prefer discovering brands that are hidden treasures and mixing luxury brand pieces with the practical. I love fashion juxtaposition. 

 

Describe your personal style of fashion?

Less is More. Effortless elegance. A woman should never look like she’s trying too hard…especially today with plastic surgery and exaggerated body altering trends. Fashion is the same way, in my opinion understatement and maintaining a natural body aesthetic sends a universal message of quiet confidence. 

 

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

When I was young, I studied in the National Ballet, then later modern dance and jazz … I fell in love with the flowing comfort of dance wear. My signature style is comfort and elegance. If I feel restricted in an outfit, I won’t wear it. 

 

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

Of course… everything I create is to make my customers prepared for life’s wonderful possibilities in both comfort and style. 

 

Picture provided by Diane Kroe

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

Running shoes with practically everything. I love that the younger generation aren’t ruining their feet in stilettos like my generation. 

 

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

Midriff revealing tops. After having babies, it’s not a flattering look on most women. Though in today’s world, women are rejoicing their bodies no matter what shape or size, and I support that. 

 

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?  

Buy less and choose well. It’s time to put an end to fast fashion and support smaller fashion brands that use ethical practices. Also, support vigorously brands that respect animal rights who don’t use any animal byproducts in their collections.  

 

Who is your style icon, and why?

I have always loved Norma Kimali. She was a pioneer in the world of introducing dance wear textiles into both designer and mainstream fashion. 

 

What do you like most about being a successful fashion designer?  

Nothing makes me happier than creating clothes for my clientele and making them feel prepared for whatever adventures come their way. This is what keeps me driven to keep doing what I love to do. 

Picture provided by Diane Kroe

Thank you, Diane, for taking the time to answer my questions. I totally understand how designing clothes for others makes you happy. 😊👗

 

I know time is valuable, but if you can spare a moment, check out these previous interviews with fashion designers. ⏱️👀

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/p/fashion-designer-interviews_13.html

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

Renata (Seadbeady) 

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