Interview With Fashion Model Edwige Gilbert

Hi There..... Would you love to know more about modeling jobs? How about a new interview with a fashion model who has a passion for fashion?

Picture provided by Edwige Gilbert

https://www.newlifedirections.com/

I’ve always loved fashion, and that’s why I started this blog. The other reason was to promote my beadwork jewelry, but I closed my shop a long time ago, only the blog stayed. 😉

5 years ago, my blog looked so different. There were no fashion model interviews. No interviews at all. I can’t even remember how I got those started. 😦

Wait, give me some time to recall. Ah yes, now I remember what the main reason was I started publishing interviews. 😄

Ok, I admit, I am a cheater. I looked at my first interview because I suspected I would have shared why I began. It was mostly because someone else asked me to be in their interview. 😎

It started with a fashion designer, and then, to bring in some more variety, I added fashion influencers. They seemed quite hard to find, so those types of interviews didn’t last very long. 😔

Then came the jewelry designers, because they responded to my calls for fashion designers, but I wanted to keep them separate. Don’t ask me why, because I’d only say my brain works in funny ways. 😂

After a while, I thought, why not add fashion stylists to the list? They fit perfectly in the line of my blog, and you might also find their interviews interesting. 😁

Last but not least, came the fashion models. I bet my new interviewee can also bring us great insight into modeling jobs, so let’s find out what she has to say. 😍

Picture provided by Edwige Gilbert

What is your name? How old are you?

My name is Edwige Gilbert. I am turning 69 years old on February 25.

Are you on Social Media? How many followers do you have?

Yes, I am on social media. I have over 3500 followers, between FB, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Do you work Full-time or Part-time as a Fashion Model?

I work part-time as a fashion model.

What made you decide to become a Fashion Model?

I was told that I should give modeling a try, and I really enjoyed it.

How many hours do you spend modeling?

I am primarily retired from modeling, but I do a show or 2 a month because it’s fun for me, and I love fashion.

Picture provided by Edwige Gilbert

What are your successes and how did you achieve them?

When I was a fur model in New York in my twenties,

Sales in stores increased where I did modeling jobs. This type of retail model success became the theme for my later work.

I might say now that my greatest success is in giving back when I model for Fashion themed charitable fundraisers.

This experience inspired me to write my latest book, “Victim to Victorious”, the proceeds of which fund efforts to end human trafficking.

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

I picture myself guiding women in their 50s who are experiencing menopause to feel sexy and confident again. I want to help them choose the clothes that accent their bodies and personalities.

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you model clothing?

Brands are important, but my personal feeling is that name brands should serve your style and personal brand.

Describe your personal style of clothing?

My signature look is good, simple quality clothing that I accessorize with the right belt, jewelry, and shoes.

I like colors and patterns to blend well together. I believe, like Coco Chanel once said, “Less is more, check yourself in the mirror before you get out and take something off.“ My style begins and ends with one question: Is it elegant with a side of sexy?

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

I found my personal touch through the input of my Mother and Grandmother who believed in keeping things simple, chic, and elegant....and that is my signature look in a nutshell.

Picture provided by Edwige Gilbert

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

I definitely have an influence on other women’s clothing styles. They often ask me what I am wearing and why it looks so much better on me, and I can discuss with them my simple, chic, and elegant guidelines.

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

My favorite current trend is that fashion is accessible to everyone with respect to personality, body shape, and age.

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

My least favorite current trend is the acceptability of Exercise gear like Yoga pants and sneakers for lunches and other social settings.

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

My advice to you is: Respect your own uniqueness and build your style around that.

Who is your style icon and why?

My style icon was Coco Chanel for her ability to marry simplicity and elegance with practicality.

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

Fashion has been such a powerful vehicle in helping me find myself, and I hope to teach other women to find their own Fashion voice and walk confidently down whatever paths They choose.

Picture provided by Edwige Gilbert

Thank you, Edwige, for answering my questions. I couldn't agree more with the fact that fashion should be accessible to everyone.

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.

How To Personalise Your Handbag - Best Leather Gifts - Bag Charms

Hi There..... Are you looking for leather gifts? Have you ever seen leather bag charms?

Picture by Seadbeady

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BestLeatherGifts

Have you ever thought of making your handbag just a little more personal? I can’t say I had. 😳

I also didn’t know there were leather bag charms for adults, except for those fuzzy things I occasionally came across. Still, I always try not to buy the same bag everyone is running around with. 😁

Although, like most people, I want nothing more than to blend in with the crowd. Be a part of the mass. Preferably not stand out, because it’s scary, and as you all know, I am a scaredy-cat. 😱

Wrong, that shows that you don’t know me at all, because my look may not be extravagant, but I like to get noticed. It’s difficult, though, to find the perfect balance between too much and too little, even for a crazy old lady like me. 😵

These leather bag charms remind me of a time, way back, when my kids went crazy over the Kipling monkeys. 😄

Almost all kids in school wanted a Kipling backpack just because of the little monkey that came with it. They were so popular. You had to be careful not to get yours stolen. 😜

Let’s hope that doesn’t happen to this lovely red charm "Best Leather Gifts" gifted me in exchange for my honest opinion. 😍

Picture by Seadbeady

About the Etsy Shop

"Because Your Love Deserves Premium Leather Gifts."

Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Julia, a highly creative individual who draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, the melodies of singing birds, and the refreshing sea breeze. For as long as I can remember, I have been crafting beautiful items for myself, my family, and my friends.

In an effort to make it easier for you to discover the finest leather gifts, I decided to establish a shop.

I find immense joy in immersing myself in the process of creating new pieces. Positive reviews and messages from my customers serve as a tremendous source of motivation, inspiring me to craft more one-of-a-kind items, such as leather bag charms, keychains, passport covers, and beyond.

As a conscientious artist, I consistently employ high-quality paint, utilize premium Turkish leather, and adorn my creations with semi-precious stones as well as glass or plastic crystals.

My design and crafting activities take place within the confines of my modest home studio in Istanbul. You'll find an array of distinctive, handmade purses and accessories available in my shop. Every item is crafted with love, and my hope is that customers will cherish these creations just as much as I do.

Picture by Seadbeady

Colibrì Bag Charm

Elevate the uniqueness of your bag with our exquisite Hummingbird bag charm. This charm is meticulously crafted from premium leather and adorned with hand-painted mandala elements, enhanced with the addition of acrylic crystals. The result is a breathtaking leather purse charm that exudes beauty.

These distinctive leather bag charms, handcrafted with care, make for delightful gifts, particularly for those who hold a fondness for birds. They also serve as charming small tokens of affection for friends or sisters.

Every element of these charms is created by hand, from the intricate leather cutting and painting to the meticulous burnishing.

The Hummingbird charm measures approximately 3.5 inches in width (9 cm) and 5 inches in height (13 cm). The tassel has a height of 3.5 inches (8.5 cm), and the strap connecting the birds spans 14 inches (35 cm).

Picture by Seadbeady

My opinion on the Colibrì Bag Charm

Don't you agree that it fits perfectly with my handbag? Hummingbirds are such cool birds, and red is my favorite color, so I hope you weren't expecting any negative comments today. 😲

You can see that it's very well crafted. The colors on this little bird are striking, and she obviously spent lots of time making this bird into a masterpiece. The painted texture adds depth and I love the little accent crystals, which add an extra touch of glamour. 😎

Picture by Seadbeady

These little bag charms will definitely attract attention. Totally unintelligible, but still there is no need to worry if you are not a huge hummingbird fan, there are more than enough designs to choose from. 😍

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.

7 Tips To Grow Your Instagram Profile And Become a Social Media Influencer

Hi There..... Are you a social media influencer? Would you like some tips on how to grow your Instagram profile?

Picture by Seadbeady

I opened my Instagram account in January 2017 but had no clue how to use it properly, let alone how to get more followers. 😬

Perhaps you have the same desire as me back then and desperately want to know how to grow your Instagram profile. 😦

It's no fun posting pictures and videos but getting no response, especially when you had a dream about becoming a big social media influencer. I am sorry, but there is no easy way to grow unless you buy followers. 😒

Are you crazy? There is no need to buy anything. It's an option I never even considered. Still, there is no easy way if you don't want to spend a dime. There is only the hard way. 😁

Let's start with something that's quite easy, and helps you to get seen, and that's also my first tip. 😉

Picture by Seadbeady

Tip 1: Convert your Instagram profile to a business profile.

There are a few advantages to having a business profile on Instagram. You get a range of tools you don't have in a personal or creator account which might help you. 

You gain more insight through useful statistics about your followers, engagement, and views. It's also easier for customers to contact you. Here is a link on Buffer on how to convert your Instagram profile.

Picture by febrian eka saputra on Pixabay 

Tip 2: Like the posts in your niche

Start by liking lots of posts from your target group. Let me explain, if you focus on fashion, search for hashtags such as #fashionlovers #fashiondesigners #ootd, etc. Not that I have anything to gain by telling you this, but to find relevant hashtags I can recommend https://www.flick.social/. 

When you click on those hashtags, you will find an overview of popular and recent posts. Start liking the recent posts. Since most accounts don't get many likes on their posts, you quickly get their attention. Some might ignore you, but others will repay you with a like on your post.

Picture by Seadbeady

Tip 3: Comment on 9 new posts every 12 hours

Choose 3 hashtags in your niche and give a friendly comment on 3 posts for every hashtag. Reactions such as 'nice', or 'great' will not be enough. The more effort you put into giving a personal response, the better. Do this 2 times a day with preferably 12 hours in between.

Tip 4: Start posting photos regularly

Sharing a post now and then won't work. It's quite a lot of work, but try posting a photo or video every 2 or 3 days. Work ahead, make an overview of your ideas, or work with a content calendar. If you post every day, you notice your Instagram profile will gain followers little by little.

Picture by Gordon Johnson on Pixabay 

Tip 5: extensively use hashtags on your posts

Hashtags are a handy way to get more exposure for your photos. For more reach, find the relevant hashtags for your post. You can use a maximum of 30 hashtags per post. Don't use the same ones over and over. You can use them more than once, but try to make a mix of different hashtags.

Picture by wendy CORNIQUET on Pixabay 

Tip 6: Ensure higher involvement

Involvement, or 'engagement', ensures a higher reach of your posts. If more people like or comment on your photo, the reach increases enormously. 

The best way to improve engagement is to also like and respond to posts from your followers. If they then see a post from you, the chance that they will like or comment on your photo is much bigger. It's a matter of give and take, but on Instagram.

Tip 7: Don't randomly follow anyone

I don't advise you to just randomly start following people, not even if they are in your niche. Wait for them to follow you and then give them a follow back. The reason for this is that you can only follow a maximum of 7500 Instagram accounts in total. Sorry to have burst your bubble. 

Those were my 7 tips to gain followers on your Instagram profile. I wish you good luck on your further quest to become a social media influencer.

If you aren't on Instagram yet, then this next post could be helpful to get you started:

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2020/06/how-to-start-instagram-account.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.

Do You Need Easy Snack Ideas? DutchJerky - Homemade Beef Jerky

Hi There..... Are you looking for easy snack ideas? Have you ever been to the United States and tasted homemade Beef Jerky?

Picture by Seadbeady

https://dutchjerky.com/

I had never tried it before I got this package from Dutch Jerky in my mailbox. Oh my, I was so very curious about how it would taste, but first I want to start with some scientific facts about easy snack ideas and homemade beef jerky. 😎

You know, I have been thinking about changing the way I write my blog posts. I should be way more serious about everything, and not always try to fool you with all kinds of silly remarks. 😟

Hell no, there is no way I am changing into anything I am not. 😜

If you don't like it, just close your eyes and continue reading past the silly remarks. I wonder how that would work out. 😂

Some of my dedicated readers may know I had a Gastric Bypass in 2018, and need to be careful with sugary foods. 😟

Since I now have a smaller stomach, I can never eat large portions anymore, which is a good thing of course, but that means I have to eat in small batches, so every time I go out the door for 2 hours or more, I need to either stop and buy food or carry something with me. 😊

That's why I am always looking for alternative and easy snack ideas that fit into my handbag, so it thrilled me to get the chance to try this homemade beef jerky from Dutch Jerky in exchange for my honest opinion. 😍

Picture by Seadbeady

About Dutch Jerky

It all started years ago on a trip to San Antonio, Texas. That's where we got our first taste of Beef Jerky (from Dziuks meat-market, Castroville Texas, if you are ever in the area this is a must!). We immediately fell in love with this traditional American product. 

After returning to the Netherlands, we searched for a long time for quality homemade Beef Jerky and concluded that no real 'Beef Jerky' was available. We found all sorts; too thick, too wet, made from minced meat, full of preservatives, non-smoked, and always a few minor pieces for lots of money. That needed to be different!

Since we couldn't do without Beef Jerky anymore, we started making it ourselves. After many tries, we finally got the right recipe! At first, we only made it for ourselves, but soon our friends and then friends of friends asked for our homemade Beef Jerky. The demand grew steadily and finally, when our kitchen looked like a Beef Jerky factory, it was time for a big step. The idea of Dutch Jerky was born: real, affordable American fresh Beef Jerky in a Dutch jacket.

Love for meat, craftsmanship, and really beautiful honest products brought us, and Jasper Poldervaart, the award-winning natural meat specialist from Waterland, together. Together with Jasper, we perfected our recipe and applied it to his grass-fed beef. The result is true homemade Beef Jerky as it should be. At Dutch Jerky, we cut each piece by hand and marinate it in the finest ingredients, and then slowly smoke the meat to create the most delicious Beef Jerky.

Picture by Seadbeady

Homemade Beef Jerky as it should be

True Beef Jerky, that's what we love at Dutch Jerky. Together with our natural meat butcher from Waterland, we produce this originally American delicacy with only high-quality ingredients. We make this traditional product with an eye for the craft and this results in tasty, large, thinly sliced pieces of smoked, and dried beef. 

To make 100 grams of our traditional hand-cut beef jerky, we use approximately 225 grams of high-quality lean beef from our natural meat butcher. Our homemade beef jerky has a long shelf life outside the refrigerator.

Our beef jerky comes from a natural meat butcher who produces it traditionally. Our product is incredibly healthy and packed with proteins (60%), vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, many people aren't familiar with this delicious snack and we want to change this.

Picture by Seadbeady

My opinion on the Garlic Rosemary

As with any kind of food, I always dive in the nose first. I found the smell a bit fishy, not literally of course, but a little weird. Still, I didn't let my nose get in the way of my tasting. 😊

At first, the feeling was peculiar, but after chewing for a few seconds, the taste of the meat came through, and it wasn't an unpleasant taste at all. 😋

Picture by Seadbeady

My opinion on the Pepper

If you like to pepper your food, you are definitely going to like this one. Although, I don't think they went over the top with their peppercorns. I was most fan of this one even though I am not a huge pepper lover. 😍

Picture by Seadbeady

My opinion on the Cajun

Regret to say I wasn't a fan of this taste. It's probably the combination of spices that is just not my thing. 😵

Overall, I like the slightly salty snack, and it's healthy and packed with proteins. You could also present it as a snack on a serving board when you have friends over. 😉

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.

Interview with Jewelry Designer Rustin Yasavolian

Hi There..... Are you a fan of chunky jewelry, or do you prefer fine jewelry? 

Picture provided by Rustin Yasavolian

https://masinadiamonds.com/

You know what that means. It's time for another jewelry designer interview. Perhaps I should skip the first part of my blog post, where I give you a kind of introduction, and jump straight to the interview? 😬

Would you like that? If you said yes, too bad because I have no intention of changing that part. Before you know you will want me to skip the middle part, and while you are at it, let's get rid of the end, too. 😲

Ah, I'm sorry, I was just thinking to myself, and that, you, was just me talking to my brain. It answered, yes, because at the moment I am staring at a blank page, not knowing what to tell you today. 😱

Have you ever had a brain freeze but absolutely wanted to get something written? It's not that hard. You just talk about what you are experiencing at that moment, and before you know it, it filled your blank page with a multitude of words. You should try it sometime. 😁

The point is, never give in to yourself. Does that make any sense? Probably not. The only thing that makes sense today is that this new jewelry designer interview is about fine jewelry. 😍

Picture provided by Rustin Yasavolian

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

My name is Rustin Yasavolian, and I’m the CEO of Masina Diamonds. 

How old are you?

I’m 29 years old

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

I own and operate Masina Diamonds. We are a jewelry store in Atlanta that specializes in custom design of fine jewelry, loose diamonds, and engagement rings.

What made you decide to become a Jewelry Designer?

My family has owned Masina Diamonds since 1984, so I grew up around the diamond industry. Growing up, I was very creative and enjoyed drawing. I knew I wanted to get into a career that let me enjoy that creative freedom. 

After graduating, I joined the Masina team and saw how our fine jewelry creations brought so much joy to our clients. From that point on, I knew that this was the career for me. This path allowed me to look at diamonds artistically, which brought people's ideas to life. 

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

Fashion is important to me; it is like an art. I think it allows people to express themselves without dialogue. Everyone is an artist and they convey their style through their clothing and accessories.

Picture provided by Rustin Yasavolian

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

A few of my successes are winning Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice Award from 2019 to 2021. 

Another one of my successes is being featured in Brides 2023 and holding a Google 5-star rating with over 260 reviews. I believe that if you create something of quality with beauty and attention to detail, the work will speak for itself. 

We have worked with some of the greatest talents on the Atlanta Braves, including Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson. I talked to the CEO of the organization to put in our bid for the 2021 World Championship rings and although they already signed a contract with another organization; it was a great learning experience. 

We achieved these feats by providing excellent service and honest opinions. I am a big believer in only curating or selling jewelry I would offer my family or loved ones. In the end, your clients really become like your extended family. 

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

My future goal is to create Masina into a fine design house that designs accessories outside of just fine jewelry. I want to create a team that can branch into other aspects of luxury, like handbags, colognes, and other accessories.

I also want to continue to work with professional athletes. Unfortunately, jewelers in my industry understand that these people have money tied to their names, so some of them overpay for jewelry. In my eyes, everyone should be treated and educated the same, especially in something like diamonds, since it is not something people typically deal with on a day to day. 

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

Although I believe certain brands are extremely innovative with their designs, brand names are not particularly important to me. I believe that as long as you can make clothing or jewelry work together in unison, that name on the tag is irrelevant.

Describe your personal style of fashion?

I’m very simple with my personal style, especially in clothing. Although I enjoy dressing up, I’m most comfortable in a plain shirt, Lulu Lemon joggers, and a luxury watch. I pay more attention to the detail in accessories. When a person can captivate a room with a simple style, you know it is not what they are wearing but how they wear it.  

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

I found my personal style based on what I’m most comfortable in. The more comfortable I am, the better I can think and operate. My signature look is a plain button down shirt, business casual slacks, two simple gold chains (18”, 20”), and a luxury watch. 

Picture provided by Rustin Yasavolian

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

I would say I have a slight influence on people’s fashion. I am asked often what goes well together and what we should avoid, especially with jewelry accessories. 

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

My favorite trend at the moment is how yellow gold is making a comeback in the industry. There is something so beautiful and captivating about gold in its natural yellow color. Human history has been intertwined with this precious yellow metal for as long as we have been around, and I think its use pays homage to the ones before us.

One of the most popular trends in the engagement ring space has been the move toward simplicity. We have a lot of clients now that prefer to go with a very simple solitaire band and diamond. They want the focus of their engagement ring to be the diamond itself rather than everything else going on around it.

Another one of my favorite trends is the use of sleek bezel set diamonds. It is a very modern, and contemporary look that again keeps the focus on the center stone. 

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

It is hard for me to say what bad trends are. For fashion and jewelry, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Like art, what one person sees as unattractive, another person sees as captivating and breathtaking.

  

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

My fashion advice is to stick with simplicity within your realm and taste. A simple style with a matching color palette goes with everything. Again, it is not what you wear but how you wear it. Insecurities are loud, and confidence is quiet. 

Who is your style icon and why?

One of my favorite style icons is the Cartier Family and their story. They were one of the first design houses to introduce platinum in jewelry. They also created the iconic “Love” bracelet in 1969, which is still one of the most highly sought-after jewelry pieces almost 54 years later. The idea is that it needs 2 people to put the bracelet on given the screw mechanism, giving it its name “Love” bracelet. 

Picture provided by Rustin Yasavolian

Thank you, Rustin, for filling in my questions. It's not that I am thinking about getting married again because I love my husband to pieces, but I couldn't help browsing your wedding bands out of sheer curiosity, and they look amazing.

If you are curious about my previous interviews with jewelry designers, here are the links.

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2023/01/interview-with-jewelry-designer-alexis.html

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2022/12/interview-with-jewelry-designer-amber.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.

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.