See Jane Shop!

Today I delivered one of our look books to a store in SoHo. No, I am not too grand to play messenger every now and then. I will do whatever it takes to get me to the next level. So as soon as I stepped off the subway at Spring street, I immediately realized I was just a little out of my element. Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore! Everyone on the streets was young and happenin' and pretty wearing a variation of the hipster uniform. You know the one - white t-shirt with ripped jeans and dark boots and just enough attitude to stylishly pull it all off. I, on the other hand, was in my Daffy's $70 linen suit complete with pocket square and lace ups. But I had to work it the best way I knew how. Confidence, baby! So I walk into Kirna Zabete on Greene (dangerously expensive, yet oh-so-chic) and hand the woman behind the counter the large manila envelope containing my look book. It is literally my passport to hang on the racks beside better known designers like Narciso Rodriguez and Jason Wu. I just hope it gets stamped and I am granted entry. Then I decide to look around and see which designer's pieces are hanging there for fall. They are all very well-made and a little edgy and I start to wonder if my dresses are a little too ladylike. My self-doubt is quickly interrupted by a handsome salesman who is escorting Jane Krakowski around the store. You know the actress from Ally McBeal who is currently starring in the very funny, Emmy-winning comedy 30 Rock. She is lovelier in person and I compliment her on her beautiful photographs in the current issue of Town & Country magazine. As I walk out into the sunlight and back towards the subway, I think to myself, "My dresses are exactly what this neighborhood needs." An infusion of ladylike elegance with a twist certainly wouldn't hurt SoHo. So I am going to wait and see.

Peace & Fashion!

Over The Rainbow

Ugghh! It is hot and it's making me feel very lazy! But as I assess everything that I have done this summer, individually and collectively with my partners in fashion crime, I realize that there is just no rest for the weary. And like the energizer bunny, I just keep goin' and goin'. Deep down, it is my fear of not reaching my goals that propels me forward. I have learned that I gotta make my fear work for me. And as an entrepreneur, I've learned to be especially proactive. I've already sketched my collection for fall 2010. I know you're probably saying to yourself that I must be crazy. After all, we just hired Marla, our sales professional, to get the inaugural spring collection into stores. But when you are working on the tightest budget this side of Fashion Avenue, you've got to plan your spending well in advance. And it is essential that we not run out of money. Fall 2010 sketches have elements of the subtly masculine and the overtly feminine because that dichotomy is just so provocative. And it can be kinda sexy, too. Whoever said sex sells knew what they were talking about. In addition, Ashanti and I have just re-designed our business cards. Ashanti is the wizard of illustrator and photoshop. Well, if I'd only had the skills. Maybe the wizard can give me some? Enough of channeling Dorothy for now! Serosh and Ashanti and I have just completed the updated version of our executive summary to reflect our new business direction. Having a document as a point of reference helps us to remain focused with our eyes on the prize. Plus, we are going to submit it to someone who will hopefully point us in the direction of raising a little working capital. That's the kind of wizard I'd like to meet. Now if I could just get my size 12 feet into these damn ruby slippers. . .

Peace & Fashion!

The Celebrity Slippery Slope

Let's face it - most of us love celebrities. They are glamorous and beautiful. They live storied lives in big mansions (I know you've seen MTV's Cribs), fly in private jets, and enjoy the adulation of millions. When we watch them on Jay Leno or Live with Regis & Kelly they share cute anecdotes that cause us to swoon or smile broadly. Secretly we want them to be our friends. But all is not over the rainbow in CelebrityLand, Dorothy.

I once had the opportunity to create an outfit for a rhythm-n-blues legend. She is a diva whose gospel-tinged voice is beyond compare. I have seen her perform live so many times I could recite her every concert move. Our first meeting was in a luxury hotel where she stays while visiting New York. I was so excited that it all seemed so surreal. Subsequent to our introduction, I sent her some sketches. She chose one and I immediately started the ball rolling. But before any fabric could be bought, I needed a 50% deposit for the outfit. She did not want to pay. She explained that Donna Karan gave her free clothes. I had to inform her that I did not helm a multi-million dollar company like DK, but I would be happy to extend a courtesy on the cost. She thanked me and promptly sent me a check for $400. That money was funneled to purchase fabric and pay my seamstress. A week or so later said music phenom/Grammy winner was back in NY and we did her fitting in the ladies bathroom of a midtown Manhattan restaurant. A week or so after that the completed outfit was rushed to her overnight by our very own United States Postal Service. Only problem was that it was lost! What to do?! A couple of days later it turned up, but it was already too late for her to sport it on stage for a concert here in New York. However, she was extremely gracious and comped me 4 tickets for the show. In the end, I am not sure if she ever wore my outfit. There are no photos to prove that I actually had my measuring tape around her waist. And asking her for the remainder of the balance seemed unjust so I just ate the cost.

There are more celebrity stories to share. One story in particular that comes to mind is about the daughter of a beloved tv actress and Tony winner who I asked to be my muse. Long story short, she made off with several custom pieces from me without so much as a "Thank You". And then she refused to take my calls. She is now performing in an off-Broadway play. I might have to head to City Center Stage One and scold her about her bad behavior. Hey, don't be surprised if you see me on the 11 o'clock news! Just kidding. . .

Peace & Fashion!