Ten Minutes with Ardistia Dwiasri of Ardistia New York

Just one look at the Ardistia New York collection, and you might guess that Parsons grad Ardistia Dwiasri knows a thing or two about engineering. From origami-esque pleats to sculptural draping, Ardistia bends and folds fabric into dramatic, figure-flattering shapes. Her deft handling of volume results in clothes that enhance rather than overwhelm the figure, while her ability to choose the exact right fabrics means her separates and dresses keep their shape without looking stiff or awkward. Keep reading to see—and hear—more from this structural superstar.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Ardistia New York is. . .

Ardistia: Timeless, modern and versatile.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Ardistia: Smart, sophisticated women who know what they want and wear what they love.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Ardistia: Growing up, I always loved art, design, and fashion. After finishing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, I decided to go to Parsons School of Design in New York to study fashion. That is where it all started.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Ardistia: The line was first launched in 2006, for Spring/Summer 2007 Collection.

Oligoville: There’s a sort of draped fall that reappears in the Max t-shirt, the Milena dress, and the Didier dress. What inspired you to keep reworking this element?

Ardistia: It was about a clash of something soft and drapery with something structured and well-defined, along with the feel of “artfully undone.” For example, the Didier dress has a zipper to clash the soft drapery jersey with an industrial, tough feel, and the zipper can be worn open to create a different dress silhouette for the artsy feel.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Ardistia: Freedom, nature, and history are some of the things that inspire me.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Ardistia: Wake up early for light breakfast, yoga, start working at 9am until around 7pm. Rest and dinner, then work again from 9-11pm when possible. Everyday is different as there are new problems to be solved and opportunities to look into that arise on a  daily basis.

Oligoville:  What are you wearing right now?

Ardistia: I’m wearing an ivory cocktail top from the latest collection FW2010-11 with a pair of black shorts.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag (or backpack or satchel) right now?

Ardistia: Wallet, Blackberry, Ardistia Look books, camera, and a lip gloss.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Ardistia: Things always take longer than we expected, so always plan ahead and allow time for unexpected delay. Different projects happen at the same time all the time each with its own deadlines, so make sure to be super organized and set priorities.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Ardistia: Winning fashion awards, receiving fashion industry recognitions, getting into major fashion media and press, and being part of the New York fashion industry.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Ardistia: In addition to the U.S., I’d like to sell more internationally to different countries such as Canada and Australia, and in the Middle East and Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, to name a few places. I’d also like to get into major department stores worldwide and have established online shopping on the website.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Ardistia: Make sure to have drive, passion, and a positive mental attitude in what you do, maintain it well, and keep it up.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Ardistia: Diana Krall

Oligoville: Any last words?

Ardistia: The sky is the limit, and it is always too early to give up.