Justin may have brought sexy back, but Kahri by KahriAnne Kerr has made sexy utterly wearable.  Above-the-knee hemlines and off-center zippers bring the sizzle, while details like contrast piping and bold buttons keep the look sophisticated. And just to kick it up a notch, lines of dainty studs add just the right rock-and-roll punctuation! What I love best about this line is that you can add dark tights and a long cardi to go office-appropriate then trade in your 9-5 accessories for some bold bangles and sculptural heels for instant cocktail chic. Read on to get the inside scoop on this sassy stylista.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Kahri by Kahri Anne Kerr is . . .

KahriAnne: Hip, funky, rocker chic.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

KahriAnne: A rebellious kick-ass chick.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

KahriAnne: I never liked anything at my local mall growing up, so I would buy cheap stuff and reconstruct it, and that’s how it started. I kept with designing because it’s easier to sell than paintings, besides the fact that I love it and I realized I was better at fashion than fine art during a freshman drawing class. Damn, I hate perspective drawing!

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

KahriAnne: I started my business back in 2002 when I was 19 years old back in Iowa. I sold clothing throughout college and more officially have been designing my label Kahri by KahriAnne Kerr since 2005.

Oligoville: Say a little bit about the embellishment that keeps repeating on the fall collection. It looks like little dots.

KahriAnne: I think the dots you are talking about are small studs in various metals and sizes.  Each stud is put in by hand and gives each piece a more funky rocker chick look.

Oligoville: I also like that your collections have names. What’s the dish behind the name for Fall 09?

KahriAnne: The Fall 2009 Collection was inspired by the line “words left unspoken” in the song “Precious” by Depeche Mode. That line and song pretty much just summed up my life at the time I was designing the collection. Many of my collections have a personal connection as an undertone that most people don’t catch.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

KahriAnne: I’m mostly inspired by music. The first thing I do when designing a new collection is pick out the music for the theme.  I’ll listen to lots of stuff, and then I’ll just say “Yep, that’s it”.  I like a lot of old school music, 60′s, 70′s, 80′s, 90′s.  Anything but country!

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

KahriAnne: Well, right now I’m taking some accessories design classes at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) so it’s keeping me busy.  I’m working on learning the ins and outs of handbag and shoe design so I can eventually add those categories to my company. So tomorrow’s schedule is get up at 8am, shower, take a 45-minute subway ride to school, class from 11am-1pm, go fabric shopping, class from 2pm-4pm, 45-minute subway ride home, eat something, email, sew, sew, sew, sketch, watch Jimmy Fallon, go to sleep, wake up at 6am for 8am class on Friday.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

KahriAnne: My closet is all past season Kahri samples, so all I wear is my own line.  I’m wearing Kahri Fall 09 collection right now.  Okay, I lie, right this very second I’m actually wearing an old t-shirt and knit shorts, which are my comfy work clothes.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Kahri: Well, a hell of a lot of stuff most days!  Seriously, my shoulders are going to die.  I’ve got pens, pencils, exacto knife, rubber cement, oaktag, folder, fabric, leather, ruler, hammer, the book “What is the What” (for my long subway rides), wallet, phone, etc.

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

KahriAnne: Well, when I first started I had no idea exactly how much it would all cost, and it’s pretty freakin’ expensive. So having enough money too keep pumping out new collections and pay the bills is difficult. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, like there was a hurricane the same day as my fashion show last year, which understandably kept some of my guests home. Sometimes buyers don’t pay or stylists ruin your clothes or lose them, or web designers steal your money, etc. etc.

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

KahriAnne: Seeing random people wearing your clothing is pretty cool. Just being able to do what I love to do and not being homeless is reward enough for me. And it’s great when teenagers or aspiring designers look up to me and ask me for advice.

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

KahriAnne: Well, I don’t know how long it will take, five years or two or 10, but I’vegot big big plans for my line. For starters, I’m starting a new lower priced diffusion line for Fall 2010 called KA by KahriAnne Kerr.  Also, I’ve got a new collection of hats and jewelry for Spring 2010. Then eventually handbags, then shoes. Hopefully I’ll have my own flagship boutique in NYC open and thriving in the next five years.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

KahriAnne: Don’t ever give up, and be very passionate about your craft. Only do it if you absolutely love it. And for the love of god, be original. It also doesn’t hurt to have a rich dad or supermodel/celebrity friends, of which I have neither, of course.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

KahriAnne: The Runaways, The Velvet Underground, The Pretenders, A Camp

Oligoville: Any last words?

KahriAnne: Be Rebellious! Oh, and buy my clothes!  Available at www.kahri.com, of course!

Give me a needle and thread, and I can maybe sew on a button. Maybe. Give Dori Csengeri a needle, thread, and some gemstones and this former textile designer will whip you up necklaces, rings, earrings, and more that are positively swoon-worthy. Dori uses embroidery techniques to create intricate loops, swirls, and whirls that form tactile backgrounds for a rainbow of sparkly gems, including Swarovski crystals. Her unique understanding of patterning means that Dori’s jewelry is complex but never over-the-top. In other words, that opulent necklace with the hand embroidered clasp will work just as well with an evening gown as with your favorite slouchy top and skinny jeans. Just don’t blame us if every time you wear one of Dori’s pieces, everyone just wants to reach out and touch you. Here’s more from  the designer.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Dori Csengeri is. . .

Dori: . . . something different

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal  customer?

Dori: While designing, I can envision the woman who will wear my work. She has a defined taste and personality. I try to create for her something different, fresh and exciting, so she can play with me the game of fashion and participate in the creation of her own image. My jewelry presents the choice for every woman who does not want to blend into the background.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

Dori: During my studies of textile design, my dream was of becoming an important and interesting designer. Over the years, I was bothered by the fact that my textile designs “leave” me and that I have no control over the way the end-user sees them or uses them. My prints were scattered all over, in many countries and were never presented as one mass, as a collection of serious design work. Designing and making textile-based jewelry was the way to expressing and to fulfilling my dream.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Dori: My brand was actually launched in 1992, when we started working internationally. I started small, with one assistant. Today I have 25 embroidery artists to assist me.

Oligoville: How did you come up with the idea of doing embroidered jewelry?

Dori: After years of practicing textile design, we moved to Paris, where I studied painting at the Academie de Port-Royal. It was a period of exploration; I was looking for new ways to express myself. Among other things, I was experimenting with collages from textile materials. This is how the soutache cords landed on my desk. From there on, the road to jewelry was fairly short. I started with small color compositions in textiles, which evolved into my first creations, beautiful lapel broaches. With time and experience, I developed a needlework technique which is suitable to the creation of the small or larger pieces of passementerie that are used to make my jewelry. More important, the technique could be [taught]. Today, at my Studio, I have a team of experienced embroidery artists; some have been with me for more than 10 years.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Dori: Inspiration is not a button you press and hoopla, there it is. It is the accumulation of memories and experiences “burned onto the disk.” There is Art, scenery, markets, travel and thelittle things that catch and hypnotize the imagination. When I design a new collection, it is the new colors of the season that turn me on. Especially, new materials that come to my desk, but also older ones, from my endless stashes, that have suddenly seemed to mature for the collection.

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

Dori: At 6:30 am I take a walk [for an hour or more] in the park near our home. Then the day starts, toward 9 am. with an espresso and croissant at our nearby corner café on the boulevard. These are the quality moments of the morning that we share with my husband and partner, Giora. Though we work together, we do it at two different locations, so we rarely see each other during the day. The day is usually related to the atelier, design, customers, suppliers, materials etc.
Evening is time with my friends, or to see a movie or a concert or modern ballet, or for a quiet moment at home watching TV or reading.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Dori: Right now I’m wearing a bathing suit, slacks, t-shirt and a straw hat; I’m on my way to the beach, a few minutes walk from home. Otherwise, I collect clothes. I don’t shy away from markets and flea markets. . .I wear [clothes] with a twist, such as a man’s tie, Oldstar baskets in various colors, scarves, my jewelry, and I love hand-held fans.

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

Dori: Right now, it’s a beach towel, sun-block cream, mineral water, and the weekend’s papers and magazines.

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

Seeing my jewelry shown and worn worl wide, across geography and cultures. Maybe, a visit to Japan, to launch a new collection and meet with ladies who are real fans of mine, was one of the most inspiring events of my career. It dawned on me how many friends I have earned through my jewelry.

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

Dori: Do I have to think that far ?

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Dori: Have a dream and follow it through!

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Mozart’s “Requiem,” the Gotan Project, and Leonard Cohen’s CD from his show in London, which, incidentally, I will have the opportunity to see live next week in Budapest.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Dori: Thank you, I liked your questions, I think they cover me pretty well. Say hello from me to your readers and the Oligoville community.

Cross edgy glamour with a quirky sense of humour and you end up with London designer Angeline Tournier’s museum-worthy line of footwear under her Angeline Tournier London brand. From studded leather on cartoon-wrapped platform wedges to slick embossed leather tennis shoes that go just a touch girly with embroidered hearts, Angeline’s shoes are that perfect something extra to lift any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Her palette of metallics and pop art fluorescents is perfectly on trend while the elegant silhouettes mean these shoes will be closet favorites for a long while. Here’s ten minutes with the Matthew Williamson alum.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

ANGELINE TOURNIER: Our shoes are cute, with a twist. Our signature shoes are the cartoon wedge (exhibited at the Cartoon Museum in London) and leather heart metallic tennis shoes. They are comfortable to wear: the heels are not too high and the toes are rounded, and they come in sizes 5 to 13.
Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

ANGELINE: I loved shoes because I couldn’t buy any beautiful shoes in my size growing up. (I’m an 11.5.) I started off with a career i law, but after seven odd years, I finally followed my dream, left law, studied shoe making at the London College of Fashion (Cordwainers), then gained more experience by working for U.K. designer Matthew Williamson and in a shoe factory in London making Vivienne Westwood shoes.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?

ANGELINE: Mainly color and texture and the leather itself. I visit Italy twice a  year to choose my leathers. I usually have an idea in my mind of what shoe I want to design for the following seasons, but often seeing and feeling the leather itself gives me new ideas on color combinations or a vision of an entirely new shoe. I don’t work the traditional way with mood boards and abstract inspiration. Designing is an ongoing process. I always think about shoes and how to improve them.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

ANGELINE: Running the business has now become a fairly smooth process. I have a production manager in Portugal who visits the factory daily to ensure my designs are interpreted correctly and the shoes are made on time. I speak with or e-mail her daily. With digital cameras, explaining small changes is easy. I spend every day receiving orders and dispatching them, plus doing all the business stuff and designing.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

ANGELINE: Casual but stylish. I like wearing flats, for example, our metallic tennis shoes with jeans, a t-shirt, and an interestingly cut jacket from a small, London-based designer.

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

ANGELINE: I ordered far too much stock the first two seasons. (We work two seasons in advance.) I had to find more storage space, and was left with large quantities of some styles at the end of  the season, which I had to sell at very discounted rates.  Eventually I learned how to judge which might be the best selling styles, ordering more of those styles and smaller quantities of an experimental style.  Although sometimes I’m proved wrong! I also now know which sizes sell the best, and order greater quantities of those sizes.

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

ANGELINE: Making something tangible, in contrast to drafting legal opinions. I also love working my own hours and for myself, and being able to raise a family and work.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

ANGELINE: Keep on increasing sales and brand awareness.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

ANGELINE: You really have to love and believe in your product because there are hard times where only your self-belief gets you over a hurdle. You end up with more responsibility and work than when you’re just an employee. But you hopefully will be living your dream, or at least having a go at it.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

ANGELINE: “California Dreaming” by The Mamas & the Papas, “F.E.A.R” by Ian Brown, and “Boom Shaka Laka” by Shaggy.

Prizy Sebastian thought she wanted to be an accountant when she grew up. Lucky for us, she ditched her ledgers in favor of handcrafting architecturally romantic designs for her eponymous line Prizy Sebastian Design. Calling to mind couturiers of old, luxe fabrics in jewelbox colors are pintucked, pleated, and draped into red carpet-worthy gowns and singular separates, like a slightly asymmetrical bias-cut skirt matched with a pleated, clavicle framing jacket. Her strong silhouettes remind me of something a young Katherine Hepburn might have worn leavened with 21st-century edginess. Here’s the designer musing on the art of fashion.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Prizy Sebastian: I started my line, Prizy Sebastian, because I always wanted to be a dress designer. My brand is about offering beautiful, timeless dresses made with traditional dressmaking techniques, infused with color, and using fine, natural fabrics. All my work has high-end construction and great attention to detail. My line is different from competitors because it reflects my own vision and while I watch the trends, my clothes are not meant to be trendy.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Prizy: The earliest I remember being interested in design was in middle school. Growing up in Texas, I was extremely thin and had a hard time finding clothes that fit and looked good on me. I started getting subscriptions to fashion magazines and dreamed of  having those beautiful clothes.

I never imagined pursuing design as a career until my third year in college. I was struggling through accounting courses and attempting to follow a “secure job” path. I was given an assignment to interview a successful accountant, and during the interview, I kept imagining designing dresses. I realized then that I was never going to be an accountant.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?

Prizy: Valentino has been a really big inspiration for me. I love that his clothes follow the feminine form, have a consistency that inspires loyalty, and truly make a woman look beautiful. I love making gowns–though they aren’t so practical–the artistry of it really inspires me. Red is also a favorite color of mine, though I prefer a blue-red as opposed to the Valentino red.

I also love Madame Gres because of the pin-tucks and pleats that add depth and dimension to her dresses.  I enjoy playing with the fabric and adding detail using construction techniques rather than through too much surface ornamentation.

I take inspiration from travel, art, nature, and the diversity of cultures found in NYC as well.
Oligoville:  Describe a typical day for you.

Prizy: My schedule varies day to day and currently I work from my home studio. The closest I have to a schedule is getting up around 7:30, making coffee, and checking all my emails. I will go to the post office in the morning to ship out any orders I have. I sell retail so I do most of the work. However, when I have wholesale orders, I hire a contractor to help with the sewing.

Today, I am working on an elaborate, time-consuming gown for a fashion section for an up-coming awards ceremony. I will work on this uninterrupted, except for lunch and a break to check emails. I may run to the garment district for any trims or notions and return to work when I get home. Around 8pm, I will resume work again, and continue for a couple of hours and finish off the night catching up on emails or doing research on the internet.

Being a small designer, I wear many hats. I am designer, draper, patternmaker, samplemaker, and, most times, production. I also do the marketing as well as the accounting and have very little free time. Since it’s difficult working by oneself, I accept as many invitations as possible, and I always go out wearing a dress!

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Prizy: My style currently is very classic and elegant. A casual work day is just jeans and a tee. But whenever I’m out, I am conscious of representing myself so I make sure to always wear a dress and a great shade of lipstick.

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

Prizy: I never had a rulebook when I first became an independent designer, and there have been many challenges along the way, especially financial, and this current economic climate has been a challenge.  My most recent setback this fall was giving up a retail space I was sharing with a fellow designer. I was unsure how to move forward, but soon new options came along. I’ve opened an online shop with some of my favorite pieces, and am exploring various selling possibilities on the internet.  Setbacks only test your level of commitment. I’m starting to see them as assisting me move in another direction.

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

Prizy: The most rewarding part has been the work itself and the freedom that comes with it. I love the idea of bringing a concept on paper to life on the form, and eventually moving on to someone else. I’ve enjoyed seeing myself improve creatively as a designer, and making people happy with my dresses. Once I went independent, I realized there was a whole community of artisans like myself who were being creative, working hard, and following their dreams.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

Prizy: In the next five years, I hope to grow my online shop and build a strong domestic and international customer base. I want to work toward having a permanent space in [New  York City] and would like my brand to be recognized for its selection of great dresses.

As a designer, I intend to release collections organically, produce only what is needed, eliminate excess, and attract the customers who believe in investing in quality and who appreciate the art of fashion.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Prizy: Believe in yourself and never give up! Stay positive. If it’s a true desire, keep working at it, and the doors will open.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Prizy: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Designer Jordan Veatch-Goffi sketches her personal style as “simple, classic, and with a splash of color.” The same philosophy guides Doce Vida Fitness Wear, Jordan’s line of fitness separates that’s as perfect for lunges and sun salutations as it is for lounging or running errands. Designed to flatter a woman’s body, the line not only comes in a bouquet of energizing colors but Jordan’s fit tips help you easily layer the tops to customize the amount of support and coverage that’s right for you. And judging from the testimonials throughout the site, working out in Doce Vida Fitness means you’ll spend less time tugging your togs back into place and more time perfecting your handstand. Here’s more from the former Gap merchandiser on her fashion-forward fitness line.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Jordan: Doce Vida Fitness Wear is perfect for everything from working out to lounging. It’s high- performance, stylish workout apparel made with a unique, ultra soft, super moisture-wicking 12% stretch fabric that instantly slims. Many things set us apart. If I had to choose two, I’d say our fabric is unlike any other. It instantly slims, wicks away moisture, and reduces muscle vibration. Also, our customer service is exquisite. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. We believe in going back to the “golden rule.” Yes, it even pertains to business!

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Jordan: You don’t get much better retail merchandising experience than working for Gap Inc. I was lucky to be selected out of a pool of thousands to be a part of Gap’s prestigious Retail Management Program. During the course of one year a group of 20 young men and women are trained by company VPs in all four facets of retail: merchandising, planning, production, and marketing. This experience, along with my years as a merchandiser at Gap Inc., were invaluable to me. Doce Vida definitely benefits from my experience, especially in the realm of production and knowing the laws of manufacturing and importing.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?
Jordan: The female figure inspires my designs. I design with our curves in mind, and Doce Vida’s signature piping is strategically placed to elongate and slenderize the body.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?
Jordan: Every day is different, which is so exciting for me! I always start my day with a Vega nutritional shake. Then I check emails, respond to customers, and process orders. I take a break midday for yoga or Pilates to clear my mind and tone my body. Then I focus on new business.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Jordan: Simple yet classic with a splash of color.

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

Jordan: I manage every facet of my business from design to sales. However, the one part of my business that I have to entrust to others is my web site. The design and the shopping cart feature. I lost a lot of time and money working with a few developers who took advantage of me. My web site went through three different looks until I found the right designer and developer who finally understood my vision and created it. It is difficult to entrust someone with a part of your business where you are not the expert. Because of my experience, I have learned more about web development. My advice is that if there is a facet of your business that you are not an expert in, it is in your best interest to be knowledgeable so you are not taken advantage of. No one cares about your business like you do.

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

Jordan: Knowing I am contributing to women feeling fabulous and receiving customer feedback like this example from a customer in Idaho has been rewarding. She wrote, “I put on my Paraty Pant to go grocery shopping, and this amazing thing happened. Suddenly I wanted to go to the gym. . .I felt fabulous! Your fabric has amazing qualities!”

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

Jordan: Within five years, my business will have full-time employees, be sold at hundreds of top retailers and fitness clubs worldwide, and be a recognized brand in high-end fitness gear. Personally, I will have the time and finances to contribute more to the charities and non-profits that mean the most to me.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jordan: My best business advice is to always get back to those who contact you within 24 hours. Even if you do not have a complete reply, just send a note letting them know you received their message. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. I can’t say enough how important it is to go back to the “golden rule,” which even pertains to business! Everyone from customers to business associates appreciates attentiveness. This will carry you a long way.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?
Jordan: “No One” by Alicia Keys

Bohemian sophistication are two words I would use to describe both the artist and her creations.  Her jaw dropping jewels are the result of one evening’s frustrations when it came to finding the perfect accessory. Erica Simon wasted no time and she began making her own. Her eponymous jewelry line is not just making other bohemian gals happy but it is doing a world of good. Partial proceeds go into helping others. Be sure to check out SOIL, to learn more about this worthy effort.

Below is a glimpse into the life of an artiste with a cause. Enjoy!

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.
Erica: My line, Erica Simon Jewelry, is bold but feminine– edgy but sexy. I use juxtaposition to make a statement. By assembling, for example, bamboo next to gemstones or by stringing African trade beads into an elegant necklace, I blend two exclusive points of view on beauty. I’m intrigued by the history and culture of adornment, so my designs are incited by global and historical influences.  One piece on my line is a thick, layered necklace composed of wood and iolite. For this piece I edited and modernized inspiration from a tribal Maasai necklace. Another piece, I went a different direction and roughened up the playful but elegant flapper trends with camel bone beads. By bringing together organic and fine materials, and elegant and rootsy styles, I believe I’m lucky to double—if not quadruple—up on the beauty packed into one piece of jewelry.

My charitable projects are another differentiating factor between my company and others. Currently, I’m working with SOIL and making a donation to their cause for every sale of my “Diyite” collection, as well as from every website sale, www.tonic.com.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Erica: For as long as she can recall, I have always had my fingers dipped into creative expression. I majored in art at Reed College. I had several stints as a seamstress, a long-term job as a woodworker and a full-fledged career in graphic design. But one Saturday night, standing in front of my mirror, finding it impossible to properly accessorize my outfit, I resigned myself to the thought that the foxy goods I needed simply were not out there. It seemed, to get the job done, I would have to do it myself. And so started my passion turned career in jewelry design, the creative endeavor that stuck.

Today as I launch my young company, I work as designer in New York City for two accomplished jewelry companies. Simultaneously, I am happily growing my company to get my jewelry out to the fabulous women of the world who are missing that one commanding item from their wardrobe.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

Erica: I’m most inspired by cultures or time periods that emphasize accessories (particularly jewelry). I love researching their cultural and historical significance, and then reinterpret the fashion from my own point of view and for the modern woman.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?

Erica: I’m a one-woman company, so I’m not sure I have a typical day. I start the day with a pot of home brewed yerba mate or a coffee from around the corner, and then always a ton of emailing, following up with press, accounts, private clients and any other leads. Lately, as I’m developing my newest collection, I spend a lot of time at my work station, assembling jewelry (and sometimes disassembling and reassembling, and then again and again…). I work into the night– as a young company, I have no normal hours, it’s around the clock. I try to fit in a workout or yoga, and most nights I go out and hit the going-ons of New York City (balancing in the fun AND a great source of inspiration).

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Erica: Same as my jewelry, I like combining unusual elements. I love layering and combining different fabrics and patterns. I’m generally pretty earthy and feminine and I always make sure to accessorize!

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

Erica: My biggest setback was a toughy. I had been hand-crafting one of a kind jewelry for many years, and I was excited that I was on my path toward having a functioning business as a jewelry designer. However, when I really buckled down and developed my strategic plan and began crunching numbers, I realized there wasn’t enough hours in a day to create my jewelry and run my business through my existing efforts. My business model required a total revamp. It was a bit disheartening and a lot of work, but I’m fully back in the saddle now! The big lesson: set goals, plan ahead, and monitor progress. Be in control of your business!

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

Erica: I love creating, bringing something new and inspiring into the world. By far my most rewarding moments come when I finish a piece of jewelry. I put it on and I hold it up in front of me and take a minute to experience the accomplishment.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Erica: In my next five years, I’m expecting to have more collections and more breadth through the collections. I’m working toward more accounts, more web traffic/sales, as well as more trunk shows and private clients. I’m at a wonderful, exciting point of growth for my company right now, and I’m busting it out, so I expect ‘more’ is my theme over the next 5 years!!

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Erica: Never stop. One foot in front of the other, no matter what. Just as it gets hard, is when it starts getting good. Persevere!!

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Oh so many!

Top 3 playing on my ipod right now:
Bluish- Animal Collective
Lovin in My Baby’s Eyes- Taj Mahal
I’m a Lady- Santogold

Stylish and classy shoes in Euro size 41 are hard to come by and I know. I happen to be one of those women whose prayers have been answered by Kathryn Kerrigan. This smart cookie spotted a need in the marketplace for beautiful and well made shoes for tall gals and decided to take matters into her own hands. She put here ideas on paper and brought them to reality with the aid of masterful artisans in Spain and Italy. The results? Alot happy women.

We were delighted to sit down with Kathryn and learn about the beginnings of her brand and her big plans for the future.

Oligoville:Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.
Kathryn: Kathryn Kerrigan is the first luxury, fashion footwear company to specifically design shoes for women who wear size Euro 39-46.We then discovered that because our footwear is fashionable, comfortable and elegant, women who wear a size smaller than Euro 39 also wanted to wear our shoes. Now all of my designs are available in Euro size 36-46. Our shoes are all hand crafted by artisans in Spain and Italy of the finest materials, each shoe passes through several hands before reaching our stores.

Oligoville: How did your interest or career in design begin?

Kathryn: I was always interested in fashion, but in college I was a basketball player and majored in pre-law. I have always had a difficult time finding clothing and shoes that fit my 6 foot tall frame and I remember searching every mall in Chicago trying to find fashionable size 11 shoes for my prom. After I received my MBA from Loyola University, I wanted to look elegant and fashionable in the real world, but there were no options when it came to shoes.  I decided that if the shoes didn’t fit I would make my own. I drafted sketches and specs for my first line of shoes and worked with craftsmen in Italy to produce my designs

Oligoville: Who or what inspired your designs?

I have always been inspired by my grandmother, Dottie Kerrigan’s wardrobe. She epitomized the 1920’s flapper and followed the style standard “elegant and classic”. Several of my designs have this vintage flair. I am also inspired by colors and textures that I see everyday. I consider each one of my designs a work of art.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

Kathryn: A typical day varies from day to day. One day I may be meeting with design students from the Art Institute other days are filled with sketching and specs. I have to search through color swatches, I may spend hours trying to find the right blue in the right material there are over 400 shades of blue! Since I am a relatively new designer, I am always doing interviews and appearances trying to get my brand out there.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Kathryn: My fashion style has always been classic and sophisticated, pencil skirts, clean lines with a touch of modern colors and accessories.

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

Kathryn: When I started this business, I thought I would be successful within a few years. I feel I have achieved success, but it is definitely an ongoing process. I have to work at it constantly and I learned that ultimately it will take time to get to where I want to be in the fashion industry.

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

Kathryn: I cannot describe how happy it makes me when women and young ladies thank me for changing their lives. I understand because I felt their frustration. It may sound corny, but many of my customers have never been able to wear anything but an athletic shoe and now they have options, very fashionable options. A good pair of shoes really can change your outlook. I am thankful that I get to do what I love every day!

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Kathryn: I plan on opening a location in Chicago’s Gold Coast this year, within five years I would like to add a New York and LA location and make Kathryn Kerrigan a brand that everyone recognizes.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Kathryn: I think the key to being a successful entrepreneur is starting with extensive research. Make sure that you have as much knowledge about your business as you can, that may mean taking a design class, or working in the field you are interested in.
Once you have the knowledge you can find your niche and create a passion for what you do and chances are you will be successful.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Kathryn: Oddly enough, Amy Winehouse “You know that I’m no good”

Talk about life taking you into unexpected places. For Chaplin Edmonson of Chaplon Clothing Co., life took an unexpected twist when his newly acquire skill of silk screening soon had him taking orders from friends. In a short time, it turned into a full fledged career that allowed for self expression and even larger goals.

This designer’s journey has not always been easy but with several hard earned lessons learned there are sure to be some big successes in the years to come. We wish him all the best!!!

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Chaplin: Chaplon operates on the premise that design should be universal and able to speak across race, creed, gender or the constricting lines of social status.  It was birthed in a mind that consistently lives in a world of fusion, the clothing is a blend of original hip hop and skateboard culture. We create classic items and do not focus on fads or trends.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Chaplin: I never attended fashion school but in 2006 began working for a silk screen shop where I learned the details and intricacies of fabrics and design. In between jobs I created my own shirts imprinted with a logo I produced using my nickname “Chaplin”. Originally I only intended to wear my own design, but after an overwhelming amount of requests I began creating logo shirts for others by order only. As demand grew I started making more shirts and designs using socially aware and musical messages until I could no longer fulfill all of the orders. I then produced my first full line of shirts using original designs officially launching Chaplon Clothing Company in 2007.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

Chaplin: I decided a few years back that I wanted to do something creative that was an expression of my individuality. I’ve always been a fashion enthusiast and I kind of fell into it and it was an amazing fit. I am constantly inspired by music, and the desire to express myself through my unique medium.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?

Chaplin:My day always starts off with music. On a typical day I am designing something creative for the line that will be later refined or used as a concept. I typically have at least one phone or personal interview about new design opportunities. However, the bulk of my typical day I get to do what I love most which is be creative and think outside the box in design.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Chaplin: I would say my style now is Euro Street Skate. It is just the style I am feeling at the time. I tend to mix cultures in my wardrobe that sound ridiculous together but actually balance each other well.

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

Chaplin: Loosing loads of money with overseas manufactures and getting items stuck in customs. I have learned to triple check the people I work with and to have a detailed plan well ahead of time. Also to prepare for the worst so that when problems do arise all I have to do is put out small expected fires instead of the giant inferno I could have avoided.

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

Chaplin: Walking into a place and seeing someone with my design on. It is a feeling like none other.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?

Chaplin: In the next 5 years I see Chaplon Clothing Co. opening its first retail location. The brand expanded to denims, limited released shoes and more cut and sew items. I have set the goal of being a staple in fashion having retail locations in at least four countries. I want the brand to become a true lifestyle brand where at any phase in a persons life we have something to offer.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Chaplin: Do your homework, be creative and follow your own ideas for your brand not what the industry is doing because it changes every minute. Create a strong name and never be afraid of someone saying no or a door closing.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

“Hey Jude”- The Beatles

]]> http://www.oligoville.com/2009/03/24/ten-minutes-with-chaplin-edmonson-of-chaplon-clothing-co/feed/ 0 http://www.oligoville.com/2009/03/10/ten-minutes-with-shoe-designer-anyi-lu/ http://www.oligoville.com/2009/03/10/ten-minutes-with-shoe-designer-anyi-lu/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:00:26 +0000 mexicachica http://www.oligoville.com/?p=3896

You can have your shoe and wear too! Those words are music to my ears. Two days after attending a concert in town, I am still wearing flip flops because my feet are too swollen and sore after standing (and dancing) around for hours.  This is where Anyi Lu’s designs come in handy. How about looking stylish and never skipping a beat? We sat down with this hard working and talented mama and here is what she had to say.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Anyi lu: At ANYI LU we respect women. Women should be able to look good and feel good. It’s my belief that neither fashion nor fit should be sacrificed when it comes to design. Just because women are on the go it doesn’t mean they should have to sacrifice on style.

“Anyi Lu Fit” is my patent pending shoe construction.
It is the first ever combination of an elastic shoe collar and hand-sewn sacchetto construction.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Anyi Lu: I was attending design school in San Francisco when I was first inspired to design shoes. As a competitive ballroom dancer, I learned all dance shoes must have fit, support, and flexibility — add to the mix my attention to the smallest detail honed during my early career as a chemical engineer and my career as a footwear designer was born.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?
Anyi Lu: Women inspire my designs. As women we are doing more than ever before, going from work to weekend to family, all at the click of a heel. I want to give women a chance to have their dream shoe, and wear it too.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?
Anyi Lu: I’m a working mother, need I say more…

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

Anyi Lu: It has been challenging to reeducate the fashion world that style and comfort can exist together. Women have been made to believe that fashion and fit are mutually exclusive. The good news is that we are making head way. I receive emails from ANYI LU women every day thanking me for my designs.

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

Anyi Lu: It is most rewarding to hear from women who have discovered that they can live their lives and look beautiful in ANYI LU shoes.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Anyi Lu: Believe in yourself and don’t allow someone else to define your success. Think outside of the box and make your own rules.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Anyi Lu: The sound of my four-year-old daughter singing around the house is the best sound I know.

Awwwwww! Thats too cute! I almost forgot about my swollen feet.

Lara Miller’s Chicago-based, self-named company is all about sustainability and fun. Her designs keep women comfortable yet stylish and take you from the office to out on the town. Lara trademarked the FLIP® Line, a garment that can be worn in a variety of ways to promote your own individuality. Her work has been recognized by numerous renowned by publications including Lucky Magazine and Good Housekeeping. Her pieces are geometric yet organic and flirty yet sophisticated. She beautifully blends neutral colors and classic cuts into unique creations. She encourages customers to “wear it your way”—I’ll definitely be wearing Lara Miller my way.

Oligoville: What is your product and what are your price points?

Miller: I make womenswear—environmentally friendly, yet contemporary womenswear. I’d call is sustainably stylish. I use a lot of hand loom bamboo and hand loom knits in general. Our average retail price ranges from $250–$300.

Oligoville: Describe your target customer.

Miller: She’s a young professional in her mid-thirties. There’s a huge range in my customers, their ages range from twenty to seventy years old.

Oligoville: When and how was your brand born?

Miller: In 2002, I went to p.45 for a job. I was a senior making different, unique pieces. They didn’t have a sales position, but they liked my outfit. They offered me a trunk show at the Coyote Arts Festival in Bucktown, Chicago. It ended up launching my line. I went in there not knowing what to expect and I left with a bunch of new orders. I started making garments for p.45 when I was finishing school and I kept doing it after graduation.

Oligoville: What inspires your designs?

Miller: My inspiration roots in architecture and forms seen in the city. One paper architect, Greg Lin uses animations for ideas. He believes that buildings should echo the movement of the body makes, and visa versa—bodies can’t help but to echo that movement. I make my garments take life once on the body. Now my designs tend to be more commercial and focused on hanger appeal. I’m inspired by allowing somebody to wear a piece and make what they want out of it, they can flip it upside down and reverse it.

Oligoville: How have your designs evolved since your started your company?

Miller: They’ve gone from being conceptual to wearable. Spring 2008 is more focused on hanger appeal. I now pay attention to trends. Not enough so pieces lose their timelessness, but enough so I appeal to wider audience. I’ve always been environmentally friendly. When I started people didn’t want organic cotton, people automatically said hand loom bamboo was too hippie. That started to change in 2008.

Oligoville: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Miller: I’m just proud of my company in general. Being able to take it international—to Tokyo and the fact that it’s still running.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for other aspiring designers out there?

Miller: For designers brand new out of school, first get a job before you start your own line. I had to learn a lot on my own dime and I faced a lot of struggles. It definitely is a life choice not just a job. You can get through a lot of it if you realize that. Also, don’t start without a good sense of funding because there is no way you can maintain without cash. Try looking into alternative sources for funding. You’re going to be doing a lot of stuff yourself. Be prepared to wear a lot of hats.

Oligoville: Name three things you cant live without?

Miller: Origins pinch your cheeks, desserts, and running

Oligoville: What in your mind is the number one worst fashion crime?

Miller: I try to not be too judgmental about people’s fashion choices because any expression of individuality is cool in my book. I’d have to say clothes that are too small for you just make me feel uncomfortable—mostly because they probably are uncomfortable too.

Oligoville: Where do you like to shop?

Miller: I don’t really shop anymore. I haven’t bought anything since I started my line. I love Cri de Coeur, a vegan shoe line. The only thing I’ve bought is running clothes! I also love Rusfelt jewelry. Other sites I love are Greenloop.com, pivotbotique.com, btc.com, and nimli.com.

Oligoville: You would love a one-way airline ticket to …

Miller: I’m kind of obsessed with Chicago. I’d take a round-trip to Fiji, a little vacation wouldn’t be bad! I can’t imagine any other place I’d rather be—it’s home. People here are so supportive of the industry, there’s no sense of competition. It’s a great community; I don’t want to leave.

Oligoville: Who is your favorite style icon?

Miller: To be totally honest, I look through people on Facebook for style tips. I’m looking at what they’re wearing because they’re living my target market. There isn’t one celebrity I look to and see what she’s doing. I’d have to say somebody like Maggie Gylenhall or Julianne Hall as they have made some neat choices and always stick to individuality.

Oligoville: If you were not a designer, what would you be?

Miller: I’d be a neuro researcher. I’d love to be involved in psychology or sociology research. I have a strange obsession with fear responses.

Oligoville: If Hollywood made a movie about you, who would play you?

Miller: People say I look like Sandra Bernhard. I have a crass sense of humor once in awhile.