Donnean B. Couture Intl. represents fashion in every way as her garments have had global exposure. She has created the buzz in showcasing these exquisite pieces on the runways from Dallas, Tx. to Seattle, WA. She recently participated in “The Exploration of Fashionpedia “ of Dillard University to benefit Esperanza Elementary , the Delta alumni Fashion Show @ Southeastern University , La2La of Baton Rouge , NOSA Conn Lundi Gras kickoff party @ the Ritz Carlton, NOSA Conn African “Footprints” for South African week ,Ebony Fashion Fair show boutique showcase, and Benji’s Collezionni 1st annual private collection show. Donnean showcased her garments in the” Essence Festival “fashion show @ The Crowne Plaza on Bourbon St. New Orleans. She was also was nominated for Designer of the Year twice in the DOTY Awards.
She has also tapped several markets such as wardrobe a video shoot Nocturnal Rage “ A Way Out” Seattle, WA. She also has styled movies such as “Let’s Get Married” by, Nation Holmes. Another movie project Donnean has been a part of is ”Why Do Black Women Cheat” in which she provided the wardrobe for many of the main characters.
Donnean seeks every opportunity to support youth in their projects as she is an active mentor in a faith based organizations in which she volunteers. Donnean seeks to share in the role of molding troubled youths to follow their dreams. Donnean is the set to launch her trunk show at present she is planning a launch one of her new lines titled ”Toy’s Playhouse” a playful side of fashion, set to showcase July 27,2008 @ The Heritage Museum of Tangipahoa Parish Hammond, LA.
Also a line titled “Crownz A Hat Story” will premier on July 22nd @ The World Vision Conference in Baton Rouge’s Holiday Inn. Her couture line titled “D’s Eyes” will also premeir in Baton Rouge @ the 1st Annual Models Affair on August 8, 2008. Donnean also is set to premier her couture line this August in the Haute Atlanta fashion week as well as this fall in Bellevue, WA. Fashion week. She also is an interior designer with her own line of bedspreads, shower curtains and custom drapes . Each line represents a different perspective of Donnean’s personality. This up and coming designer who prides herself on experience.
You will be able to purchase these garments from boutiques and specialty stores throughout the South as well as her website www.donneanb.com. Donnean has a full plate but looks forward to a dream come true. So keep your eyes pierced for this designer as she creates a buzz in the industry she truly loves.
Tell me about yourself?
I’m 19 and a student at Delgado Community College. I like dancing and gymnastics, Japanese music is my all time favorite, and Japan is my most favorite place and culture.
How did you get started as a designer?
Well I started designing clothes because I could never find clothes I liked that fit me. I also chose womens clothing because they fit my small figure and the length of my legs. So i decided to design clothes for women as well as for myself.
What inspires your designs?
There isn’t a single thing that inspires me. It can be anyhting. I may see a dress and change things untill I like the look, or I can see a person’s hair style and think of different styles to match it.
What do you enjoy most about designing clothes?
the most enjoyable thing for me is to have someone love what ive created. whether im doing it specifically for a friend or they just happen to go through my pictures. i just love having them tell me everything they like, and even the things theyd like to change. because changing one dress can result in 2 or more
What is most challenging about your work right now?
right now, the most difficult is keeping up with all the ideas. i may get several sketch ideas but can never remember to put them on paper
Are you currently working on any special projects?
no, not working on anything important
Where do you see your fashion design career going in the future?
id like to have my own line and store(s)
What is your design philosophy?
my philosophy? well i think that theres at least one person for each item i create. and if life follows its natural course, that one item can catch peoples’ interests
Where are your favorite places to shop in New Orleans?
i dont really have a favorite. i just go where i find things i like and can afford them
Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is the culture of this city in influencing your designs?
most people say my designs are more european and asian oriented. there are different new orleans cultures, but i try to incorporate as much as i can when i like to
Any other thoughts?
just that im looking forward to being hired for a job i will enjoy having and im grateful for the oppurtunity
Tell me about yourself.
I am 26 originally from Thibodaux La. I came to New Orleans in 2000 to go to UNO and I feel in love with this place. Right before the storm I transferred to Nicholls State where I graduated in graphic design and photography (the two loves of my life) and I recently made my way back to New Orleans. Isoism, pronounced eye-so-iz-um, was born out of my love for the power of t-shirts and my need to work creatively. The name means to live by a doctrine of equality…saying that all people have the same rights to love, happiness, success, comfort, truth…all that jazz.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Five years from now I see Isoism everywhere :). My online store will be fully operational offering totes, hats, buckles, belts, books, mags, and any other fly little item I can concoct. I will have a store front on a street like Magazine and maybe one somewhere else like Chicago or the ATL. In addition to this I will be running Isoism Studios, a fully functional graphic design and photography studio. I want to supply amazingly creative people with jobs they will love to come to and feel proud to work hard for. Actually I want to be in this place in about three years.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My main inspiration comes from typography, old school music posters, graffiti, street art, music, nature, propaganda, human nature, art, politics, sex, love, words, and just anything that I feel is real and true to life.
What are your short term and long term design goals?
I would have to say my short and long term design goals are much the same. They are to keep working and growing no matter what. I want to grow stronger as a designer everyday and to strive to find new ways to be inventive. I would love to contribute something worth while to my field.
Are there any special projects you’re currently working on?
Right now I am working on a project that is not fashion related but is very much design related. It is a book documenting the street art of New Orleans and many of the surrounding cities and towns.
What makes your designs different? What is unusual?
My designs are done not for their surface appeal alone but for the impact they may have. I am a strong believer that t-shirts are a powerful art medium because not only do people read them but they go out of their way to read them. They want to know what that shirt said and they digest those messages. This is a strong part of what makes my designs different and my messages effective.
Why do you think someone would like to purchase your designs?
My brand is all about positivity, growth and change. It’s about impacting the world around you, even if it’s just a little and it’s also about art. These are concepts that appeal to many and that many are the ones my shirts, my brand is meant for. Isoism is an outward expression of who my consumer base is as people.
What elements are critical to the success of your designs?
One of the most important elements present in my designs is humor. No one wants to be preached to are feel attacked so it is important to me that the messages my shirts carry come across with a tinge of humor.
What age group is your designs aimed at?
18-30
Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is the culture of this city in influencing your designs?
New Orleans is a rich city with a very rich history, both good and bad, and this is something I want to incorporate into future designs. I am working on my next set of designs and some of my designs will play into the city’s past and present. New Orleans just has this special thing about it that can’t be ignored and it is impossible, at least for me, not to be influenced by this city.
Check out Summer and Isoism: www.isoism.com
Tell me about yourself?
I am a designer and a nomad. Born in Mass ( so
technically I’m a yankee) lived in Louisville,Memphis,
grew up in New Orleans then lived in San Francisco and
Chicago. I’m also a sucker for good bbq, blues, jazz,
seafood, and pie.
How did you get started as a designer?
The first time I was amazed by fashion was when my
mother dressed up as a southern belle for a costume
ball. The gown was entirely made of lavender lace and
I fell in love with it. I started drawing my own
versions of the gown.
What inspires your designs?
Silent movies, Jazz, Blues, Novels, Artist
Biographies, Paintings, everything that I enjoy and
like to experience.
What do you enjoy most about designing clothes?
Making women look beautiful.
What is most challenging about your work right now?
Being a one man show. I am doing the
promoting,manufacturing, and designing myself, but I
enjoy every moment of it.
Are you currently working on any special projects?
I am participating in the WORN again fashion show
where local designers are given clothing to
reconstruct into two completely new designs.
Where do you see your fashion design career going in the future?
I really want to have a menswear collection. My
guy-friends always want to bring me shopping, because
I can pick out clothes that fit them right and and can
be worn different ways.
What is your design philosophy?
I like to design clothes that are versatile. Being a
girl, I get fed up of looking in my closet and finding
nothing to wear. Many times garments are made to be
worn one way. My clothing can be dressed up,dressed
down,layered, and accessorized to give a different
look. Women on the run need that,especially if they
travel. Gotta leave some room in the suitcase to
bring home souvenirs!
Where are your favorite places to shop in New
Orleans?
I LOVE thrift stores and antique malls. Bridge House
is great for furniture and Thrift City USA is great
for clothes. I like buying clothes and altering them
to fit my taste.
Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is
the culture of this city in influencing your designs?
I just moved back from Chicago and I love it here!
It really influences me on how to make clothes
functional. The summers here are hot, so I make sure
that the clothing that I make can be comfortable when
it’s hot and humid outside Haha! Just like today. Good
thing I wore a sundress and had a snowball! Gotta love
those snowballs!
Any other thoughts?
One thing I love about being back in New Orleans as
well is having the ability to work with so many
talented people. I have worked with great
photographers here that inspire me to succeed and make
beautiful clothes so they can come up with some great
pictures.
Check out her website:
www.ottiliebrodmann.com
Keisha Harris is an up and coming fashion designer that is currently working on a project called “Skull De Lys”. I had the pleasure of talking with her about this project, her future plans, and what inspires her designs. She also gave me a sneak peak at some of the unique and exceptional pieces of the Skull De Lys collection. Take a look at let me know what you think.
New Orleans City Chic: Tell me about yourself.
Keisha Harris: I am a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and
Merchandising in Los Angeles where I obtained my
degree in fashion design. I began sewing when I was
about 9 years of age. Basically clothing for my dolls
and I moved on to pillows after I was given my first
sewing machine.
NOCC: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
KH: I hope I am still designing but, this time for a
major corporation as well as small projects.
NOCC: Where does your inspiration come from?
KH: I am inspired by life, music, and my grandmother. She
could just look at Queen Elizabeth’s outfit on
television and suddenly she was wearing it to church
on Sunday. She made her own very elaborate hats,
jewelry, suits, and dresses. She had great taste. I
think that is why I adore vintage things so much.
NOCC: What are your short term and long term design
goals?
KH: I really could not call anything dealing with design
short term, but long term I would like to continue to
grow in design. I learn something new about myself
in each garment I create. I just want to continue to
grow.
NOCC: Tell me about your current project, Skull de lys.
Are there any other special projects you’re working on?
KH: Skull de Lys is a clothing line that I design for out
of New Orleans. I am a partner in this project along
with Dick Darby, Joe Parker, and Frenchie our graphic
designer from France. The concept itself is a New
Orleans ying yang representing life and death. It is a
whole new spin on the Fleur de lys and skull. I like
to think we have something very fresh and new. This
project has produced the two fashions I am currently
working on here in New Orleans. Skull de Lys is my
baby, and has afforded a lot of opportunities for me
and my partners.
NOCC: What makes your designs different? What is unusual?
KH: What makes my designs different is that they are not
pre-planned or thought out like I was formally
trained. They are cut from my heart and soul as I
touch the fabric. What makes each garment unusual is
that I only produce limited identical garments, they
are all hand sewn by me personally, the shape and flow
of my garments have attitude.
NOCC: Why do you think someone would like to purchase
your designs?
KH: I think someone would like to purchase Skull de Lys
designs because they are FRESH, EDGY, and for ANYONE
who embodies that spirit. Skull de Lys has that city
spirit, rock star vibe, and sex appeal that is
uniquely New Orleans.
NOCC: What elements are critical to the success of your
designs?
KH: Consistency, COMFORT, Color, and Confidence are crucial
in my work. I want people to look good and feel good
in our garments. I design with New Orleans in mind so
when someone has on a Skull DE Lys dress she should
feel wonderful and look wonderful.
NOCC: What age group are your designs aimed at?
KH: Our demographic is 20-50, so anyone, any age, any
size, I try to accommodate.
NOCC: Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is
the culture of this city in influencing your designs.
KH: Extremely important, fabric, graphics, color choices,
etc are influenced by New Orleans. The idea of our
logo is from the New Orleans culture. We are ready as
a city to step it up and I hope Skull de Lys is one of
brands that helps get New Orleans out there in the
fashion world.
Contact Keisha Harris:
keishamharris@yahoo.com
http://www.cynthia-leigh.com
http://www.myspace.com/americangeiko
I caught up with Ms. Cynthia Leigh, a very talented and unique designer from our beautiful city, New Orleans. My interview with her is below.
NOcitychic: Tell me about yourself.
Cynthia Leigh: I’ve been handsewing since I was 12 yrs old, machine sewing for the past 8-9 yrs, and performing/competing in costume for roughly 6 yrs. I’m currently majoring in Film Arts at UNO with a focus on Costuming.
NOCC: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
CL: Finally graduated from college, and selling my items nationally through consignment shops, while working for either Disney or a various movie/concert productions as a member of TWU.
NOCC: Where does your inspiration come from?
CL: I’m heavily inspired by fantasy & sci-fi based books, artwork, and films. This is also infused at times with designs and patterns from non-US culturally traditional attire.
NOCC: What are your short term and long term design goals?
CL: My short term design goals are primarily to continue to build intricate pieces that aren’t offered in stores. My long term goals would be to build specific collections/series of pieces for those who’d like build an entire look around an outfit or accessory.
NOCC: Are there any special design projects that you are currently working on?
CL: I have personal costume projects I work on every year. These items are sometimes made available for purchase, but are more often kept for photo shoots and contests.
NOCC: What makes your designs different? What is unusual?
CL: A lot of my designs are more costumed based and therefore are pieces that can dominate an ensemble, bring to life period looks, or just simply grab someone’s attention. They can be casual, but they’re not your typical “t-shirt n’ sweats” type attire.
NOCC: Why do you think someone would like to purchase your designs?
CL: It’s not something you can find at your local mall and at major retailers. I pride myself in knowing that there isn’t some factory somewhere cranking out 5,000 garmets that exactly like mine. That, and considering that many of my pieces are one of the kind and won’t be recreated, you’re basically guaranteed that no one else will have a similar item.
NOCC: What elements are critical to the success of your designs?
CL: Adapting my initial inspiration through a good drape/cut, the right fabric, and an understand of the body that it’s going to be placed on.
NOCC: What age group is your designs aimed at?
CL: My items are predominantly geared toward the 16-36 crowd that finds the clothes at The GAP and American Eagle to be bland and lifeless. But I find that large portion of my customers are either costumers, exotic dancers/burlesque artist, or drag queens/cross dressers.
NOCC: Being a designer in New Orleans, how important is the culture of this city in influencing your designs?
CL: New Orleans is a cultural melting pot. There’s French, Spanish, and American flavors that saturate throughout the city, and a trip around the corner can easily send you back a century or two. It’s this infusion that brings the livelihood of my accessories and clothes to life. It’s not one perspective you see when viewing my pieces, it’s often a culmination.
Don’t forget to check her out:
http://www.cynthia-leigh.com
http://www.myspace.com/americangeiko
