Category Archives: Fashion Designers

Fashion designer and Kent State University grad Lisa Malanij talks to Fashion Flash

I heard you have a new project in the works as well.

It’s a personal label called 3xHearts. I use only garments found secondhand and alter them in a new way . . . The name and concept were inspired by video games where players have three lives represented by three hearts. The three hearts represent stages in a garment’s life: (1) the life it had with its previous owner; (2) the life it takes on when I rework the garment; and (3), the new life and fashion adventures it has with its new owner!

Your entrepreneurial spirit reminds me of Cleveland’s Valerie Mayen. Any plans to follow in her footsteps and try out for “Project Runway?”

I think it’s great — you get a lot of publicity, everyone’s career just takes off, you’re a celebrity. However for me, the timelines and the stress — it just gives me flashbacks to fashion school! We’d have a project due in like a week, and that would be hardly any time with classes. I can’t imagine doing something in one day and if you mess it up, then [she runs her finger across her throat in a cutting gesture]. I sympathize with them. Maybe later on, as I mature and get more experience and can handle it, but right now, no, no, no.

I love the peekaboo quality of that skirt — it’s sexy as a mini without being too revealing.

This is part of my Circle.Square line. I haven’t seen a skirt like this, and I guess that’s why I’m making clothes — I want to make stuff I haven’t seen. I like pieces that a lot of sizes and types can wear. Like this skirt — it can be club wear or you can wear it out to dinner. It depends on how much you dress it up or dress it down.

It’s fantastic. I want that skirt

We can arrange that.

Where can people snap up a Lisa Malanij original?

If someone is interested in purchasing a Lisa Malanij garment featured on my website (lisamalanij.com), I encourage them to contact me through e-mail at lisa@lisamalanij.com and we can discuss measurements and price.

What Does a Fashion Designer Do

Fashion Designer Job Description

Conception of an Idea
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSsLF8BdcrPj9xHCe9uVxjQZ-9fcHAUsf-PAHKueQqRl3XWT92LKQ There is no doubting the fact that being original is the first step to become a successful fashion designer. Hence, no fashion designer can get away with copied designs or repetitive ones. As the fashion industry is constantly changing, so are the fashion trends. A few styles remain, but even they need a touch of rework. It is a fashion designer’s job to work right from scratch and think of new designs that will cater to the ever increasing demand of fashion conscious world. Innovation, creation and execution are cornerstones of a fashion designer’s job description.

In Vogue
Making a style statement isn’t an easy job. With new fashion trends every quarter, a fashion designer needs to be aware of what’s in and what’s out. He has to stay focused and stay ahead of his competitors, to make a mark. Repetitions of designs will never find a place in any fashion week or fashion stores. Thus, he has to keep himself updated about the latest developments and changes in the types and style of clothing and anticipate what’s likely to be in vogue.

Business Acumen
It’s true that fashion industry is made up of creative minds that cannot be valued. However, to sustain yourself there, you need to have a sharp business acumen. Aspiring designers cannot depend on creativity and originality alone. If the same is teamed up with business tactics, that include effective advertising, marketing and excellent PR skills, you are sure to have a soaring career. Thus a fashion designer has to work on this aspect of the career as well.

Meeting Deadlines
Deadlines are deadlines, and there is no two way about it. If your fashion show is slated to open on a certain date, then it has to. A slight waver in delivering a promise, will land an aspirant in professional jeopardy. The fashion industry is a part of service industry, which caters to its ardent customers. If a fashion designer falters to give what has been promised, his credibility will be at stake. Thus, many a time, a fashion designer has to work under extremely pressurizing conditions along with people from various backgrounds. Here is where a fashion designer’s people’s skills and soft skills will be tested. At this juncture, the individualistic nature of this career will put a fashion designer’s leadership abilities to test.