Happy Fashion Monday, Lovelies!

We all know that there are so many GREAT designers out there that have made their iconic marks on the fashion industry (Coco Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen…just to name a few!), but one of our absolute favorite things to do is meet new clothing designers that are doing groundbreaking things. This past season, I had the amazing opportunity to meet two designers that I am officially obsessed with: Ashley Zygmunt of ZAMRIE and Deanna Ansara of Vincetta.

I’m so excited to share an exclusive interview that I got to do with both designers so that you can learn a little bit more about them and their companies, and most important, see why we are loving them so much! Both are amazing new clothing designers and hold a very special place in my heart.

 New Clothing Designers Our Team Loves!

 

Ashley Zygmunt: Head Designer of ZAMRIE

Designer challenge: sum up the ZAMRIE brand in three words!

Timeless, classic staples.

We know that you use “real” women as your models and absolutely LOVE that! Can you tell our readers why that is so important to you?

Let’s be honest -we ALL at some point have wished we looked like those VOGUE editorial models, but reality is that most of us will never end up in a magazine- yet be modeling! So, to make ZAMRIE more relatable to the everyday woman, I thought it was important to use women who do work, have a job, are a stay at home mom, etc. Not only did we use everyday models, one is a lawyer and the other an actuary, but also styled each piece 4 ways to show the versatility. We see our clothing as investments and can only hope that the investment makes you feel like you can rule the world like those models in a magazine even if you are wearing it with jeans in the fall and it is a “supposed” Spring item. Why NOT have items in your closet for years, not months?!

Who are your biggest design influences and why?

My mom for sure has influenced my style. I even remember growing up she would just put the perfect look together mixing anything and everything from her closet. One of my favorite pastimes with her is shopping. I remember her allowing me to express myself through clothing and encouraging to dress how I felt. She knew that if I felt good on the inside because of my clothes, I would have confidence. And it is so true.

For my collection, however, it’s women on the street- even men. I know I am always subconsciously designing in my head while riding the bus, driving, and walking down the street. I will see something and say to myself… how can I make that (clothing item) better?

Which pieces from your spring 2014 do you recommend to busy Mamas on the go?

ALL! Haha. But I do keep mommies in mind when creating collections, especially when sourcing fabrics. Lets be honest- if it’s dry clean- no one ever takes it to the cleaners and when they do they (or I) forget to pick it up. It’s so much less of a hassle when things are washable, so that is why I have moved away from silk and started using other materials which can be thrown in the wash. ALL of our printed items are washable (I recommend washing them inside out and line drying), as is most of the line. My favorite pieces for on-the-go moms would be the Ashley dress, Arden dress, and Grace Garden Dress. They are all washable and are super versatile. Throw on a jean jacket when at the park with your kids, layer with a sweater for the fall, and throw on those heels for date night!

Deanna Ansara: Head Designer of Vincetta

Designer challenge: sum up the Vincetta brand in three words!

Romantic, sophisticated, classic!

At your design preview, I got to actually try on one of the new pieces to prove that your sample sizes work on many different body shapes…which we TOTALLY LOVED! Can you tell us why this is so important to you?

We want to flatter women, all shapes and sizes.  Our clothes are made to flatter, and made in New York as well!

Who are your biggest design influences and why?

My influences in design, which  are reflected in my fabric, are: The City; color and texture found in nature; and draping. 

Which pieces from your spring 2014 do you recommend to busy Mamas on the go?

The black washed silk effect top, white gathered hem trouser & white bell sleeve blazer. The pieces are comfortable and transition well from day to evening. And they easily complement so many other pieces from our collection, which allows wardrobe building with ease.

Who are your favorite new clothing designers?

Fashionably Yours,

Allison

Linked up at: Monday Mingle & Funday Monday!