Fashion Week is Here Again! Manuel De La Cruz, The Sky's the Limit

It's so exciting to be a part of this creative industry. Every season, you have the chance to view your favorite designer's collection. In this case, I will be attending the Manuel De La Cruz show this Saturday. I love seeing friends in a position to show their work to a wide audience such as Manuel.

So who is Manuel De La Cruz? Manuel is originally from Guatemala. He has studied at some of the finest schools in Milan, Florence and even at the famed Parsons the New School for Design in New York City to prepare for his career in design. He's worked behind the scenes as a designer for top notch, well known designers that we all love, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Givenchy and more! My goodness, with a background this extensive it's obvious that Manuel would break out and design his own collection. Wouldn't you?

Manuel will present his Spring/Summer 2011 collection this Saturday September 11th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC. As noted in the press release, this collection is inspired by Semana Santa (Holy Week) from his native traditions in Guatemala.




Visit Manuel's site to view his previous collections and to read more about his bio.
manuel-delacruz.com

Fashion is so much fun! With dedication, creative talents and an audience, the sky's the limit.


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Start a Fashion Line & Get Noticed - 3 Quick Tips!

Ok, so what’s the deal with breaking into the fashion design business? My good friend Minna Kao is definitely getting the press to notice her designs. She’s been reviewed in so many fashion articles as someone to lookout for in the bridal scene. She’s a designer in NYC who is super talented. Her label is MinnaK. She designs the most beautiful evening gowns and she does this all while working a full-time job in fashion as a Production Associate for a major corporation.

Minna shares a few tips with you that you can use to start your own fashion line and propel your career!

1) Finding Your Target Audience

Go to the stores that you think your customers go to and research price points, style, what's in (not the sales rack), and the color scheme.

2) Cutting Costs

Start by silk-screening t-shirts or making things from your home. If it looks professional, no one would know it came from the garage, and you can possibly find backers to help support your love of design. The internet is an economical way to spread the word, and the most popular. It is extremely saturated, but research all the social networks, and put yourself out there.

3) Designing and Promoting Your Biz while Working Full-Time

It is extremely difficult to work full time AND come home and work. When I have an idea, I need the mental space to conceptualize it so, I've created a schedule for myself in order to stay disciplined. I love designing. I won't ever stop, so for me, it's worth those extra hours to do what I love until I can do it full time.

In addition, I find inspiration in the strength of women and children, so I want my love of design to generate money so that I can return it to my favorite organization - Foundation For International Medical Relief of
Children.


*Minna Kao pictured in the center with two models wearing her gowns.


Check out MinnaK’s collection at:http://www.minnak.com/collection

Visit MinnaK's blog at: http://minnak.com/blog





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