Designer Spotlight: James Martinez

Today, one of our Own is being featured on Thrillist.com (the most influential trend-blog for men in the U.S.).
Dallas editor, Mike Daniel, writes, "Just launched out of Garland by an Art Institute grad & former Nordstrom tailor/Henry III Generation designer, Barron's handmade men's line seeks to “create a contemporary style that augments technology and fashion" -- a goal helped improbably by covering you in flys."

Check out the full article HERE, and subscribe to Thrillist.com!

Fashion Industry Gallery

Hopefully, some of you are working at Market this week. Below is information from the Fashion Industry Gallery. If you aren't working market, then go to Finale! Buy some stuff on-the-cheap, and more importantly, make some connections while you are there.

Internships

Internship Experience is REALLY important. Trust us on this. With a little bit of research, you can find rewarding internships, whether you are pursuing a degree in Fashion Design or Fashion & Retail Management.

We found information on the D Magazine website for Fashion Interns and Marketing Interns.

Here are the descriptions:

Fashion Intern
The fashion stylists for D Magazine Partners are seeking smart, personable, hard-working, organized interns to assist with fashion research, correspond with press contacts, pick up/return items for photo shoots, and help at photo shoots. Interns must be open to staying late on photo shoot days, driving around town researching products, and helping to pack cars and carry all necessities into photo shoots, including clothes and equipment. Knowledge of the fashion industry is helpful but not required.

Marketing Intern
The Marketing department is looking for interns interested in event planning, promotions, and media marketing. An ideal applicant will be hard working, detail-oriented, and eager to learn. As a marketing intern, you will observe, plan, and execute internal/external events, assist the marketing team with data entry, research, and mailings, attend planning meetings, and other tasks as needed.

Ready to Start Selling Your Wares?

If you are ready to start selling your designs, Etsy might be the place for you. Etsy.com bills itself as "Your Place to Buy & Sell All Things Handmade." Truthfully, the sky's the limit on what you can design and sell through Etsy.

A Graphic Design Instructor from The Art Institute of Dallas, Jodi Von Rotten, has received media exposure for her Etsy store, Binge and Purge and caters to a clientele that loves funky, retro accessories with a darker side.

Other Dallas designers who found their start on Etsy include Megan Mucci, whose Harrilu silk-screened apparel is sold nationally and was carried locally at House of Dang. Harrilu not only maintains an Etsy site but also now has a standard eCommerce site.


Not sure how to get started or how to find support? Etsy has an established community, where designers can partner with others to share ideas and learn more about building a stronger business.
Etsy even has an established EtsyDallas Group: The Original Dallas Craft Collective.

Remember to think outside-of-the-box. Your product does not need to be terribly complicated. You simply need to find something you are passionate about, determine if there is a market, and make sure to deliver GREAT customer service.

Have fun exploring Etsy! We always enjoy a little Etsy-time.

Designer Spotlight: Billie Jo Retro

Jody Sims, an accomplished patternmaker, is also a designer/owner of Billie Jo Retro. We love the Apron Play Suit and Cloud Bolero!

Jody Sims is a regular evaluator/juror at AiD Fashion Design events, and she serves on our Professional Advisory Committee. Thanks, Jody, for all you do!

Billie Jo Retro Cigarette Pant

Guest Blogger Jennifer Rodgers: Working Behind the Scenes

Jennifer Rodgers, Fashion and Events Coordinator for NorthPark Center, shared the following information with us:

What does your job entail?

- On the events side of my job I work on coordinating events within the center such as Fashion at the Park and Model Search, and I also get to work with the tenants on their in-store events.

- On the fashion side of my job I get to dress with anchors, Paige, Robert, and Amy, of Good Morning Texas on a daily basis, their clothing is provided exclusively by NorthPark. Also, I get to plan and pull clothing, gifts, and accessories for any news segments that we do throughout the year.

Can you recall a particularly interesting or fun event?

- A fun memory from my job would have to be when I got to plan my very 1^st event for NorthPark all on my own. It was a bridal event that I had to make a budget figure out rental, model costs, hire and fashion show producer, and make my vision for this event a reality. Well, of course everything that could go wrong did, including busting my butt while getting one of the male models from the dressing room, but I did do one thing right… I hired my previous boss, Jan Strimple, to produce the fashion show. She did such a great job, as always, and had also had a amazing ability to keep me calm. In the end the event turned out beautifully and everyone was happy!

What advice would you give to a student or graduate who wants a job like yours?

- The biggest piece of advice I can give to student who want to get into the fashion industry is to go to as many fashion events and parties you can, whether you are a volunteer or some ones plus one, you must network! I would not be where I am today with out the great people in my life pointing me in the right direction and opening up all the right doors. I am truly blessed!

Below: Jennifer working backstage at a runway show, completing last-minute alterations to a very full skirt!

Anthropologie Carries Dallas Designer

Today, as I perused the Anthropologie website, I ran across an adorable dress from Cooper by Courtney - a Dallas house (started by Tyler native, Courtney Warren)!

Check out the Texture Pairing Dress now, because once quantities are gone, the link will likely disappear!

Then, check out the Cooper by Courtney website!