i have debated or not what i was going to do with this blog. i wanted to keep it a light hearted look at what i'm inspired by, what i'm working on and a few views of things i've seen that i've been drawn to. however, on friday at a first friday event [clay street], i had a chance meeting with another new yorker living here who is also a cut and sew designer, which made me want to write about design in general and what i've put into 10+ years making things.
the biggest complaint i've ever encountered is that unlike many work situations, the cream does NOT rise to the top here. one can work their hardest, put everything they have into it, and that does not mean you will be successful. i have seen folks more talented and less talented, and the ones that ended up somewhere weren't always the innovators, or deserving ones. it is as much a product of being able to market yourself, and the luck of the draw. my number has come up a few times, and it been tossed out a few times now, and the level of detatchment you form with your success can be disheartening. when i was more wrapped up in my work, it would hurt when i took rejection, not getting that call back or a lukewarm review from a peer. it was all on the table then, and i felt as if everything was make or break.
now, i have been almost completely removed from most of the industry with the exception of following a few blogs, ebay, reading a select few magazines.. i don't watch tv, and i don't follow fashion. in kentucky i have very little access to first tier fashion, and luxury goods do not exist here. while at times, i feel like my work has become more creative due to lack of influences and more focus, there is something about being 'in the life' that is missing here. upon meeting the other fashion designer i was talking with on friday, it was amazing to discuss how we were planning on innovating new pattern making techniques and sewing machine attachments. East coast, west coast.. i had those around me who i could talk about those things with. here, there's a few fashion girls around me, but i have been less inspired by other designers, and more by architecture and culture, reading and completely outside influences. But due to lack of the subject.
I am not going to get on some rant about how my work has become better or worse being here, but i think being removed from the industry has put a lot in perspective. fashion is my heroin. i might get off it for a while, but i'll always be addicted. even when i'm 'clean' i'm still thinking about sneaking an issue of vogue, or gawking on style.com, wishing i was in new york...
