Inspirations
« Previous Entriesa studio to call home
Thursday, August 21st, 2008Searching for a studio is not an easy task and one would think that with all of the space in the Twin Cities I would be able to find one that was just right. Last Friday I spent 4 hours looking for a new place for Nelle handbags. A place where I could host special events, have a showroom, and more importantly work! Being at the very start of my search I know that it will take sometime to find a place to call home - but for the fun of it I would love to show some dream spaces that I hope to find here in MPLS.
Natural light is critical when searching for a studio space.
The flooring in here leaves me drooling, plus when working with fibers and threads carpeting can be a nightmare.
I love the natural state of this space.
Yet the order and color coordination of this space is so satisfying! Look at all the bits of trim lined up and ready for action!
One of the best things about running a design business is being able to fantasize about your dream work space. If any of your dream work spaces have become a reality I would love to see them!
Nelle Trunk Show Review
Thursday, July 24th, 2008The show at Bendel’s went very well - I almost sold out again and if I am invited back definitely need to bring more stock. This time I was lucky enough to meet a few of my customers while I was out there! I have to say that one of the greatest things for me to experience are people reactions to my collection. It is so nice to be exposed to the overwhelming support and encouragement that I receive from all of you. THANK YOU!!
I Heart Designer Lara Cameron
Saturday, July 5th, 2008
I have been following this fabulous Australian print designer for just over a year. Her work is light - colorful - and personal. Lara is one talented lady and continues to delight me with each new print that she develops. From her stationary to her textiles her whimsical designs inspire.
I encourage you to visit her site where she has products for sale as well as a number of fun tutorials that will bring the design goddess out in almost anyone.
A Little Eye Candy, A Load of Inspiration
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008Cakes, mmmmmmmm cakes! Cakes have been an inspiration for my line in recent years. Layering fabrics for texture, color, and the small details that are traits of a Nelle bag also our needed to create a beautiful cakes. Almost anyone can make a cake, and in that regard almost anyone can make a bag, but it is the style and design that takes a bag from being just a bag into something a bit more delicious.
Funny thing about cakes is that I am not a big fan of eating them, never have been, but the decoration and thought that goes into creating one blows me away. I have taken a cake decorating course, and for my recent anniversary I received the MS cake decorating kit. And though I try to emulate my cake decorating hero’s, my cake decorating skills leave much to be desired. So, instead I channel that interest into my handbag design. This is why I often say that my bags are sweet little calorie-free treats. I let a little secret slip, my hope is that when you discover my clutches and handbags your mouth will water!
Designer Inspiration
Thursday, April 17th, 2008This week I took 3 days off to spend some QT time with my business plan. I am 75% of the way through with it and have myself so excited about the future of Nelle!
While researching for the bp I looked up Alabama Chanin, the latest reincarnation of Natalie Chanin’s original Project Alabama business model. Project Alabama was a grassroots fashion label that had quite a bit of success in the industry. Until a year or so ago all of thier pieces were made by local seamstresses and artisans in Florrence Alabama. Natalie’s business partners decided that they wanted to expand the business and have started production in India, Nancy decided to jump ship and stick to the founding principles of Project Alabama - Keep it local. Click here for the full story on Alabama Chanin.
I have always planned to keep my production local if Nelle ever decides to expand on me. So it was thrilling to learn even more about how Chanin’s production model works and how the slow design movement is starting to gain more attention in the national media. Slow design is defined as; Design for manufacturing with local/regional materials and technologies or Design that supports local industries, workshops and craftspeople. Chanin proved that a company can be profitable while not falling victim to the bottom line and the temptress mass production.
Accessory and clothing design can be about so much more when you invest in your community. After learning more about the slow design movement and reading a bit more about Chanin’s success I feel that my plan to keep production of Nelle goods local can do three amazing things: Provide work to talented crafts people, keep production in the united states, and most importantly create beautiful pieces made by the loving hands of local talents that may have otherwise been unused.
A Trip to Heaven
Sunday, March 9th, 2008
It has been a week since Cameron and I returned from our trip to San Francisco. What an incredible city! The weather was gorgeous an we enjoyed everyday that we were there. I like to joke that we ate our way around the city, with all of the excellent restaurants I don’t know how you couldn’t. At night we stayed at the Hotel Adagio and our days were spent walking around the city, riding the cable cars, and spending time in the wine country. Below are some token shots from my trip. Take note that Hayes Valley is an excellent place to shop for that indie designer piece.
Knowledge is power and when it comes to operating your own small business it can save you time and money. 2 books that I would recommend to any small business owner who is producing goods to be sold in the “luxury” market are The Fashion Designers Survival Guide & Craft INC. Both books dig right into the nitty gritty details like order fulfillment, industry standards and product distribution as wells as marketing and the importance of PR. The FDSG is a step by step manual filled with sample forms and warnings of wholesaling in a take no prisoners industry. I have read this book twice now and each time I have a hard time putting it down. Newbies to the design world receive practical strategies and advice from both big names and newcomers. The result is a ‘must’ for any aspiring fashion designer: packed with strategy, insights, and even checklists for success. Craft, INC. a recent holiday gift, was a quick read. It was less intimidating than The FDSG, but still packed with a great deal of knowledge and a variety of different tips that the FDSG did not have. What I found particularly interesting were the interviews with some of today’s independent design superstars like Jonathan Adler, Lotta Jansdotter, Variegated INC., and Port2Press. Another bonus, the book design is absolutely scrumptious and the paper that it was printed on is smooth to the touch and delightful to hold. Both books are on my must read list for any aspiring designer or small business owner. I have to admit that I was a bit exhausted from downloading all of the information in each book, so be ready to take out your notebook to start designing your mater plan. 
Stunners Straight From the Runway - NY Fashion Week Fall 2008
Monday, February 4th, 2008
It is not often that I can say that I absolutely love a designers entire collection - but Ms. Donna Karan sure knocked me off of my feet this time. All the taste makers have been touting the return of the sleek silhouette with an 80’s vibe that makes all women look like Ferrari’s. UGH - just look at any department store and you will see so many cheap looking, patent leather/man made material shoes in an array of acid pop colors that you may develop a cavity. I don’t care that “shine’ is in, I just can’t take it any more. Amongst the rehash of the decade of extravagance Donna’s collection is a breath of fresh air - thank you Donna:) for giving the non thoroughbreds of the world hope!The Fashion Designers Survival Guide & Craft INC. - A Review
Sunday, January 6th, 2008
