In My Spare Time...

Like I mentioned before. It is wonderful to surround yourself with talented and creative people... For me, it's my beautiful and uber talented roommate Vash Luv (check out her blog and portfolio). In celebration of my first year in NY, and her new camera we strolled around Williamsburg snapping photos, and even meeting new friends. T'was a memorable evening. Sometimes a girl just needs to dress up and let the night be your guide~

MADE in NYC

I am proud to say that I am producing my collection here in New York City. Some of you know that in recent years, the Garment District (generally considered to span between Fifth Avenue and Ninth Avenue, from 34th to 40th St.) has been struggling to survive with designers and manufacturers choosing to produce goods overseas for significantly lower costs, and recently real estate pressures emptying out apparel businesses.

Associations, such as SAVE THE GARMENT CENTER are raising awareness to the public and those in the fashion industry just how serious of an issue the Garment District is facing. Keeping goods and products made in New York, keeps thousands of people in this city employed and helps with our local economy.

A recent WSJ article, questions "how do we talk about locally-made in a way that connects the consumer to making the decision [to buy them]?" This is something I think about because as designer Nellie Partow adds "it's not cheap to make [clothes] in New York but it's worth it."

Investing in quality is important. Next time you go shopping, take a look at where the clothes were made, you could be helping the economy and thousands of people's jobs :)

Feeling Inspired?

JOT IT DOWN. I love sketch books. My grandmother use to always carry notepads, sketch books, pens, and pencils with her everywhere she went. You never know when inspiration will hit you.

My friend and fellow designer, JANE OH not only jots down an idea or thought, but she also writes the time it happend. I thought that was a brilliant and interesting thing to do.

I am still sketching and reworking my collection. Just when you think you have it all figured out, inspiration STRIKES AGAIN :)

IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. It seems like just yesterday I was discovering the sights and smells NY had to offer, haha. I'll never forget the plane ride over here, I was excited, nervous, and knew I was completely out of my mind to take this leap of faith. It has been a roller coaster of a ride, and I do always miss my friends and family in California, but I am exactly where I want to be. Building on my dream I have wanted since I was a kid.

The advice I can give to youngsters looking to chase their dreams... Do it, but be smart. Realize that it's going to take a lot of work, patience, and passion. Keep motivated, surround yourself with inspiring people, and stay focused.

I thank all my California friends for continuing to support me to follow my heart and do what I have always wanted to do. I'd like to also thank my new friends in New York for accepting me and supporting this rookie and showing me the ropes out here. I would especially like to thank my family, who are so important to me and have encouraged any crazy decision I ever made because they truly believe in me. I am a very lucky girl and I love you all.

One year down, plenty more to years to discover...

Concept, Execution...

WORK TO BE DONE... This is the fun part. Piecing everything together. Fabrics, trims, notions... You can do so much, but the key is EDITING.

If you have a brilliant idea, concept or design you could lose the impact of it simply by not editing properly. Sometimes its best to step back, clear your head, come back and see if your idea still resonates or fulfills you as the first time. If it doesn't take something out, or add another element. That could make all the difference :)

LOVE WHAT YOU DO

When you find something you love to do, it does not feel like work... It's a Labor of LOVE!

If you're strolling through New York's Garment District, you will most likely see me running around there. On my dad's last visit to NY, he joined me as I sourced out fabrics for my collection and snapped some photos.


In my sourcing of fabrics, I made a new friend and emerging menswear designer Adam Rogers (very talented), and found some amazing silk/cotton blends that I am looking forward to working with...

Getting Excited

NOEL JEAN S/S 2011 COLLECTION

INSPIRATION: FRIDA KAHLO

Frida Kahlo, created striking, often shocking, images that reflected her turbulent life. Her oil paintings, mostly self portraits, were deliberately naive, filled with bright colors and flattened forms of the Mexican folk art she loved.

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With this collection, I will be using BRIGHT BOLD COLORS to capture the works of art Frida created. Silhouettes and fabrication will be a mixture of Frida's personal style of drapery, printed fabrics, and some play on androgyny. Her eclectic palette for allure, boldness, and subtle hints of naive innocents will be the essence of this collection.

WELCOME

For those of you who do not know me yet, my name is Noel and I am a New York based fashion designer for my label NOEL JEAN. For those of you who do know me, WELCOME! I hope you all like what I have in store for you...

Ever wanted to go "Behind the Seams" in the fashion industry? This blog is going to do just that. It is not all the glitz and glamour that reality shows make it out to be, but there are definitely some wonderful rewards that come with being in this industry. Never a dull moment, that is for sure!

As a California transplant to New York, I am now approaching my first year living in New York and am getting ready to produce my first full collection. I look forward to sharing with you the good, the bad, and incredible experiences that is journey is going to take me.