Interview With Designer Daisy Gonzalez

Daisy Gonzalez is a designer we are watching here at Haute Mimi. Her designs are chic and fun, a combo we adore. Daisy was recently chosen as the winner of the Patricia Field, "Confessions of a Shopoholic" contest. Her collection provides a fun twist to sophisticated elegance. We personally love her feather belts and girly yet streamlined cocktail dresses. Here are some thoughts Daisy shared with us about her personal style and also tips to help you look your best.

HM: Describe your style in one word.

DG: Unparalleled.

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?

DG: Wear what you feel comfortable in. It is so easy to spot somebody who is uncomfortable in their own clothes, so take an outfit and make it your own! Don’t try to follow any trends

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop?

DG: Great things are everywhere, Vintage Shops, Boutiques, Online; it’s all about how you put them together. Creativity is key.

HM: Who is your style icon?

DG: My top three are Frida Kahlo, Jackie Onassis and Carrie Bradshaw. Frida Kahlo’s style embodied her culture and the colors make you come to life. Jackie Onassis had such a classic, sophisticated and beautiful style. Ms. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City because she is fun, free and uninhibited.

HM: What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?

DG: Again, I would have to say wearing something that makes the woman feel uncomfortable. Always keep your individuality with anything you wear. It makes things more interesting.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?

DG: Don’t be afraid to take risks.

HM: What advice would you give to young fashion industry professionals trying to make their fame?

DG: Surround yourself with what you love. If you love fashion begin to make it part of your everyday life, take action. Network with people in the same industry, keep yourself informed with what’s going on in the world of fashion and never let anyone keep you from doing what you love.

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?

DG: Every woman is already FABULOUS! It’s just a matter of embracing it. Fashion tip…would have to be to work with your body. Know what works for YOU and remember YOU are what make the clothes fabulous not the other way around.

HM Social Diary: Supima Runway Show

At the historic Gotham Hall, 21 emerging designers will showcase their unique creations at the Supima Cotton Fashion show on January 14, 2009. Last year's best design award went to one of our personal favorites--- FORM New York.

A Call For Emerging Designers

Are you an aspiring designer ready to get your foot through the door? Look no further this opportunity might be what you're searching for:

Supima®, the world’s finest cotton, plans to host a live runway event showcasing the work of young, talented designers to an elite audience of buyers, editors, retailers and other industry heavyweights. The inaugural show will directly follow Supima’s fourth edition of its popular PREFAB trade fair off New York City’s fabric market week for the Fall/Winter 2009/2010. PREFAB allows companies from North America, Europe and Asia to present outstanding menswear and womenswear showcasing a variety of fabrics made from Supima. The exciting events will both take place at the prestigious Gotham Hall in the center of New York’s Garment District on July 15, 2008

The first-ever Supima fashion contest will be open to young designers who are beginning their design careers. Competing candidates will be selected from an open call scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th at the Thompson Hotel in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood from 4 pm to 9m. An elite panel of judges will be composed of established fashion designers, fashion editors and Supima representatives who will select the talented individuals ready to progress to the next level of competition. The chosen designers will then have four weeks to produce a unique women’s eveningwear look from top-quality fabric incorporating Supima cotton which will then be presented in a live show to the elite panel at Gotham Hall.

Designers Participating in the Open Call Should Bring :

- A sketch of proposed women's evening wear design
- A copy of their design portfolio
- Current CV/Resume

In a unique twist from other design competitions, Supima will not require an entry fee or other financial commitment on the part of the designer. Supima will also donate up to 10 yards of fabric from its leading international mills – the very same ones that supply leading Supima designer and retailer licensees such as Ralph Lauren, James Perse, Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom. The fashions will be shown on professional models during the runway event on July 15th. In addition, the selected designers will have their sketches and information featured in a magazine that Supima will have published and distributed to over 10,000 retailers, buyers and fashion industry insiders. Winning designs will also be featured on the Supima website and included in future promotions.