Designers often find inspiration for new lines during their travels and the travels they dream to take, so I reached out to a few designers for a special travel fashion series since September is the biggest fashion month of the year. If you’ve been following my twitter or Instagram you’ve seen me wearing a new fabulous, printed dress created by designer, Chivonne Moschiano. She has an amazing new line inspired by Africa that exudes femininity, poise, and grace.
*Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Im a 27 year old army brat! Originally from San Bernardino, CA, but I grew up in Germany. I attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles where I studied Fashion Design, and will complete the Bachelors program at the Art Institute of Atlanta in September 2013 majoring in Fashion Retail Management
*What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means expressing yourself in any way you want! Fashion is fun, sexy, flirty and can be very powerful!
*When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
When I was Five years old I knew that I wanted to be in the fashion industry! I either wanted to be a model or make clothes! For a long time I just wanted to be a model, but since that never happened I made the decision in the 12th grade that I would be a fashion designer.
Chivonne Moschiano
*What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
The first article of clothing I made was a bright orange halter dress with a full skirt. It was so hard to make, but it got me into college! Lol
*How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?
Recently I have been working with a new production company in Atlanta to produce my garments. It usually takes about 3-4 weeks for small quantity goods or for single items about 2 weeks.
*Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing.
If Im at the grocery store or out and about and suddenly get a design thought, I usually make a note of it and will sketch it out later. When designing a collection I find different prints, colors and fabrics that relates to the season, I research trend forecasting sites, and I design at least 15-20 pieces that are ideal for my target customer. From that 15-20 pieces I narrow it down to about 10-12 and I begin to edit them in Photoshop. I then use Illustrator to draw my technical flat sketches.
*Who are some of your favorite designers?
Marc Jacobs is my number one! I want to work for him!!
Diane Von Furstenberg
Lanvin
*Where can readers buy your clothes?
My website is under construction at the moment, but I can be contacted through email at moschiano.c@gmail.com and I’m even taking custom orders.
*What are some of your favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites?
Zara and Nasty Gal. Those are my top two. I don’t really shop anywhere else. They cater to my personal style.
*What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Fabric/trim durability! This is very important to me. The fabric must not be ruined after one wash and have buttons that are properly secure on the garment. If the garment has great durability, great color, great prints, and fits perfectly it will make me interested to make the purchase.
*What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
What matters the most to me as a fashion designer is to make women feel confident, and sexy. I want to be able to make a difference in young women’s lives when it comes to their wardrobe.
*What’s your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
I love coming up with different themes for my collections. It is my absolute favorite part of starting the design process. When I have a theme I have so many images of prints and colors and textures and silhouettes that form in my head which makes it very interesting to see how things come out on paper.
*How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show?
For a photo shoot I make sure I have my models, photographer and garments ready. I have to make sure that I know what I want as far as poses, the look Im going for and the concept of the shoot.
*What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
PUSH YOURSELF!!! There will be so many discouraging times in your life and when you have that feeling of giving up, push through and keep going! If designing is your dream, reach for the stars!! Most importantly, always stay humble!!!
*What do you like best about designing clothes?
I like knowing that someone out there in this world is wearing something that started out as a thought, was drawn onto paper and then made just for them. Designing clothes for me, is a rewarding experience!
*What do you dislike about designing clothes?
There is nothing I don’t like about designing clothes.
*How would you define your personal style?
I love simplicity. Give me some high waist jeans, a printed button down blouse and some heels, flats, or Toms and Im a happy girl!
*How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
Chivonne Moschiano exudes the meaning of femininity. Each style is an attention grabber. Our customer will have all eyes focused on her when she enters the room!
*What are some of your fashion goals?
To launch my eCommerce site to the public, and to be one of the leaders in eCommerce based businesses. I want to be able to change the way we shop online. By redefining social shopping!!
*Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from everywhere. Television, people watching, traveling, magazines, movies (especially Turner Classic Movies) and trend forecasting websites.
*What are some of your favorite fashion websites, magazines, or books?
Websites- Nastygal.com, theglamourai.com, cupcakesandcashmere.com, agirltravels.com, style.com, and stylesight.com
Magazines- Vogue, Nylon, Cosmo, Harper’s Bazaar and W
*What are your favorite colors to work with and why?
I love all colors. Depending on the season is how I choose my colors. I rarely like to use solid colors though. My love for prints is very strong! I once heard someone say that they see me as a young DVF! I was very flattered
*What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
I love fabrics that have a good stretch to them. Jersey knits, scuba, denim, cotton sateen and chiffon are amongst my favorite.
*What are your favorite patterns [prints] to work with and why?
Tribal prints are my favorite right now. I love the idea of taking traditional African prints and using them to make a garment that is more Western and fashionable. I hope to go to Africa one day just to experience the culture and of course go fabric shopping!
*If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go to find design inspiration?
Africa would be one, South America would be second lastly I would want to go to Japan. Japanese girls have great style
Follow her design journey and see more of her amazing clothes to add to your personal collection!
Wishing you happy Travels! –xo AGT
What was once an amazing week under big white tents in Bryant Park – Midtown Manhattan, has moved to the Upper West Side for an even bigger week of fashion at the Lincoln Center. It’s almost that wonderful time of the year again – Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Loads of flashing lights, incredible runway shows, parties, shopping, glitz, and glamour – If that doesn’t catch your eye, than perhaps the NYC street fashion as it kicks into high gear will. There are always some really great looks both on and off the runway.
I’m a little sad that I’ll missed most of it, but I’ looking forward to some much needed vaca time in the Caribbean and I’ll be back in time to catch a few shows and parties before the week is over. Two of my favorite shows to watch are Michael Kors and Betsy Johnson, and each always has some amazing pieces for me to pack and take on my next adventure.
This month the Travel Fashion Guide will be introducing you to some fab designers that are on the move. Menswear, women’s apparel, and accessories I know you’re going to love learning about these designers and adding some unique pieces to your travel and everyday wardrobe. Do you have a favorite designer? Live in the NYC Area? What are some of your “go to” pieces for stepping out during fashion week?
Wishing you happy travels! -xo AGT
A Girl Travels 