Designer Spotlight & Exclusive Interview: Meera Sharma

London-based designer Meera Sharma's debut collection, titled Femme Fatale, is inspired by the female superhero: sexy, strong and powerful.  To Meera she is the "ultimate" woman and much like the women she designs for.  I recently came across Meera and instantly loved her strong point-of-view and creative use of materials.  

I had the chance to interview the emerging designer:

How did you decide to become a fashion designer?

I have always been fascinated by fashion from a young age, be it observing what people are wearing or designing clothes for my Barbie dolls so it was a natural progression. It's great to be able to show my viewpoint on fashion to other people via my designs. 

What business advice would you give other designers or entrepreneurs wanting to start their own lines?

Make sure you understand business, read up on it or ask someone for advice as you need to understand about costings. At the end of the day you want to be able to know how to keep costs down to increase profit margins. Starting your own line is not an easy thing and you do need to have funding of some sort so make sure you are ready for setbacks as it is a difficult industry to get into!

What are your three "must-have" pieces this Winter?

Oo three must have pieces I want, that is a difficult one as I go through phases. I really want some trendy, colourful knitwear. I also saw these leggings with faux diamonds on them (they look much nicer than they sound!) that I want. Also maybe a leather skirt? 

As a budding talent, Meera is up for the MUUSEX VOGUE TALENTS YOUNG VISION AWARD 2012.  Vote for Meera here!  For more on Meera Sharma see her official site here.  

Good luck Meera and can't wait to see more from you! 

What's next for Tamara Mellon?

The woman behind the Jimmy Choo label and now multinational company recently told The New York Times “As soon as my resignation came out from Jimmy Choo, I had lots of people e-mail me saying, ‘I would love to invest in your new project.’ ”  One year ago Tamara Mellon left Jimmy Choo.  So what exactly is she up to now?  Apart from moving to NYC from London, Ms. Mellon is writing a book.  “It’s not strictly a business book and it’s not strictly a memoir,” she said. “It’s a hybrid.”  Even more interesting, there is talk in creating her own lifestyle brand.  “I’d rather take the risk and have a new challenge,” she said.  Well, we are all excited to see what's next from this ultra-successful businesswoman and personal favorite I look up to.   

See full New York Times article here. 

Designer Spotlight: Soyer

I discovered a new brand while in NYC - Soyer.  Designer Soyun Shin has created an awesome knitwear company.  With sweater dressing in mind, Soyer is perfect for the modern woman on the go. The key to the clothing is sophistication meets versatility as the pieces are simple yet tailored with an unexpected twist.  I picked up this sweater in black from the boutique Curve in Soho and have been living in it since returning to London.  Literally I wore it Saturday on the plane, to brunch Sunday at Tom's Kitchen and today for lunch at the Dorchester.  Chances are I'll be wearing it tonight as well.  I really need to find a new obsession and fast!

Guest Blogger: DARK WINGS CITY: M2MALLETIER Spring - Summer 2013

Guest blogger DARK WINGS CITY posts on my favorite upcoming handbag line M2MALLETIER, co-founded by one of my friends.  Check back soon as I feature my own M2MALLETIER handbag seen here in an upcoming photo shoot.

Full article: DARK WINGS CITY: M2MALLETIER Spring - Summer 2013