Meagan
Ollari
Fashion Designer
EVDG: How old is your company?
Ollari: We turned 1 January 18th, 2015
EVDG: Are you in the stores?
Ollari: Not yet, we will be selling online and then to small
boutiques
to start. Once the brand catches on those boutiques will
multiply and we will establish our retail presence. The plan is
to eventually have Ollari Flagship stores in LA, NY and
Miami. Ollari stores to only carry Ollari product.
EVDG: How did you get started?
Ollari: I would always sketch and make dresses as a child;
my mom brought me a sewing machine at age 7 so it has been
a part of me the majority of my life. I think she always saw
how engrossed I was in my craft and the passion I had for
fashion and the creative process overall. After high school I
started off my County College of Morris; where I later
transferred to The Academy of Arts in San Francisco. I
landed an internship for a multi-line women's wear showroom
in the garment district over my summer break in 2009 and
decided to finish up school here in NY. I put so much hard
work and dedicated into my internship, they hired me part
time which eventually led to full time. Now it is 5 years later
and I have some great industry experience in the field.
EVDG: All of that and is there a staff or is it just you.
Ollari: It's literally just me at the moment. I prefer to
consolidate things to just me and then, as the demand grows
for more hands I'll
expand accordingly. I am living my dream and do not take it
lightly, I need everything to be perfect so taking on the tasks
head on by
myself is the best way to build my brand and overall image.
EVDG: What can people expect from your designs?
Ollari: I embrace myself as a woman; I am all over the place with my
personal style, which reflects in my designs. This collection Dragonfly
Oasis, my first collection, was very feminine, “pretty”, and airy with a more
subdued color palette. My next collection for
Fall 2015 Gypsy Luxe is a bit deeper in mood and richer in color, inspired
by an eclectic mix of henna, tarot and gypsy influences. As a designer there
is nothing I will not try or have not thought of. I don't have one particular
style per say but I can definitely say my strong point is dresses,
embellishments and embroideries. Every season my inspirations change, so
expect to see something different from season to season.
EVDG: Do have advice for aspiring designers?
Ollari: Yes, in fashion industry there are a ton of distractions and
competition so I would say be persistent, remain dedicated and never ever
give up. The number one thing I always stress is to make sure this is your
true passion and not just a hobby or a past time. You need to be ready to
haul rolling racks in the snow and trunks, it's
not as glamorous as it seems. I could've given up but I'm so happy I didn't
and just knowing I have this passion running through me is amazing.
Overall, never give up and or get too comfortable...keep reinventing your
passion for the craft and your aesthetic as a designer!
EVDG: What can we expect from you in the next year?
Ollari: More collections for my fellow ladies! I plan on implanting more
cutouts, silhouettes, beadwork, embroidery and novelty details; overall,
collections that empower and inspire