Describe the driving vision behind SWABY, and how it has evolved since you opened your first store.
When I started my fashion brand SWABY my driving vision behind it was to build a long-standing fashion brand that created quality clothing and grow it to be recognized like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes etc. Along the way it has evolved into its own niche because every single woman is unique and when they walk into my store, I am able to customize my designs to fit each woman’s body to perfection because of my skills on the sewing machine. So, as a brand I leaned into that. So here I am 26 years later still on my journey but with a lot more clarity of what makes my brand special.
Walk us through your creative process — from the initial spark of an idea to the final stitch.
When I am designing a garment, I first draft a paper pattern with the specifications and measurements then I choose my fabric and cut the pattern pieces from that fabric, and I go to my sewing machine and sew those pieces to create my first sample. Then I press and steam my sample and try it on my body to check the fit for many things; comfort, wearability, style, even how it pairs with other pieces in my collection/brand image. I then adjust sizing measurements until I am happy with it. Then finally I cut and sew 5 pieces to debut in my store - sizes XS to XL, so that customers have a starting point. I say starting point because the concept at my store is that you can change anything about the garments you see hanging on the racks. For example, color, length, neckline, fabric, sleeves, pockets. So where it starts is not always where it ends.