Named the Mercedes Benz Presents Designer wanted to give her audience sexy wearable swimwear with a conscience. That is why her collaboration with Omni Piece (a humanitarian fashion brand that donates 25% of profits to charities promoting piece and the ending of hunger in Africa. Creative Director Lynn Furge went back stage with Monica to see how inspiration and charitable action can go hand in hand when running a business.
Lynn Furge: What does it mean to be the Mercedes Benz Presents designer this year?
Monica Wise: For a small brand like us it is a huge deal. We are actually one of the smallest brands they’ve ever had. We met with IMG about 5 months ago and they started to follow our Omni Piece collaboration, which is a charity that I design a specific line for and donate my proceeds. We really want to get that across to the audience so you will see live drums, Bob Marley and some huge afros on the runway.
LF: How long have you been designing and what did you do before?
LF: How long have you been designing and what did you do before?
MW: Four years I ran sales for the same company first and really fell into designing. I had been watching how the line evolved and as the partnership shifted I took the role as lead designer. I know how to communicate with an amazing sketcher and the brand just became…
LF: With so many different body shapes out there, how do you consider fit?
MW: The first thing I consider is color. Then cut and then coverage. I try to look at things in the same order as how a consumer would buy the product.
LF: What elements do you feel your suits employ to give women that confidence on the beach that they all crave?
MW: When a woman slips on a bikini and the cut makes her feel empowered, then that is the suit she has to have. We have many different cuts and styles, but in the end it is all about giving a woman something that she can move and feel comfortable in.
LF: Do you have any advice for new designers looking to break into the swimwear business?
MW: Be passionate about what you do. Passion attracts passion, so in turn people will be passionate about buying your product. Be cooperative. Be a team player. Surround yourself with the talent to help you succeed; a great sales manager, a great production manager and great customer service. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your designs.
The show lived up to the promise of Wise, putting forth simple, well cut trend conscious (we loved the fringe and the models flashing piece signs) swimsuits in bold colors. The ever present eclectic traveler played a part as well.
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