Meet Mountains of the Moon
UPDATE: SEE MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON 2010 SPRING COLLECTION VIDEO AT BOTTOM
MEET MADISON BUYER DESIGNER: Melissa Baswell – Mountains of the Moon
What inspired you to jump into fashion?
I had an interest in fashion from a very young age, and started sewing with my mother when I was a child. In college (University of Wisconsin-Madison), I studied Acting/Theatre, and it was during a required costume design class that I basically had an epiphany where I realized I wanted to design for a living.
What makes Mountains of the Moon different from other collections?
A few years ago, I would have said being a line of contemporary women’s wear that is both stylish and eco-friendly makes us different, but there are so many sustainable lines now that this aspect alone doesn’t make us unique. (This, by the way, is a wonderful thing and something we’ve been working toward for a long time. Thank goodness so many designers are creating eco-conscious collections!)
Today, I think the main thing that makes Mountains of the Moon different is a concept still based on sustainability, but taken a step further. Our collections include a variety of styles, from casual to designer, but every piece is designed with consideration for the fact that truly sustainable fashion must be timeless, and can’t be “out of style” in one season. We really focus on creating pieces that the fashion-obsessed woman can appreciate, yet still feel chic wearing years down the road.
As a designer, what are your most difficult challenges?
Obviously, as with all independent designers, the state of the economy is our biggest challenge right now. People aren’t in a position to spend their money on clothing these days, and with so many boutiques closing and larger chain stores producing overseas and selling garments for cheap, it’s not an easy time to prosper. We’re incredibly thankful that we have such a wonderful customer base and have been able to stay in business and continue doing what we love.
The other big challenge is finding a balance between work and real life. I have a 60 to 80 hour work weeks on average, and need gentle reminders from family and friends that there is actually life outside of work!
What do you find most rewarding?
Seeing someone out and about wearing my designs is by far the most rewarding part of being a designer.
Who is your primary target audience?
Most of our customers are young, urban women, but really, our customer base isn’t defined by age, income, or location. I work to design styles that are versatile and can be worn in many different places and for many different occasions. It’s important to us that our collections offer a little something for everyone.
What’s in store for Mountains of the Moon customers in the near future?
Other than new designs and future collections, our customers can look forward to seeing our designs in person more often. We’re planning some really incredible local shopping events this summer, and we’ll also be involved in a number of different sustainable fashion events going on at music festivals throughout the country. We’ll have more details available soon on the Events page of our website.
Mountains of the Moon by Melissa Baswell: The Spring 2010 Collection from Mountains of the Moon on Vimeo.
Find Mountains of the Moon: Website * Facebook * Twitter
Fashion Backstage: Meet Andy Karuza of Seattle Fashion Week
Name: Andy Karuza
Company: Lush Life Entertainment
Title: Owner
Location: Seattle
Briefly Describe Seattle Fashion Week:
SFW is a progressive movement in local fashion scene. Our brand mission (R) evolution is two-fold; the education of local Seattlites about the importance of fashion as a source of self-expression and a platform for launching successful careers for our local designers, models, and music artists.
Did you start Seattle Fashion Week, if so why?
I became involved with Gabriel Choy’s Seattle Fashion Week last year as part of an internship that turned out to be so much more for me. I’ve been involved in small business marketing and promotions for several years while I attend (And still do) Western Washington University in Bellingham. I’m the type of person that is never content so naturally I find myself attracted to projects that have a BIG vision and the ability to employ my entrepenurial attitude. I don’t care what has been done but rather what can be done. Gabe Choy has that BIG vision and that is why I have invested my time in his project.
What did you do before Seattle Fashion Week?
I’ve done many small business marketing projects to working with large corporate stores on the local level. Promotions and marketing have been at the top of my list for the last 4-5 years. Back in my childhood years there was a business on the corner of my street that would always go out of business (Due to it’s bad location). I felt bad for the owners and since vowed myself professionally to help that to never happen to people like this again. Part of the answer to this problem is good marketing and customer/business relationships and that is what I preach to business owners.
What makes Seattle Fashion Week different from other fashion weeks?
The area of Seattle is not very condusive to a fashion scene and so it’s been hard for boutiques, models, and designers to make a living off it. Seattle Fashion Week stands as an opportunity to create a fashion awareness movement that will truly help these people out and change the general population’s view on the importance of fashion. Our fashion week is also designed around building a strong connection with the local population through PR. Most other cities have a more established fashion scene so they don’t have to interact as much with the population. SFW seeks to promote local up and coming student designers, encourage local participation, work with local small businesses, and inspire the idea of fashion to everybody in general.
What are some of you favorite Designers featured at Seattle Fashion Week?
Personally, I’m excited for 7 Jeans and Ducati. The Ducati motorcycle brand is the ONLY brand that I’ll say I’m loyal too, and that means a lot coming from a marketing guy. There is a lot of buzz about the designer from Ecaudor as well so naturally I’m excited to see what she’s got.
What is your number one fashion source?
Ebay…just kidding. I like getting my fashion from Nordstrom.
Describe your Style 
My style is rebellious-professional. I believe in dressing the part, maintaining comfort, avoiding the norm, and doing something fresh. My typical outfit is designer jeans, a custom blazer, and my puma slip-ons. Individuality is the most important fashion statement for myself and I absolutely do not like trends that are the classic “This is how your supposed to look to be this?” An example are ties and full business suits. I must have forgot where they wrote it down that you have to wear a tie (Symbolized as form of obediance to your job) and suit to be considered a professional. Live a little and let your actions and integrity in business speak for themselves rather than have a static suit style do it for you.
Great Resource for Emerging Designers
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Kelli Nelson, owner and founder of FindFashionRep.com. FindFashionRep.com is an awesome site for emerging designers and designers that need to find representatives in alternative markets nationally and internationally. The site connects manufacturers/designers to sales representatives in the United States and Canada through a comprehensive database directory.
The site is super simple to use. If you are a designer all you have to do is sign up and pick a package based on how many credits you think you might need. One credit can get you everything below…great deal!!
If you are an Independent Fashion Representative join for FREE and create and personalize your profile. This creates a fresh look for manufacturers or designers looking for sales reps.
I think anyone getting into the business or looking for alternative markets should check out and contact Kelli Nelson, whether you are emerging out of the Etsy market or need to find unique and motivated sales reps, FindFashionRep.com is an awesome choice.
FASHION BACKSTAGE: Meet Anita Herrera
Name: Anita Herrera
Age: 25
Location: Los Angeles
Company: POOL Tradeshow
Briefly Describe POOLTRADESHOW: POOL was established in 2001 for the boutique market and leading retailers world-wide. POOL is a community of art and design driven brands creating industry connections for creative visionaries.
How long have you been with POOLTRADESHOW? Shopped @ POOL as a Buyer, Exhibited @ POOL as a Brand, and now work in-house – been involved on all ends for the past 7 years.
What makes POOLTRADESHOW different from other trade shows? POOL is the original independent tradeshow so it’s always had a very exciting energetic vibe – since the show specializes in launching emerging brands into the industry it’s amazing to be around fresh talent.
What designers have been with POOLTRADESHOW the longest? Brands like Jeffrey Campbell, Rojas and there’s so many brands that have launched at POOL that have proudly become industry household names like Corpus, Fremont, Quail and so many more.
Who are some of your newest favorite designers at POOLTRADESHOW? I love Baggu, Art in the Age, Modern Lovers, Loyalty & Blood, UZI – soo many to list! I have a great time discovering new brands and trends during the show – it’s fun!
What is your number one fashion source? My number 1 fashion source is definitely the internet! I get all my fashion news updates on twitter & I love Refinery 29 – it’s my go to email every morning!
Describe your Style? I like getting into different styles every season – but I would say that I like feminine silhouettes, I’m not afraid of color, and I loving mixing vintage with new designers.
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