Introduction
At TROUSER9, we pride ourselves on creating timeless, sophisticated pieces for vibrant, fashion-forward women. Today, we’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with our head designer, the creative force behind our luxurious collections. Get ready to delve into her inspiring journey, design philosophy, and the future of TROUSER9.
Exclusive Interview with Our Head Designer: Jhirae Talmadge
Can you tell us about your background and how you became the head designer at TROUSER9?
I’ve always been fascinated by art and music for as long as I can remember. Watching music icons and their wardrobes in interviews and music videos sparked my interest in fashion. My mother, a stylish woman, often took me shopping with her, further fueling my passion. Sketching came naturally to me, and I would design prom dresses for myself and friends in high school. I devoured Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, drawing inspiration from their campaigns.
After studying business in college and earning my bachelor's degree, I aimed to work at a fashion brand to learn the business side of the industry. Despite not wanting to move to NYC, I sought opportunities near my hometown of Philly, applying to URBN Inc. and Lilly Pulitzer, but I could never get an interview. It was the summer I graduated college so, I took the first job offer and it was working at a call center. During that time, I started a fashion blog called Lavish Libra and took a fashion design course at Made Institute in Philly. This was my first introduction to creating a fashion collection.
Volunteering at NYFW was a turning point. After working backstage and seeing designers in action, I knew I wanted to start my own brand. Returning home with newfound confidence, I founded TROUSER9 and began designing products.
What inspired the creation of TROUSER9, and how has the brand evolved since its inception?
TROUSER9 began as a solution to my own problem. After graduating college and entering the career world, I struggled to find fashion-forward, well-fitting pants for work. I've always loved pants, especially flare legs, for their ability to elongate and slim the legs. From this need, TROUSER9 was born, aiming to be the go-to brand for young, ambitious career women.
The brand has evolved significantly. We are expanding into casual wear, denim, designer pieces, and athleisure. The pandemic changed many aspects of life, and we want TROUSER9 to meet our customers' needs beyond the office, including travel and social events. While pants and suits remain our backbone, we aim to cater to all aspects of our customers' lifestyles.
How would you describe the TROUSER9 aesthetic, and what sets it apart from other luxury fashion labels?
The TROUSER9 aesthetic is about the sultry, timeless, powerful female. We stand out from other luxury labels with our inclusive size offerings, as many luxury brands do not go beyond a size 8. We believe in making luxury fashion accessible to a broader range of women.
Can you walk us through your design process? How do you go from initial concept to final product?
The design process starts with inspiration, followed by rough sketches that I send to our technical designer. She refines them for our manufacturer, who creates the patterns and first samples. We source fabrics and hardware beforehand. After the first sample, we go through fittings and multiple rounds of samples to perfect the design.
What are your primary sources of inspiration when designing new collections?
Inspiration strikes daily, from art and architecture to stylish women on social media. I often revisit past decades, believing that styles and trends reinvent themselves every two decades. My favorite era is the 70s, especially Cher's style. Pinterest is also a great source of inspiration.
How do you balance timeless elegance with current fashion trends in your designs?
I balance timeless elegance with trends by using classic silhouettes and playing with vibrant colors in our suiting. I selectively incorporate trends, ensuring they enhance our designs without overwhelming them. Trends define the times, and I strive to create pieces that evoke memories and emotions tied to specific periods in life.
Can you tell us about a particular TROUSER9 piece that you're especially proud of and why?
There are many pieces in the vault, but one I'm particularly proud of is a pair of ruffle-embellished pants in bone color. They showcase my creativity and future direction as a designer. I'm excited to release them and see our customers embrace them, especially for vacations.
How do you ensure that TROUSER9 pieces are both stylish and comfortable for the modern woman?
I test all products myself before release, acting as the tester and fit model. I wear them for a period and gauge customer reactions on social media. This ensures our pieces are both stylish and comfortable.
How do you see TROUSER9 evolving in the coming years? Are there any exciting plans or collaborations you can share with us?
Expect bigger things from TROUSER9. We plan to expand our product categories and offer in-person experiences where customers can touch and feel our products. Stay tuned for more exciting developments.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Focus on the business side first. Network extensively, follow and learn from inspiring designers, and don't hesitate to reach out to potential collaborators. Build a strong team, as you can't succeed alone. Prioritize money and marketing, and ensure everyone knows about your brand.
How do you stay creative and motivated in such a fast-paced industry?
Creativity comes naturally to me, but motivation can wane. I meditate every morning and listen to positive affirmations and digital mentors. These practices keep me inspired and ready to tackle the day.
Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from TROUSER9's upcoming collection?
While I can't reveal too much, expect more innovative designs and expanded product categories. We're excited to bring new and exciting pieces to our customers.
How do you incorporate customer feedback into your designs?
We listen closely to our customers and incorporate their feedback to refine our designs. This ensures our products meet their needs and preferences.
What's your personal favorite TROUSER9 piece to wear, and how do you style it?
My favorite piece is the oversized Giselle blazer. It's a versatile staple that goes with everything, from casual days to nights out. I love wearing it draped over my shoulders for an effortlessly chic look.
Conclusion
Our head designer's journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and creativity. At TROUSER9, we are committed to empowering women with fashion that is both stylish and functional. Stay tuned for more exciting developments and collections as we continue to evolve and inspire. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
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