Joe Zee Is a Genius

I have been watching the current season of "All on the Line" with Joe Zee from Elle magazine. I love his insight into fashion designers' business, and I have been inspired by all the success each designer on the show (except for a few that didn't listen to the valuable feedback) have experienced. Even though I have been laying low for a while I am newly re-committed to developing DEPT728. In an ode to Joe I am going to start making the new women's pieces that I have been sketching, and fleshing out the women's collection. Though the menswear was the original concept we have always sold a lot of the very limited women's pieces, and it's time to take that information, and run with it. By this summer I would like to have more tops, dresses, swimsuits, and even a pant in the collection. Wish me luck!

Westcoastin'

LA is full of fit guys (and girls)! Low carb, organic, and fresh are the buzz words out here, and the athletic bodies are the result of this trend. It's fun for me to walk around and watch all the people, and what they're wearing. I am so excited to find the right boutiques for DEPT728, I think i'll stay!

Midwest to West Coast

For a long time I really thought that I would spend my whole life in Chicago. I love the city, and I feel a deep connection to the area. Recently, though, I took it upon myself to go somewhere new. I am now a resident of Los Angeles, and I am excited to get to know the new city. Things are definitely different here. I find that more of the people I interact with are creative, and a lot more of the men in the area are the athletic build that DEPT728's athletic fit t-shirts are made for! I may not be at home yet, but I think LA will grow on me.

Pop! Culture

For some strange reason I have really been drawn to only one of the "contest" shows on reality television. Sean, who is able to update anyone as to the current status of every contestant on American Idol, does not share my extreme enthusiasm in America's Best Dance Crew. True, both of these shows involve Randy Jackson, but they are different in nature. The clothing of a few American Idol contestants cannot compare with all the theatrical gear of the teams competing for the ABDC title. Groups of dancers choosing to either match completely, or coordinate is far more enticing to me as a viewer. In all of its seasons I have yet to actually cast a vote. My fascination is truly about body, movement, and clothing. So here I am watching the beginning of season 3, and I am excited to see what everyone will be wearing.

Hiatus

There are always moments that seem to last forever. In the specific case of our new web concept, the process has been slow but steady. I am hopeful that 2009 will bring many new opportunities to us as a line, and to the US economy as a whole. While waiting for the web redesign to be finished I am taking on the task of talking to the boutiques in the Chicago land area. I would love for DEPT728 to be in a few hand-picked places so that shoppers can "happen" upon us, and discover what we have to offer. It's a necessary part of the process, and even though I feel like this line of clothing is "my baby" in some ways, I feel like it's about time to let my child go and play with the other kids.

In Process

Last weekend we went to the Indie Designer Market in Chicago. This second time around we really had a great response from customers coupled with a lot of sales. I am so proud of the fact that anonymous people will own my garments, and love them. Hopefully I will run across someone I don't know wearing my dress (all the pieces we sold were women's clothing). The favorites this weekend were the tie dress, the women's swimsuit, and the criss-cross halter top. Also, I cannot wait until the website launches at the end of August...27 days to go!

Being a Square

Men at the beach fall into 3 different categories: Guys who work out, guys who are naturally thin, and those who should be wearing a t-shirt. For some reason I have seen the swimsuit of choice for most men be distinctly against the type of body they have. For example, there have been quite a few times that a man who needs to get to a gym show up at the beach in a Speedo, and the guy with the 6-pack is lounging in a pair of long board shorts. While everyone should feel comfortable at the beach I don't think that a big man in a small Speedo is good for the other spectators who will be subjected to the view. On the other hand, though, the muscular guys really should look into more revealing swim wear. The board shorts are fine, but square cut swimsuits are far more exciting. Someone who works that hard on his body should really show more off. It used to be that small bathing suits on men meant that they only belonged to certain parts of society, but I think that it's about time for the square cut to make it into mainstream society. Women have already passed the point where backless and super short dresses are considered acceptable attire so men should be given a little slack as well. Besides, us girls will be much more tempted to go sightseeing at the beach.